A retro fighting classic revived
ACA NEOGEO: The King of Fighters '98 is a faithful port of one of the most iconic entries in SNK's beloved fighting franchise. Released originally in arcades and on the Neo Geo system in 1998, this action game is often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, earning the nickname “Dream Match” for bringing together characters from previous games.
ACA NEOGEO: The King of Fighters '98 brings this classic fighter in its series of emulated arcade games from the 70’s-2000’s. This version preserves the original's gameplay, graphics, and nostalgic charm while adding modern conveniences like save states and online leaderboards.
A polished classic with a few upgrades
ACA NEOGEO: The King of Fighters '98 is a polished and refined take on the classic 3-on-3 tag team battles. Players choose a team of three fighters from a massive roster of 38 characters, including fan favorites like Kyo Kusanagi, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Iori Yagami. The game offers two distinct fighting styles: Advanced Mode, which emphasizes offensive play with mobility options like dashes and rolls, and Extra Mode.
Combat feels smooth and responsive, with tight controls that make executing combos, special moves, and devastating super moves satisfying. The game rewards skill, timing, and tactical decision-making, with each fighter having a unique set of moves and strengths. Balancing remains a highlight, ensuring that every character has viable tools, though mastering certain advanced mechanics like canceling and juggling takes practice. However, the lack of online multiplayer is a missed opportunity.
The pixel art in The King of Fighters '98 remains a standout even decades later. Character sprites are vibrant, detailed, and fluidly animated, while the dynamic backgrounds reflect the variety and global nature of the tournament. This version also adds a few quality-of-life features, including save states, customizable difficulty settings, and online leaderboards. While the pixel art is charming, it can feel dated when compared to modern games.
A timeless fighting gem with modern tweaks
ACA NEOGEO: The King of Fighters '98 is a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts and retro gaming fans alike. Its refined 3-on-3 battles, balanced roster, and classic pixel art make it a nostalgic experience that still holds up today. With modern additions like save states and leaderboards, the game becomes more accessible, though the absence of online multiplayer may disappoint competitive players seeking real-time battles.
