Item: THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98
Rating: 95
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

95/100

The King of Fighters '98 is often cited as the best entry in the legendary fighting series, and this mobile port preserves every bit of that tactical depth. The 38-character roster is massive, offering near-infinite team combinations. For a game released in the late 90s, the balance is surprisingly tight, making every character viable in the right hands.

The mobile version includes a '6-button' configuration that makes complex specials easier to pull off on a touch screen, though serious players will definitely want to use a Bluetooth controller. The addition of the 'Extra' and 'Advanced' modes allows you to tailor your playstyle—whether you prefer the classic defensive style or a modern aggressive approach. It is a pure, unadulterated competitive experience that remains as challenging and rewarding today as it was in the arcades.

Reviewed on: Thu Mar 14 2024

Dinsun Review

KOF '98 is a masterpiece of the genre, but playing it on a touch screen is like trying to perform surgery with oven mitts. Fighting games require frame-perfect inputs, and virtual joysticks are the bane of my existence. I can’t pull off a simple 'reppuken,' let alone a complex super combo. It’s frustrating because the game itself is perfect—the balance, the characters, the music—it’s all 10/10 arcade bliss.

SNK did add some assist buttons for specials, but that feels like cheating and strips away the skill the game was built on. If you connect a Bluetooth controller, this becomes a great port. If you don't, it’s a nostalgia-fueled exercise in anger management. As a conservative gamer, I can’t abide by the dilution of the mechanics just to fit on a phone. It’s an okay way to look at the sprites, but a poor way to play the game.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

The best roster in the series
Perfect arcade-accurate port
Bluetooth multiplayer support

Atrocious touch controls
Dated menu interface
Special move assists feel hollow

Technical Report

Performance: Perfect emulation. No frame drops. Bluetooth pairing is stable.

Accessibility:

Button Remapping
Special Move Shortcuts

Audience Fit

Buy if: You own a mobile-compatible gamepad and love SNK history.

Skip if: You plan on using only the touch screen.

Similar Games:

Street Fighter IV CE
Garou: Mark of the Wolves

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro + Backbone One
Playtime: 8 hours
Status: Cleared Arcade Mode with Team Orochi

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

885792725

$2.99 13+★3.8 616 reviews

Author : SNK CORPORATION

Pubish Date : Thu Jul 24 2014

Last Update Date : Tue Apr 19 2022

Support Languages : English and Japanese

Genres :

Version 1.3.1Tue Apr 19 2022

Compatible with iOS14 or higher
Series’ masterpiece “KOF ’98” finally joins the battle on iPhone!
FEATURES:
■ The best game balance in the “KOF” series!
“KOF ‘98” is praised among KOF fans around the world as being the ultimate compilation of “KOF ‘94” to “KOF ‘97” titles and for its fantastic game balance. Moreover, this perfect port of “KOF ‘98” features 2 different gameplay modes, “EXTRA” & “ADVANCED”, and also includes a “TRAINING MODE” where you can master all your combos!
■ 38 playable characters!
In addition to the series’ iconic characters, “Iori” and “American Sports” teams as well as “Shingo Yabuki” and “Rugal Bernstein” edit characters return in “KOF ‘98” to complete the gorgeous roster of 38 characters and for a never ending dream match!
■ A NEOGEO Perfect Port with added features!
Play “KOF ‘98” with its original 4 buttons configuration, or use its unique control scheme of 6 button settings and the simplified special moves with the help of the “SP” button!
■ Challenge your friends via Wi-Fi!
Dual with other KOF players via Wi-Fi Multiplayer Mode for epic and unforgettable battles!
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Series’ masterpiece “KOF ’98” finally joins the battle on iPhone!
FEATURES:
■ The best game balance in the “KOF” series!
“KOF ‘98” is praised among KOF fans around the world as being the ultimate compilation of “KOF ‘94” to “KOF ‘97” titles and for its fantastic game balance. Moreover, this perfect port of “KOF ‘98” features 2 different gameplay modes, “EXTRA” & “ADVANCED”, and also includes a “TRAINING MODE” where you can master all your combos!
■ 38 playable characters!
In addition to the series’ iconic characters, “Iori” and “American Sports” teams as well as “Shingo Yabuki” and “Rugal Bernstein” edit characters return in “KOF ‘98” to complete the gorgeous roster of 38 characters and for a never ending dream match!
■ A NEOGEO Perfect Port with added features!
Play “KOF ‘98” with its original 4 buttons configuration, or use its unique control scheme of 6 button settings and the simplified special moves with the help of the “SP” button!
■ Challenge your friends via Wi-Fi!
Dual with other KOF players via Wi-Fi Multiplayer Mode for epic and unforgettable battles!

Ratings & Reviews

3.8 out of 5 with 616 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

KOF '98 is praised by KOF fans around the world as being the ultimate compilation of KOF '94 through KOF '97 titles and for its fantastic game balance. This perfect port of the original NEOGEO classic includes 38 playable characters, the 'Advanced' and 'Extra' game modes, and a training mode to perfect your combos. Play with 4 or 6 buttons, and use Bluetooth to play against your friends in epic multiplayer matches!

Features

38 Playable characters

Advanced & Extra modes

Training mode included

Bluetooth controller support

Simplified 6-button layout

Tips

Choosing Your Mode

Use 'Advanced Mode' for aggressive play, which builds power gauges through movement and attacks. Use 'Extra Mode' for a classic feel where you manually charge your gauge and use short hops to dodge.