格鬥天王99（The King of Fighters '99，簡稱KOF '99）是SNK於1999年推出的經典2D格鬥遊戲，屬於《格鬥天王》系列的第六作。該作在遊戲玩法與故事內容上進行重大變革，不僅揭開全新篇章「音巢篇」，還引入革新的操作機制，成為系列的重要轉折點。

劇情接續於「大蛇篇」結束後，主線聚焦於名為NESTS的神秘組織。該組織企圖以克隆技術控制世界，並試圖將草薙京的基因運用於創造強大的複製人軍隊。全新的主角K'（發音為K Dash），一名經過改造的「人造兵器」，他在記憶模糊的情況下被迫參與NESTS的陰謀。京的好友紅丸及真吾發現NEST的計畫後決定參賽尋找京的下落，比賽就此拉開序幕。

在遊戲中，將與新角色如K'、Maxima組隊，也會見到經典角色如二階堂紅丸與矢吹真吾的回歸。故事進一步揭示草薙京在前作事件後的下落，並逐漸將K'推向反抗NESTS的核心位置。同時，八神庵依舊扮演著一個反英雄角色，他在尋找草薙京的過程中持續與其他勢力衝突，為劇情增添緊張感。

核心玩法延續系列的經典2D格鬥風格，但新增許多創新要素，特別是Striker系統。這個系統允許每隊加入第四名角色作為輔助，可以在戰鬥中召喚Striker角色協助攻擊或製造戰術空間。此機制為遊戲增添更多戰略性，使比賽更加靈活多變。

保持傳統的四按鍵操作：輕拳、重拳、輕腳、重腳，並導入新特性：

反擊模式（Counter Mode）：啟用後可無限使用超必殺技，並能將普通攻擊取消接入更高級的技能。

裝甲模式（Armor Mode）：啟用後防禦力提升且不易被擊退，但無法使用超必殺技。

這些新模式需要消耗能量槽，需謹慎選擇最佳時機使用。此外，經典的超必殺技與連招系統依然保留，為新老玩家提供熟悉的操作感。

場景設計充滿未來感與末世氛圍，遊戲背景包括被破壞的城市遺跡、工業設施以及荒廢的街道等，反映NESTS組織帶來的混亂與危機。每個關卡的細節與環境風格都相當講究，讓玩家在戰鬥過程中感受到緊張的氛圍。

音樂方面，融合電子音樂與搖滾元素，既保留系列一貫的熱血風格，又增添更多神秘感。角色主題曲與場景音樂相輔相成。

發售後獲得玩家與評論家的普遍好評，尤其是對新角色K'的刻畫與Striker系統的創新表示讚賞。該作品的故事深度與角色之間的關係更為複雜，為系列注入新的生命力。然而，也有部分玩家對Striker系統持保留態度，認為其可能導致比賽中的平衡問題。此外，相較於系列前幾作，節奏稍顯緩慢，這對於習慣高速格鬥的玩家來說需要一些適應。

儘管如此，整體的銷售表現相當亮眼，進一步鞏固SNK在格鬥遊戲市場的領導地位。作為「音巢篇」的起點，本作成功為後續劇情鋪墊，並在機制上進行大膽嘗試，使其成為系列中具有里程碑意義的一作。

總體而言，《格鬥天王99》不僅延續系列的核心魅力，還通過故事與機制的創新，為玩家提供耳目一新的體驗。它的影響力不僅在於當時的成功，更在於其為該系列後續作品樹立方向。

The King of Fighters '99 (KOF '99), released by SNK in 1999, is a classic 2D fighting game and the sixth entry in the King of Fighters series. This installment marks a pivotal shift in both gameplay and narrative, introducing the NESTS Saga and innovative mechanics that would leave a lasting impact on the franchise.

Storyline

Following the conclusion of the Orochi Saga, KOF '99 opens a new narrative arc centered around the shadowy NESTS organization. NESTS aims to dominate the world using advanced cloning technology and plans to harness Kyo Kusanagi's genetic material to create a powerful clone army. The story introduces K' (pronounced K Dash), a genetically modified human weapon with fragmented memories, who is reluctantly entangled in NESTS' schemes.

Kyo’s friends, Benimaru Nikaido and Shingo Yabuki, enter the tournament to uncover Kyo's fate, setting off a chain of events that gradually unravel NESTS' conspiracy. Meanwhile, K' is propelled into a position of rebellion against the organization. Iori Yagami, still pursuing Kyo, remains a compelling anti-hero, whose encounters with other forces further heighten the tension. The narrative balances K’s emergence as the new protagonist with the legacy of Kyo, creating a rich, layered storyline.

Gameplay Mechanics

KOF '99 retains the traditional 2D fighting style but introduces significant innovations. One of the most notable additions is the Striker System, where teams now consist of four characters—three fighters and one Striker. The Striker can be summoned during combat to assist with an attack or create tactical opportunities. This system adds a layer of strategy and variety to battles, allowing players to plan their attacks and defenses dynamically.

Other new features include:

Counter Mode: Grants unlimited use of super moves for a limited time and allows normal attacks to chain into advanced techniques.

Armor Mode: Enhances defense and reduces knockback at the cost of disabling super moves.

Both modes consume energy from the power gauge, requiring players to decide when to activate them strategically. Despite these additions, the familiar four-button control scheme—light punch, heavy punch, light kick, and heavy kick—ensures accessibility for veteran and new players alike. Classic mechanics like special moves and combo chaining remain integral, bridging innovation with tradition.

Visuals and Audio

The stages in KOF '99 exude a dystopian, futuristic atmosphere, reflecting the chaos and danger introduced by NESTS. Players fight in a variety of visually arresting environments, including ruined urban landscapes, industrial facilities, and abandoned streets. These richly detailed backdrops reinforce the tone of the unfolding story, immersing players in a world overshadowed by the NESTS' influence.

The soundtrack blends electronic beats with rock elements, maintaining the franchise’s signature energetic style while introducing a darker, more enigmatic mood. Character themes and stage music work cohesively to enhance the narrative tension and excitement of the battles.

Reception and Impact

KOF '99 received widespread acclaim for its narrative depth and the introduction of K', who quickly became one of the series’ most iconic characters. The Striker System was praised for its creativity and the strategic dimension it added to the gameplay. Critics and fans also lauded the intricate story, the evolution of character dynamics, and the polished visuals and sound design.

However, the Striker System drew mixed reactions from some players, as it occasionally disrupted the balance of matches. Additionally, the slightly slower pacing compared to previous entries required adjustment, particularly for those accustomed to faster gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the game's overall reception was highly positive, cementing its status as a standout title in the franchise.

From a commercial perspective, KOF '99 performed strongly, reinforcing SNK's prominence in the fighting game market. Its innovations and narrative depth laid the groundwork for subsequent installments, solidifying its place as a milestone in the King of Fighters series.

Legacy

KOF '99 successfully expanded the series’ scope by blending innovative gameplay mechanics with an engaging, character-driven storyline. Its contributions not only refreshed the series but also influenced the development of later fighting games. As the beginning of the NESTS Saga, it remains a pivotal entry, balancing homage to its roots with bold steps into uncharted territory.