Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The King of Fighters ’98: The Slugfest streamlines the series’ signature team‐based combat into a pure “Dream Match” affair, peeling away any overarching Orochi plot in favor of unrestricted fighter showdowns. With a roster of 38 characters drawn from the first four years of KOF history, each duel feels like a reunion of fan favorites and long‐awaited favorites. From Terry Bogard’s Crack Shoot to Iori Yagami’s Death Spin, the sheer volume of special moves available ensures every match brings fresh excitement.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Balance is the watchword in ’98: developers re-tuned many characters to level the playing field, so picking a marquee fighter like Rugal Bernstein—now available as a non‐secret boss—doesn’t automatically guarantee victory. Hidden alternates for regular cast members add another layer of depth, letting you explore different move sets and playstyles without having to commit to unlock challenges. Whether you lean toward aggressive rushdown or defensive zoning, there’s a character build to fit your taste.

Mechanically, the game preserves the dual‐system format introduced in The King of Fighters ’97: choose Extra Mode for charged Power Gauges and defensive roll tactics, or Advanced Mode for manual stock charging and multi‐stock Super Cancels. This choice not only impacts your strategic approach but also enhances replayability, as veterans often experiment with both systems to sharpen their edge. Survival and Versus Team modes round out the package, offering solo challenges or classic 3-on-3 bouts that capture KOF’s trademark intensity.

Console versions on CD-based systems (PlayStation, Neo-Geo CD) sweeten the deal with an unlockable Art Gallery, letting you admire character sprites, concept sketches, and promotional artwork between fights. It’s a small bonus, but it reflects SNK’s commitment to celebrating its legacy and gives collectors an extra incentive to revisit the ring.

Graphics

Visually, The Slugfest stands as one of the series’ finest 2D showcases. Character sprites are sharply detailed, with hand-drawn outlines and smooth animation frames that deliver fluid motion during combos and cinematic Super Moves. Each fighter’s unique personality shines through expressive idle poses and victory animations, reinforcing the sense that this is a true all-star gathering.

Background stages are equally impressive, blending vibrant colors with thematic touches—from the neon glow of Southtown’s streets to the fiery Pyro Stadium. Parallax scrolling and subtle environmental animations, like fluttering banners or drifting smoke, breathe life into the arenas without ever distracting from the core action. Even on aging hardware, the game maintains its frame‐perfect timing and crisp pixel art.

Special effects, including screen‐shaking impacts, fiery projectile trails, and dazzling super move sequences, are meted out generously but judiciously. They add weight to every punch and kick, making hard‐earned victories look—and feel—spectacular. On CD‐based releases, loading times are kept to a minimum, ensuring you spend more time battling and less time waiting for assets to stream.

Story

Unlike its numbered predecessors, KOF ’98 intentionally eschews a linear narrative. There is no Orochi saga or King of Fighters tournament storyline—just one dream match after another. While purists might miss the tension of a formal plot, the free‐form structure liberates you to create your own rivalries and rival showdowns without being bound by canon.

Character introductions remain a delight, offering brief bios and victory quotes that hint at each fighter’s motivations and personality. From Mai Shiranui’s flirtatious taunts to Geese Howard’s imposing confidence, the roster’s diverse attitudes make every bout feel like a chapter in an unfolding, player-driven narrative. It’s a sandbox of potential storylines, where outcomes hinge entirely on your joystick skills.

The absence of a built-in storyline also fosters community engagement. Many fans craft their own “what-if” scenarios—Team Iori vs. Team Fatal Fury, or Striker‐free exhibition matches—that spark discussions and tournament brackets alike. By handing control back to the players, The Slugfest transforms combat into narrative fuel, allowing you to personalize your KOF experience.

Overall Experience

The King of Fighters ’98: The Slugfest remains a high-water mark for 2D fighting games, combining depth, balance, and fan service into a single, cohesive package. Its comprehensive roster, dual‐system gameplay, and finely tuned mechanics ensure that both newcomers and series veterans find something to master. Casual players can pick their favorite character and have a blast, while competitive fighters can dive deep into frame data and combo routes.

The game’s presentation—crisp sprite work, dynamic backgrounds, and impactful special effects—still holds up decades later, offering a visual feast for retro enthusiasts and new audiences alike. Even without a traditional narrative, the Dream Match concept breathes fresh life into match-up possibilities and encourages imaginative play. The unlockable art gallery on CD editions adds a nostalgic touch, rewarding those who appreciate the artistry behind each sprite.

Whether you’re looking for a definitive 2D brawler to hone your skills or a nostalgia-driven romp through SNK’s classic lineup, The Slugfest delivers. Its enduring popularity in arcade cabinets and home collections speaks to the game’s unassailable design quality. In short, The King of Fighters ’98: The Slugfest is more than a mere greatest‐hits package—it’s a finely balanced, endlessly replayable celebration of what makes KOF great. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a robust, timeless fighting experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10