Introduction

Released in 1995 by SNK, The King of Fighters '95 is the second entry in the long-running team-based fighting series that brought together characters from SNK’s major franchises. Building on the foundation laid by KOF ’94, it introduced the now-iconic Iori Yagami, allowed players to build custom teams, and significantly refined the gameplay and balance. It also marked SNK’s first internally developed Neo Geo CD and cartridge title, setting the stage for the franchise’s annual release cycle.

Development and History

• Developer: SNK
• Publisher: SNK
• Release Date: 1995

KOF ’95 was built on SNK’s Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware and was a response to both fan feedback and internal ambitions to improve pacing, visuals, and roster flexibility. Unlike KOF ’94, which had locked teams, this sequel introduced team edit mode, allowing players to mix and match fighters across all groups—a huge leap forward in customization. It also expanded the story with the formal debut of the Orochi Saga and the bitter rivalry between Kyo Kusanagi and newcomer Iori Yagami.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Core Gameplay

• 3-on-3 Team Battles: Players select a trio of fighters to battle opponents in elimination format.
• Team Edit Mode: For the first time, players could create their own teams from the full roster.
• Improved Controls and Animation: Faster movement and smoother special move inputs.
• Super Meter: Charge manually or build meter through combat to unleash Desperation Moves.
• Tactical Offense: Rolling, dodging, and short hops allow for dynamic counterplay.

New and Returning Characters

• New Debut – Iori Yagami: A powerful rival to Kyo with a brutal, aggressive fighting style and a central role in the game’s narrative.
• Returning Favorites: Kyo, Terry, Ryo, Athena, Mai, and many more from Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, and Ikari Warriors return.
• Boss Fight: The game ends with a rematch against Rugal Bernstein, now enhanced as Omega Rugal.

Challenges

• AI Toughness: Arcade AI adapts quickly to repeated patterns.
• Omega Rugal: A notoriously hard boss fight, with punishing damage and fast reflexes.
• Team Strategy: Players must learn character synergy and adapt their order of play.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Iori Yagami’s Debut: Instantly became one of SNK’s most iconic and popular characters.
• Expanded Universe: Deepened the storyline with connections to Orochi mythology and inter-series lore.
• Custom Team System: Set the tone for nearly all future KOF titles.
• Cross-Platform Presence: Ported to Neo Geo CD, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and PC.

Fun Facts

• Iori’s Team: Originally dubbed the “Rival Team,” including Billy Kane and Eiji Kisaragi.
• Rugal’s Transformation: In this version, Rugal fuses with the power of Orochi, becoming Omega Rugal.
• Stage Detail: Backgrounds included destructible or animated elements based on character interactions.
• Neo Geo CD Advantage: The CD version featured arranged music tracks with higher fidelity.

Conclusion

The King of Fighters '95 successfully expanded everything that made the original work—refining mechanics, opening up team selection, and deepening the series’ storylines. With Iori Yagami’s legendary debut and Omega Rugal’s brutal final battle, it carved its own legacy in fighting game history. It remains a fan favorite and a vital milestone in the evolution of SNK’s most iconic franchise.

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• The King of Fighters Series Overview: Dive into the full history and evolution of SNK’s flagship fighting franchise.
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