《格鬥天王 2001》（The King of Fighters 2001，簡稱KOF 2001）是SNK在2001年推出的2D格鬥遊戲，作為該系列的第八部作品，同時也是「音巢篇」的最終章。由韓國廠商Eolith與Playmore聯合開發，在SNK原公司破產後，該系列首次由外部公司接手，因此具有一定的歷史特殊性。有針對劇情的改編與系統的革新，標誌著《格鬥天王》邁入新時代。除大型街機與Neo Geo主機外，還有移植到Dreamcast、PS2、Xbox、Switch、PSN、PS4。

故事圍繞音巢組織（NESTS）最終計畫的揭露與毀滅展開。經過前幾作的劇情發展，K'和他的隊伍成為反抗音巢的主要力量。在本作中，音巢的首腦之子伊格尼斯(Igniz)首次亮相，成功篡位後策劃比賽，試圖消滅所有反抗者，並向世界展示音巢的技術優勢。

主人公隊的K'與麥斯瑪(Maxima)、葳莆(Whip)、麟(Lin)與古娜(Kula Diamond)等角色繼續追蹤音巢的據點，並逐漸揭開組織內部的分裂與矛盾。例如，Zero的複製人以及音巢的菁英部隊「原型零號」（Original Zero）等勢力分支，都在比賽中扮演關鍵角色。隨著劇情發展，將得知音巢真正的目的是將Igniz塑造成“神”，統治整個世界。最終，K'與隊伍成功攻入音巢的太空基地，與Igniz展開最終決戰。Igniz作為本作的最終BOSS，其強大的力量和極具壓迫感的戰鬥設計，帶來極具挑戰的體驗。在將其擊敗後，音巢組織正式瓦解，但結局留下K'與其隊伍未來命運的懸念。

延續經典的2D格鬥風格，同時對遊戲機制進行重大改動，尤其是在隊伍編成與戰鬥系統上帶來創新：

自由的隊伍構成:可以自由選擇隊伍中角色的配置，包括攻擊角色和支援角色的比例。最多可以選擇4名攻擊角色或3名攻擊角色與1名支援角色的搭配，這使得遊戲的策略性大幅提升。

Striker系統進一步擴展:Striker支援角色的使用更加靈活，每次召喚需要消耗能量槽，根據隊伍構成，能量槽的累積速度也有所不同。在進攻與防禦之間做出更加精密的判斷。

能量槽與爆氣模式:能量槽繼續作為戰鬥中的重要資源，不僅可以用來發動超必殺技，也可以啟用爆氣模式來提升角色性能。此外，隨著Striker系統的使用，能量槽的管理成為戰鬥的關鍵策略之一。

角色平衡性調整:新增和回歸角色使本作擁有更龐大的角色陣容，包括音巢的成員以及多位熟悉的經典角色。每位角色的技能組和屬性都進行微調，以適應本作的戰鬥節奏。

場景的設計融合未來科技與末世氛圍，充分展現音巢組織的力量與野心。比賽場地包括高科技實驗室、軍事基地和荒廢的都市等，每個舞台的背景都精心設計，以烘托劇情的緊張感與對抗的激烈性。最終BOSS Igniz的戰鬥場景位於音巢的主艦內部，其背景以流動的高科技數據和巨大機械構造為主，營造出壓迫感十足的戰鬥氛圍，帶來視覺與操作上的雙重衝擊。

《格鬥天王 2001》在推出後獲得褒貶不一的評價。玩家和評論家對於故事劇情的結局以及音巢篇的收束給予一定的肯定，認為本作成功為這段故事畫上句點。然而，由於SNK破產後開發權移交至Eolith，部分玩家認為遊戲在美術設計和技術打磨上不如之前的水準，尤其是角色的畫風與場景細節相較於前作有所退步。儘管如此，本作在系統創新上的嘗試，特別是自由組隊與Striker系統的擴展，仍然受到部分玩家的喜愛。同時，角色陣容的豐富性與多樣化的玩法，使得本作在格鬥遊戲市場中依然具有一定影響力。

