KOF '99 UM: The Ultimate Guide For New Players

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KOF '99 UM: The Ultimate Guide for New Players

Hey guys! If you're new to the world of King of Fighters '99: Ultimate Match (KOF '99 UM), welcome! This game is a classic fighting game, and it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. But don't worry, this guide is here to help you get started. We'll cover everything from the basics to some more advanced strategies to help you on your journey to becoming a KOF '99 UM champion! We will begin with KOF '99 UM introduction and gameplay basics. Then, we will discuss character selection and team building. Following that, we will explore advanced techniques. Finally, we'll give some tips for improving your skills.

Introduction to KOF '99 UM and Gameplay Basics

So, what's KOF '99 UM all about, anyway? Well, it's a 2D fighting game developed by SNK. It's a re-release of King of Fighters '99, but with added characters, balance changes, and other improvements, making it the definitive version. The game is known for its fast-paced action, complex mechanics, and huge roster of characters. The core gameplay revolves around two teams of three fighters each. Each match, players choose their teams and then battle it out in a series of one-on-one fights. The first team to defeat all three members of the opposing team wins the round. The first team to win two rounds wins the match. The controls in KOF '99 UM might seem a bit complicated at first, but once you get the hang of them, you'll be pulling off combos and special moves like a pro. The game uses a four-button control scheme: A, B, C, and D. A and B are for light attacks, while C and D are for heavy attacks. You can combine these buttons with directional inputs (up, down, left, right) to perform different attacks. For example, pressing forward and A might result in a quick jab, while pressing down and C could result in a sweep. The special moves are performed by inputting specific combinations of directions and button presses. These are often the key to winning fights. Think of it like a dance; you will get the rhythm of the game the more you play! For instance, a common special move input is Quarter Circle Forward + Punch (often written as QCF + P). This means you press down, then down-forward, then forward, and then hit either the A or C button. Each character has a unique set of special moves, so it is worthwhile to check out the move list in the game's menu to know the moves! These special moves can deal a lot of damage, so learning how to use them effectively is a crucial part of the game.

Learning the basic moves is the first step, of course. Here's a brief breakdown of some essential gameplay mechanics:

  • Movement: You can move your character left and right, jump (up), and crouch (down). Understanding movement is absolutely vital for positioning, dodging attacks, and setting up your own offense. Good movement will let you control the pace of the match.
  • Attacks: As mentioned, attacks are performed using the four buttons (A, B, C, and D). You can chain light attacks into heavy attacks for combos. The speed and power of your attacks depend on the button you press.
  • Guard: You can block incoming attacks by holding back on the joystick or D-pad. You can also block in the air! Knowing when to block is key to surviving your opponent's offense.
  • Throws: You can grab your opponent and throw them. This is a great way to punish opponents who are overly defensive. Throwing is performed by pressing forward or backward and either C or D when close to your opponent.
  • Super Special Moves (DM): These are powerful special attacks that require you to fill up your Power Gauge. They can turn the tide of a match. You can charge this meter by attacking or taking damage. Using the Power Gauge at the right time is crucial for winning.

Now, with that said, the best way to get good at KOF '99 UM is to practice, practice, and practice some more. Jump into the game, try out different characters, and learn the basic moves and combos. You can find many tutorials online, and they can help you understand the game more. Don't be discouraged if you lose a lot at first. Everyone starts somewhere! With a bit of patience and persistence, you'll be winning matches in no time.

Character Selection and Team Building in KOF '99 UM

Alright, so you've got a handle on the basics. Now comes the fun part: picking your team! KOF '99 UM has a massive roster, with tons of characters to choose from. It is important to know that each character has their strengths and weaknesses, so you need to pick a team that complements each other. Also, consider the characters you like. You are going to spend a lot of time with them, so pick the characters you'll enjoy playing. There are many different ways to approach team building. Some players prefer to build a team with characters that have great synergy, such as characters whose special moves can be easily chained together. Other players prefer to build a team with a good balance of offense and defense. Some players focus on having a solid anchor character who can carry the team, while others focus on having a strong leader character who can dictate the pace of the match. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try different characters until you find one you are comfortable with. Do not be afraid to pick a team that suits your play style.

Here are some of the popular characters to consider when forming your team:

  • Kyo Kusanagi: The iconic protagonist of the KOF series, Kyo is a solid all-around character with strong offense and good mobility. He's a great choice for beginners due to his easy-to-learn combos.
  • Iori Yagami: Kyo's rival, Iori is a rushdown character with a lot of pressure. He's great at overwhelming his opponents. Iori is a bit more complex, but a powerful character to master.
  • Terry Bogard: A staple from Fatal Fury, Terry is a well-rounded character with strong normals and good damage output. He's great at zoning and controlling space.
  • Mai Shiranui: Mai is a very mobile character with strong combos. She's great at getting in close and dealing quick damage.
  • Leona Heidern: Leona is a powerful character with strong special moves and good defensive options. She can also be devastating when played aggressively.
  • K': K' is a great character with a very strong offense. He is capable of doing a lot of damage. But, his defense is lacking, so play cautiously.

