The King of Fighters ’95 (1995)

by Christopher April 16, 2024

written by Christopher April 16, 2024 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1995
Genres: Arcade, Fighting
Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Neo Geo MVS, PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Sega Saturn, Wii
Developers: SNK
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

The King of Fighters ’95: The Pinnacle of 2D Fighting Games

Released in 1995, The King of Fighters ’95 (KOF ’95) is a fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade and home console. It is the sequel to The King of Fighters ’94 and the second game in The King of Fighters series. KOF ’95 is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighting games ever made, and is still played competitively today.

Gameplay

KOF ’95 is a 2D fighting game that features a roster of 24 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players can perform a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, throws, and special moves. KOF ’95 also introduced the “Guard Cancel” system, which allows players to cancel their guard into a special move. This system adds a new layer of depth to the game’s combat, and allows players to create long and complex combos.

Characters

KOF ’95 features a diverse cast of characters from all over the world. The game’s roster includes classic characters from the Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting series, as well as new characters created specifically for KOF. Some of the most popular characters in KOF ’95 include Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, and Mai Shiranui.

Story

KOF ’95’s story takes place one year after the events of The King of Fighters ’94. The evil Orochi has been defeated, but his followers are still at large. The King of Fighters tournament is once again held to determine the strongest fighting team in the world. However, this year’s tournament is different. The followers of Orochi have infiltrated the tournament and are planning to use it to resurrect their master.

Graphics and Sound

KOF ’95 is one of the most visually impressive fighting games of its time. The game’s sprites are large and detailed, and the animations are fluid and smooth. The game’s backgrounds are also very impressive, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

The game’s soundtrack is also excellent. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to get players pumped up for battle. The sound effects are also very good, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.

Legacy

KOF ’95 is one of the most influential fighting games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay and impressive graphics helped to set a new standard for the genre. KOF ’95 is still played competitively today, and it is considered to be one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

Conclusion

The King of Fighters ’95 is a masterpiece of 2D fighting game design. The game’s simple but deep gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a fighting game that will challenge you and give you hours of enjoyment, then look no further than KOF ’95.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.