"The King of Fighters '99: Millennium Battle" is the sixth installment in the popular fighting game series developed by SNK. Released in arcades on July 22, 1999, it was later ported to various home consoles, including the Neo Geo, PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Windows.
Gameplay and Features:
Storyline: The game introduces a new story arc called the "NESTS Chronicles," centered around a young man named K', who is associated with a mysterious organization known as NESTS. The plot involves a shadowy organization plotting world domination.
Gameplay Mechanics: The game features several new elements, including the Striker System, which allows players to call in additional characters to assist in battle. Teams now consist of four members instead of three, and new modes like Armor Mode and Counter Mode are introduced.
Characters: The game includes a mix of returning characters and new additions. Notably, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami were initially planned to be removed but ended up as hidden characters. K' is the main protagonist, and the game features several clones of Kyo.
Modes: In addition to the standard fighting modes, the game includes a Striker Match mode, where players can use their Strikers to gain an advantage in battle.
Reception:
"King of Fighters '99" received positive reviews for its fighting system and the introduction of the Striker System. The Dreamcast port, titled "The King of Fighters '99: Evolution," was particularly well-received due to its improved graphics and loading times.
Legacy:
The game is considered a significant entry in the series and has influenced many subsequent fighting games. It was succeeded by "The King of Fighters 2000" and remains a favorite among fans of the genre.