《格鬥天王 2000》（The King of Fighters 2000，簡稱KOF 2000）是SNK於2000年推出的2D格鬥遊戲，也是《格鬥天王》系列的第七部作品。本作延續「音巢篇」的第二部分，同時對遊戲系統進行進一步優化與創新。除大型街機與Neo Geo主機外，還有移植到Dreamcast、PS2、Switch、PSN。

故事承接前作《KOF 99》，繼續圍繞NESTS組織展開。NESTS是一個專注於基因改造和高科技軍事計劃的陰謀組織，企圖控制世界。主角K'（K Dash）在經歷前作的事件後，逐漸成為反抗NESTS的關鍵人物。他和他的隊伍，包括麥斯瑪(Maxima)、特務凡妮莎(Vanessa)、拉蒙(Ramon)等人，繼續與NESTS對抗，試圖揭露組織的真正目的。

同時，古娜(Kula Diamond)作為K'的“對立版”也首次登場，她是NESTS為了對抗K'而研發的人造兵器，擁有冷氣的操控能力。她的登場給劇情增加新的衝突和深度。此外，還暗示K’與草薙京基因的關聯，揭示NESTS對草薙京的實驗企圖。大賽中，NESTS的首腦之一—Zero，以其精心策劃的計畫作為反派BOSS登場，他試圖利用KOF大賽吸引全球注意力，進而鞏固NESTS的影響力。劇情的高潮在複製零(Cloned.Zero)的覆滅後揭開，讓人對NESTS組織更多內幕的了解，同時也為系列後續劇情埋下伏筆。

操作上在保留傳統格鬥系統的基礎上進行多項改進，最顯著的是Striker系統的進一步進化。Striker系統允許在戰鬥中召喚支援角色執行特定動作，如攻擊、擾亂或防守。每個角色都有自己專屬的Striker技，可以根據戰術需要選擇最適合的角色組合。此外，還加入全新的援護支援功能，允許使用特殊的Striker動作進行連續攻擊或製造Combo機會，這使得戰鬥更加流暢且富有變化。能量槽系統依然存在，分為進階模式和傳統模式，提供更多元化的戰鬥策略。

角色操作依然遵循系列經典的四按鍵設計（輕拳、重拳、輕腳、重腳），並保留超必殺技、連段和爆氣（MAX模式）等經典元素。全新的戰鬥場景和動畫使戰鬥過程更加視覺化，讓人感受到更強烈的臨場感。場景的設計充滿末世科幻氛圍，展現NESTS對世界的威脅。例如工業化城市廢墟、未來感十足的實驗室，以及充滿異域風情的決鬥場所等，增添視覺上的多樣性與沉浸感。最終BOSS Zero的場景是一座高科技指揮中心，背景充斥著機械與數據流動的設計，營造出緊張而激烈的戰鬥氛圍。

在發售後獲得不錯的反響，尤其是在系統上的創新和角色陣容的擴展受到玩家與評論家的讚揚。匯集大量經典角色，同時加入一些新角色如Kula Diamond和Zero，他們的設計和玩法帶來新鮮感。然而，儘管在玩法和創意上有亮眼表現，但由於SNK當時面臨財務困境，遊戲的技術打磨相對粗糙，一些場景和角色動畫缺乏精細度。此外，Striker系統的過度使用也導致部分玩家認為遊戲節奏過於依賴援護攻擊而失去核心的單對單格鬥樂趣。

即便如此，作為「音巢篇」的重要一環，《格鬥天王 2000》憑藉深刻的劇情設定和多樣的遊戲機制，依然在格鬥遊戲愛好者中擁有重要地位。它的角色設計和故事鋪陳不僅為系列注入新元素，也為後續作品的劇情發展奠定基礎。

The King of Fighters 2000 (KOF 2000) is a 2D fighting game released by SNK in 2000. It is the seventh installment in The King of Fighters series and the second chapter of the “NESTS Saga.” The game introduces further optimizations and innovations to the gameplay system. In addition to its release on arcade systems and Neo Geo, it was later ported to Dreamcast, PS2, Switch, and PSN.

Story

The storyline continues from KOF '99 and focuses on the NESTS organization, a secretive group involved in genetic modification and high-tech military plans with the aim of world domination. The protagonist, K' (K Dash), emerges as a pivotal figure in the fight against NESTS following the events of the previous game. He and his team—including Maxima, Agent Vanessa, and Ramon—continue their struggle to expose NESTS' true intentions.

This installment introduces Kula Diamond, who serves as K's “counterpart.” Created by NESTS to oppose K', Kula possesses the ability to manipulate ice, adding a new layer of conflict and depth to the story. Hints about K's connection to Kyo Kusanagi's genes also emerge, revealing NESTS' experiments involving Kyo.

In the tournament, Zero—one of NESTS' key leaders—appears as the main antagonist and final boss. He uses the KOF tournament as a means to draw global attention and solidify NESTS' influence. The story reaches its climax with the defeat of Cloned Zero, unveiling more secrets about NESTS and laying the groundwork for future plot developments.

Gameplay Innovations

KOF 2000 retains the traditional fighting mechanics of the series while implementing several key improvements. The most notable is the evolution of the Striker System, which allows players to summon support characters to perform specific actions such as attacks, disruptions, or defensive maneuvers. Each character has their own unique Striker ability, offering tactical flexibility when choosing team compositions.

A new Assist Support feature was also introduced, enabling players to use special Striker actions to create extended combos or additional attack opportunities. This innovation enhances combat flow and adds strategic variety to battles. The power gauge system remains intact, offering Advanced and Extra modes to allow for diverse combat strategies.

The game continues to use the classic four-button control layout (light punch, heavy punch, light kick, heavy kick) and retains signature series elements such as Super Special Moves, combos, and MAX Mode. Enhanced battle animations and fresh stage designs create a stronger sense of immersion and visual intensity.

Visual Design

The stage designs feature a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi atmosphere that highlights the looming threat of NESTS. Environments include industrial city ruins, futuristic laboratories, and exotic duel locations, offering visual variety and immersion. The final confrontation with Zero takes place in a high-tech command center, with a backdrop dominated by mechanical structures and flowing data streams, heightening the tension and intensity of the battle.

Reception

Upon release, KOF 2000 received positive feedback, particularly for its innovative systems and expanded character roster. The game includes a mix of returning fan-favorite characters and new additions like Kula Diamond and Zero, whose unique designs and gameplay styles brought a sense of freshness to the series.

However, due to SNK's financial struggles at the time, the game's technical polish was criticized. Some players noted a lack of detail in certain stages and character animations. Additionally, the overreliance on the Striker System led to criticism that the game's pace depended too heavily on assist mechanics, reducing the emphasis on traditional one-on-one fighting.

Legacy

Despite its flaws, The King of Fighters 2000 remains an integral part of the NESTS Saga. Its deep story elements and diverse gameplay mechanics solidified its place among fighting game enthusiasts. The character designs and narrative setup not only introduced new elements to the series but also laid the foundation for future installments' story developments.