King of Fighters vs Street Fighter

The KoFvsSF will use the basic control configuration of the Capcom/Street Fighter games. Three punch buttons, three kick buttons, eight-direction control stick with a start button are the standard controls.

Blocking may be set for automatic or manual, as per the Street Fighter series, but this will affect the amount of POW energy available to the player. If the action is set to automatic, the fighter, if left neutral, will guard both high and medium automatically. If the action is set to manual, the player must push away from her opponent to block.

Special commands are as follows:

Short Dash – Tap Forward twice (Also push 3P)

Quick Retreat – Tap Backward twice

Taunt – Push Start

Super Jump – Push Down, then Up quickly (Also push 3K)

Short Hop – Quickly Tap Up

Depending on the style you choose, you also may have additional commands. The style depends on your auto-block preference. If you choose automatic block, you are automatically using the "Basic" style. If you choose manual block, you are given the choice between "Basic" and "Normal" style.

"Basic style" gives the character a standard SNK POW bar. When the bar is filled, the fighter is considered "powered up." The fighter may either fight with increased damage and speed or may choose to expend his power in a "Super" maneuver (also called a "Desperation" move or a "Super" combo). Once the maneuver has begun, the fighter loses the remainder of his bar and must build it up once more.

"Normal style" is similar to the Street Fighter Alpha 2 bar, but exactly like the SNK KoF ’97 POW bar. The fighter may build up three "stocks" of POW energy. Each stock can be used for a "Super" maneuver, but it may also be used to make the fighter "powered up." If the fighter is "powered up," and he performs a "Super" maneuver, the maneuver is even more powerful. The "powered up" status does not go away with the maneuver, either. To activate this, the player must hit two punch buttons and one kick button (similar to activating the "custom combo" in SFA2 and the "power up" maneuver in KoF ’97).

Once powered up, the fighter has special bonuses. First of all, the fighter’s damage and speed increases while powered up. Second, the fighter is able to resist damage better. The fighter will not be knocked back as far, and blocks will be able to resist special maneuver damage (no block damage from fireballs, etc.), but not "Super" maneuver damage. Finally, the fighter is able to perform the "shadow dodge" or "counter attack" maneuver. If the fighter can perform these maneuvers, it is listed under his description.

Throws are handled in the traditional manner—standing close and hitting a button, usually the heavy punch or heavy kick button. Special throws (listed in the character description) are often more complex and have a "missed grab" animation. A variation, the "hold," involves grabbing and applying damage (rather than slamming an opponent down). Holds may be extended by tapping the button used to grab with. Holds may be broken by moving the joystick and tapping the other buttons (a kick hold being broken by swirling the joystick and tapping the punch buttons).

Throws may be "softened" by tapping the same buttons and doing a half-circle motion in the direction the fighter is being thrown. Alternately, when the victim his the ground, he may roll by hitting all three punch buttons and pushing right or left (depending on which direction he wants to go). The first method reduces the damage, but the second method often gets a fighter safely out of range.

Attracted by the single enrollment, Adon decides to enter with the hopes of facing and defeating Joe Higashi, the undisputed Muay Thai master of Japan. Despite Joe’s failure to qualify, Adon decides to remain in the tournament, to outshine this rival who he’s never met, and to prove that he is the true master of Muay Thai.

Akuma is no stranger to the fighting arena. He has not been invited, nor has he filled any forms. He is attracted to the power he senses and the desire to test his abilities to their limit. His appearance makes even the strongest fighters shudder in dread. Waves of power pour off of him as he begins to contemplate the fight ahead.

His underworld resources were used to buy influence in the King of Fighters tournament group all so he could find out about the mysterious "Orochi power," which seems intertwined with the events. He enters personally to be sure that he will be able to reap the benefits and also to gain knowledge to increase his own style of Ler Drit.

Blue Mary is assigned to the new KoF Special tournament to investigate the new underworld connections. Local police authorize her to join, and she is assigned an Interpol partner, a young Chinese girl who is said to be an expert with the organization being investigated. Blue Mary, not liking to be tied down with a greenhorn, has the girl brief her and then suggests that they split up for the tournament to find out more.

Andy is on a honeymoon with Mai and Joe fails to qualify. Terry "Lone Wolf" Bogard finds himself in one of the most challenging King of Fighters tournament ever. He feels a bracing combination of adrenaline and fear as he considers his new opponents. When he looks over the list, he smiles. It will be good to see Blue Mary again.

With no memory of her past, Cammy does not understand why she feels drawn to the tournament like a moth to the flame. However, her assignment, handed down by the special agency, was clear—enter the KoF Special tournament and find out the reason behind this sudden and new tournament. Somewhere deep inside of her, a dark passion awakens.

With the mysterious new members of the KoF committee pushing for a tournament, Kagura can do little but begin preparations. She feels the Orochi power building again, and decides to try and disrupt it before it becomes as powerful as the last time. One of the entries, Rose, has an aura similar to hers and her dead sister’s. She decides to use her influence to get Rose accepted.

When Ryo fails to qualify, Robert finds himself in a unique position—he can champion Koryugen Karate by himself! Goaded on by Takuma, Robert enters the tournament and qualifies. He now stands ready to defend the reputation of his art against the legendary Shotokan masters Ken and Ryu.

With Charlie dead, Guile’s mission becomes to find and destroy M.Bison. He is given the go-ahead by the US Military, but in a covert capacity. They suspect M.Bison is involved not only with this new tournament, but also the US Military itself. In order for him to escape Bison’s scrutiny, he is forced to apparently go AWOL for his mission.

