Relive King of Fighters 98: The Slugfest Classic Arcade Fun with SNK's Latest Re-release!
The King of Fighters (KOF) series by SNK is one of the most iconic fighting game franchises of all-time, and the 1998 installment in this storied fighting game lineage is now back and bigger than ever with the latest re-release - King of Fighters '98: The Slugfest. This classic SNK title features a wide array of characters that have been ported over with much improved animation and sprites. Designed by classic fighting game developers, KOF '98 features some of the most fluid and enjoyable gameplay mechanics that the series has ever seen, and has consistently been heralded as one of the best titles in the entire series.
Released originally in the mid-90s, KOF '98 was developed and released by SNK for their new Neo Geo home console. When it was released, the game was a smash hit for the Neo Geo and further cemented the long-running series's reputation as a leader in the genre. Almost universally praised for its incredibly tight and responsive controls, eye-popping visuals, exciting soundtrack, and innovative fighting system, KOF '98 has become one of the most beloved entries in the series.
KOF '98: The Slugfest follows suit with the series’ original goal—brawling head-to-head against opponents. Players have the choice of either taking part in a one-on-one battle or joining a two-on-two tournament. Each of the game’s 8 selectable fighting styles --Turtle, Trap, Runaway, Pressure, Counter, Trick, Mixed, and Sacrificer – improves the player’s strategy in various ways. With the easily understood controls and mechanics, KOF '98 makes it easy to pick up and play regardless of one’s experience level.
KOF '98: The Slugfest features a roster of 28 characters, many of whom have become mainstays in the series. Each of these fighters has their own unique special moves and combo strings that set them apart from the pack. There are also 3 hidden characters that can be unlocked through completing various objectives in the game or through special codes. These characters can provide a unique challenge and open up further strategies for the veteran KOF player.
KOF '98: The Slugfest has a unique feature set to it, where each stage transitions from one to the next after each round. This feature creates a unique sense of flow for the player and allows for them to strategize their approach in a new way. The game also features a "strikeshift" mechanic, where players can cancel their previously executed move or combo while they are in mid-air, allowing them to quickly and fluidly mix-up their attacks.
KOF '98: The Slugfest also contains various modes of play, such as the infamous "Omega mode" and "Advanced mode". The Omega mode is a free-for-all brawl with up to four players, while the more technical Advanced mode changes various properties of the game, such as life recovery and invincibility frames, adding an additional layer of complexity and challenge to the game.
SNK has recently re-released KOF '98:The Slugfest, to much praise from the fighting game community. Despite being over two decades old, KOF '98: The Slugfest is still an incredibly fun and enjoyable fighting game experience. With its uniquely chunky animation, fast-paced gameplay, and wide array of characters, SNK's latest re-release is the perfect way for fans of the series to relive all the classic fighting game fun of a true arcade classic.
