Description

"The King of Fighters '95" is a hallmark fighting game originally developed by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade and home platforms, later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1996. This title is the second installment in "The King of Fighters" series, a franchise that quickly became a cornerstone in the fighting game community. The game continues the narrative and gameplay elements introduced in "The King of Fighters '94," enhancing them with significant improvements and changes. In this edition, players can now customize their teams by selecting any combination of characters from the rosters, rather than being restricted to predefined country-based teams as in the previous game. The blend of characters from various SNK games, including "Fatal Fury" and "Art of Fighting," among others, added depth and variety to the player's selection, enriching the strategic components of the game.

The Sega Saturn version of "The King of Fighters '95" utilized the console’s cartridge slot by requiring a ROM cartridge to boost the system’s memory, enhancing graphics and load times to closely mimic the original arcade experience. This was pivotal for maintaining the fast-paced, smooth gameplay that fans expected from a high-caliber fighting game. "KOF '95" expanded its fighter lineup and deepened the plot, setting the stage for the intricate stories to be developed in later series installments. It featured a compelling narrative around the rivalry between Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, introducing Iori as a new character forging a bitter feud that became a central storyline throughout the series. With its combination of robust mechanics, extensive character roster, and dramatic plot elements, "The King of Fighters '95" on Sega Saturn offers a nostalgic yet timeless combat experience that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.