The self-proclaimed ninja master from Metro city hopes to test his skills against the best the world has to offer, interested particularly in meeting Eiji Kisagari and Kim Kapwhan (for ninja skills and hero-skills). Apparently deadly serious, he impresses the judges and is able to enter. Learning of Omega Rugal, Guy decides to face him in the tournament and destroy him.

When he heard that the KoF committee was having a special tournament, he kissed Eliza, hopped in his car, and drove over to the local sign-up. He had long desired to test himself against the Koryugen stylists, but was always rebuffed by the so-called "Mr. Karate," Takuma Sakazaki. Despite the fact that only one of the stylists made it in, Ken was excited, and wanted to be sure Ryu was there to be beaten as well!

Sie sneaks away from training and practice to enter the new KoF tournament. By being accepted, he has already proven his worth. By winning the tournament, he hopes to impress Athena enough to keep her interest on him rather than other fighters like Kyo. Optimally, he’d like to beat everyone, but he’ll be happy with a good showing.

The kickboxer known as King did not want to be bothered by yet another tournament. She had had her fill of fighting with all the previous KoF tournaments—she no longer felt the need to prove her prowess to anyone. When contacted by Kagura, however, she found out about a few new opponents to challenge—Ken and the kickboxer Adon. Besides, they want to use her bar.

Initially, Kyo was cool on entering this tournament, but when he heard Benimaru was signing up, he didn’t want to be outshone. When he got in and Benimaru didn’t, Kyo was very satisfied with himself. Seeking personal glory becomes his primary goal, as he is unaware of Kagura’s gambit.

Leona was surprised when Heidern directed her to enter the tournament. He told her that it was important that she entered, and that an old colleague of his was involved. He kissed her on the head, told her to be strong and wished her luck. Leona nodded and headed to the signing with a photo Heidern gave her.

Chun Li was interested but nonplused when she heard about the tournament. However, when the local Interpol branch found out about Shadaloo’s connections, Chun Li asked to be assigned to check it out. What she wasn’t expecting was a distant partner, one "Blue Mary." Chun Li was uncomfortable enough doing police work, but to have a partner? Oy.

Unbeknownst to his attackers, the cybernetic systems he had built into his body helped to resist the Orochi power that flowed through him and revived him when the Orochi seemed to destroy him. He had since gone into hiding, re-training himself to his fullest potential. When the new tournament was announced, he decided to enter. Not only would he be able to revenge himself on many of his rivals, he would also be able to recapture the power of the KoF Tournament board.

The Orochi power, still inhabiting Chris, returns. It is interested not only in destroying those who attacked it, but also in absorbing and gathering the power it senses. It is not as weak is its opponents think. Gathering its energies together, it is the equal of its recent incarnation, but it seeks a new host, by far the most powerful it has sensed.

Its most powerful host yet, Akuma is submerged to the near-endless well of the Orochi. Although not of the blood, and so unable to be a host for long, Orochi Akuma fights with a driving energy. Akuma’s mind struggles to regain control from the Orochi power, but can he regain control before the Orochi steals his soul and leaves his body a withered husk?

Ralf Jones, chosen by a coin flip to enter the tournament, feels a little self-conscious. He does not have a lot of confidence in his solo abilities despite his bravado. However, his feeling for Leona has kept him strong, even without his partner, Clark. He truly does love her. Besides, he made sure the coin was double-heads.

The cash prize of the KoF Special tournament is attractive to Rolento, and he decides to enter the tournament to capture it. However, a mysterious man offers him double the money to act additionally as an assassin. Three names—Terry Bogard, Robert Garcia, and Omega Rugal. If he should defeat them all, the prize money will be matched. Rolento, the cold-blooded survivor, begins plans for their deaths.

Rose feels the stirring of a power darker than Bison’s psycho power. Her soul has resisted death twice now—she knows that if she falls again, this will be the last time. But, she must hold true to her role—to protect the world from darkness! Unbeknownst to her, however, she has a secret ally.

Ryu almost does not enter the tournament. However, a challenge from his friend and rival, Ken, leads him to the tournament counter and his skill allows him entry. He notices powerful fighters also at the signing. He decides that Ken was right—this tournament will provide him a fantastic opportunity to perfect his technique.

When she finds out Ryu has entered the new KoF Special tournament, Sakura dashes down to the sign-up on the last day. Unfortunately, she is relatively unknown and shows little talent to the judges. Disappointed, she begins heading home, but is accosted by a cute boy. When he says she should be happy that "a small girl like you didn’t get in," Sakura started to fight. He fought back, pretty well, too, and both of them got in.

Shingo follows his idol and sensei to the tournament grounds, hoping to get in, but love stops him in his tracks at the sign-up. A girl from another school catches his eye, walking away in despair from the tables. He decides to go over and cheer her up, and ends up in a fight with her. The fight so impresses the officials, they decide to waive their poor test results and allow both of them entry.

That Kyo has entered the tournament is reason enough for him to enter, but he is also interested in a message he received. "Win the tournament, and your every desire will be met – B." He feels the taint of a power—possibly greater than that which infects his very soul—on the note. He summons his fire and destroys the note—he does not wish to be beholden to anyone.

Shadaloo, having infiltrated the KoF organization, brings its considerable pressure to bear and organizes a "Special" tournament. Only open to single fighters, the announcement sends ripples of discord through the fighting world. Fighters begin to sign up, but due to the strident conditions, few actually make it. For the first time, fighters who formerly fought in unofficial tournaments now sign up for entry into this one.