When selecting characters for your team, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the characters' strengths and weaknesses. Do you want a team that is well-balanced or a team that specializes in one area? Second, consider the characters' play styles. Do you prefer to play aggressively, defensively, or a mix of both? Third, consider the synergy between the characters. Do the characters' special moves and combos complement each other? Team building is a key to success, so spend some time experimenting and finding what works. Remember that there is no 'best' team. The best team for you is the one you enjoy playing and that you have success with!

Advanced Techniques in KOF '99 UM

Now that you know the basics and have selected your team, let's take a look at some of the more advanced techniques that will take your KOF '99 UM game to the next level. Mastering these techniques will significantly improve your chances of winning. Keep in mind that these are harder and require a lot more practice.

  • Canceling: This is a fundamental technique that allows you to cancel the recovery frames of one move into another. This can be used to extend combos, create pressure, and make your attacks safer. For example, you can cancel a normal attack into a special move or a special move into a DM. It is the core concept of KOF.

  • Chain Combos: In KOF '99 UM, you can chain light attacks into heavy attacks. Mastering chain combos allows you to inflict more damage and create more pressure. It is important to learn the chaining sequence for your characters.

  • Super Cancels: This is a technique that allows you to cancel a special move into a DM. This is a very powerful technique, as it allows you to deal a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It's also great for turning the tide of a match.

  • Guard Cancels: Guard Cancels are special moves performed while blocking. They can be used to create space, punish opponents who are applying too much pressure, and get out of sticky situations. This is performed by inputting a specific command while guarding.

  • Rolling: Rolling allows you to evade attacks and reposition yourself. It's a key defensive maneuver, allowing you to avoid dangerous situations. Rolling is performed by pressing the A+B buttons.

  • Quick Max Activation: Quick Max is an enhanced version of MAX Mode and can be activated by pressing two buttons simultaneously, offering quick access to powerful offensive options.

  • Juggle Combos: Juggle combos involve hitting an airborne opponent with follow-up attacks. Timing and positioning are crucial for landing these combos, allowing you to extend damage and control the opponent's movements.

  • Reading your opponent: Anticipating your opponent's moves is the key to victory. It requires observation, experience, and a bit of guesswork. Understanding their tendencies and habits allows you to anticipate their actions, block attacks, and land your own. Mastering this technique takes a while, but it is one of the more important techniques in the game.

These advanced techniques will take time and practice to master. It's crucial to practice these techniques in training mode and try to implement them into your gameplay. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Once you become proficient in these techniques, you'll be well on your way to becoming a KOF '99 UM master.

Tips for Improving Your KOF '99 UM Skills

Alright, you have the basics, you have a team, and you're starting to learn some advanced techniques. Now, what's next? Well, here are some helpful tips to further hone your KOF '99 UM skills. To get better at KOF '99 UM, you'll need dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn. Here are some key areas to focus on:

  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is the key to success. Make sure to set aside dedicated time to practice. Even 15-30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
  • Use Training Mode: Training mode is your best friend. Use it to practice your combos, special moves, and advanced techniques. Use the training mode to learn each character's moves. Also, set the training dummy to practice blocking your moves.
  • Watch Replays: Watch replays of your matches, or the matches of pro players. This will help you identify your mistakes, and you can learn new strategies. Identify the areas where you need to improve.
  • Play Against Others: The best way to improve is to play against real opponents. Play online or with friends. Learn how other players will respond to your techniques.
  • Learn Your Characters' Move Lists: Know your characters' moves inside and out. This includes normal attacks, special moves, and DMs. You should know each character's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Learn to Adapt: No two matches are the same. You need to be able to adapt your strategy on the fly, depending on your opponent and the situation. This skill is critical if you want to become better.
  • Don't Give Up: Learning fighting games takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by losses. Keep practicing and you will get better.
  • Join a Community: Join online communities or local groups dedicated to KOF '99 UM. Share your experiences and seek advice from others. You can learn a lot from the community.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Don't try to master everything at once. Set small, achievable goals, such as learning a particular combo or improving your blocking skills. Achieving these goals will motivate you to continue improving.
  • Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the game. If you're not having fun, it will be hard to stick with it. Enjoy the experience and celebrate your successes.

By following these tips and practicing consistently, you will be well on your way to becoming a true master of KOF '99 UM. Good luck, and have fun!