Dream match chaos with deep fundamentals
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 gathers together legendary teams and rivals in a dream match tournament format that skips heavy story in favor of pure fighting. It keeps the feel of an old-school arcade cab, where spacing, meter control, and smart decisions matter more than fancy gimmicks or cinematic cutscenes.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 is known for its 3-on-3 team battles, flexible extra and advanced battle styles, and a generous roster of 38 playable fighters drawn from earlier entries. Its fast pace and deep mechanics still make it a go-to pick for learning classic versus fighters.
In THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98, matches revolve around controlling space, managing meter, and turning every knockdown into pressure. The game’s training mode for mastering combos helps newcomers practice routes and basic pressure, while veterans chase tighter timing and advanced setups. With fierce single-player ladders and intense local versus multiplayer battles, there is plenty of room to test team lineups and refine strategies over time.
Classic systems that reward smart play
Controls stay close to the arcade original, with two customizable button layouts that let players favor classic inputs or a layout better suited to modern pads. A single special moves shortcut SP button offers easier access to supers and defensive specials, though it can expose how strict the timing is. Some controllers feel slightly sluggish, so precise execution still rewards practice and good rhythm over rushed inputs.
Outside of competitive play, the experience is pretty barebones, with simple ladders and little story framing, so players looking for long campaigns may bounce off quickly. The demanding execution and strict spacing can also feel punishing to newcomers. Fans who want similar classics might also enjoy KOF 2002 ACA NEOGEO or GAROU: Mark of the Wolves for different takes on old-school team-based and single-character brawling.
A must-play celebration of classic fighting
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 stands out as a tight, timeless fighter that still rewards practice and smart decision-making. Its focus on classical mechanics, varied team setups, and straightforward match flow gives both veterans and new players plenty to dig into. Anyone who loves competitive 2D brawlers on any platform and wants a pure, arcade-style experience will find this game worth keeping in a permanent, ever-ready rotation.
Pros
- Arcade-style combat that rewards solid fundamentals
- Large character cast supports many team ideas
- Dedicated combo practice tools help skill growth
- Strong pick for local competitive sessions
Cons
- Limited story content and basic single-player
- Strict execution can frustrate brand-new players
- Some controllers feel slightly sluggish at times