從銷售角度來看，雖然本作的商業表現不如早期的《KOF 97》和《KOF 98》，但仍成功維持《格鬥天王》系列在2000年代初期的熱度，為後續作品的開發建立良好基礎。整體來說，作為音巢篇的收官之作，成功地補完故事情節並引入新的系統玩法。雖然在技術細節上存在一些缺陷，但其對《格鬥天王》系列的長遠影響不可忽視，尤其是在嘗試新的格鬥機制和故事敘述方式上樹立重要的參考價值。

The King of Fighters 2001 (KOF 2001) is a 2D fighting game released by SNK in 2001. It is the eighth installment of the series and serves as the final chapter of the “NESTS Saga.” Developed jointly by the South Korean company Eolith and Playmore, this title holds historical significance as it marks the first time the series was handled by an external company after SNK's original corporation went bankrupt. With revamped storytelling and system innovations, KOF 2001 signifies the franchise's entry into a new era. The game was released for arcade systems and the Neo Geo console and was later ported to platforms such as Dreamcast, PS2, Xbox, Switch, PSN, and PS4.

Story

The narrative revolves around the revelation and destruction of NESTS' final plans. After the events of previous games, K' and his team emerge as the primary force against NESTS. This installment introduces Igniz, the son of NESTS' leader, who seizes control of the organization and orchestrates a global tournament to eliminate all opposition while showcasing NESTS' technological superiority.

K' and his teammates—Maxima, Whip, Lin, and Kula Diamond—continue their pursuit of NESTS' headquarters, gradually uncovering internal divisions and power struggles within the organization. Key characters like Zero's clone and the NESTS elite force “Original Zero” play significant roles in the storyline. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that NESTS' ultimate goal is to transform Igniz into a "god" to rule the world.

In the climactic final battle, K' and his team infiltrate NESTS' space station to confront Igniz. As the game's final boss, Igniz presents a formidable challenge with overwhelming power and an oppressive combat design. Upon his defeat, NESTS collapses, but the story leaves the future of K' and his team uncertain.

Gameplay Innovations

KOF 2001 retains its classic 2D fighting style while introducing significant changes to the game mechanics, particularly in team formation and combat systems:

Flexible Team Composition: Players can freely configure their teams by adjusting the ratio of attack and striker (support) characters. Teams can consist of up to four attackers or combinations like three attackers and one support, adding strategic depth to gameplay.

Expanded Striker System: The use of striker characters becomes more versatile, with energy gauge consumption required for each summon. The rate of energy accumulation varies depending on team composition, encouraging precise decision-making between offense and defense.

Power Gauge and MAX Mode: The power gauge remains a vital resource for executing super moves and activating MAX Mode to enhance character performance. Managing the gauge strategically becomes even more critical with the expanded Striker system.

Character Balancing: The roster includes new and returning characters, such as key NESTS members and classic fan favorites. Character attributes and movesets have been fine-tuned to match the game's combat rhythm.

Visual and Stage Design

The stage designs blend futuristic technology with a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, reflecting NESTS' ambition and power. Battle locations include high-tech laboratories, military bases, and desolate cities, all meticulously crafted to amplify the tension and intensity of the narrative. The final confrontation with Igniz takes place aboard NESTS' flagship, featuring a visually striking backdrop of flowing digital data and massive mechanical structures, delivering a dual impact of visual spectacle and immersive combat.

Reception

Upon its release, KOF 2001 received mixed reviews. The game's conclusion to the NESTS Saga and its narrative closure earned praise from players and critics alike. However, some fans criticized the game's artistic design and technical polish, attributing the perceived decline in visual quality and character detail to the development shift from SNK to Eolith.

Despite these criticisms, the game's innovative mechanics—particularly the flexible team system and expanded Striker functionality—were appreciated by certain segments of the player base. The large and diverse character roster, coupled with varied gameplay styles, ensured the game retained influence in the fighting game market.

From a commercial perspective, while KOF 2001 did not achieve the same success as earlier titles like KOF '97 and KOF '98, it maintained the series' popularity during the early 2000s and provided a solid foundation for future installments.

Legacy

As the concluding chapter of the NESTS Saga, The King of Fighters 2001 successfully wrapped up the storyline while introducing innovative gameplay systems. Though it exhibited technical shortcomings, its long-term impact on the series remains significant, serving as a pivotal reference point for exploring new combat mechanics and narrative approaches.