The system most worthy of mention among KOF game systems is the realization of team battles among teams of three characters for the first time in fighting game history. Doing away with the tired one-on-one character battle formula, KOF’s match format for the first time ever employed 3-on-3 character team battles providing players with the fresh and complex experience of controlling three characters in a single match.
 Match rules are simple and easy to understand. In the elimination battles the two teams of three square off, and members change when one is defeated, while the victor remains to continue fighting. The team to finally defeat all of the opposing team’s members is the winner. For that reason, the order characters appear can affect the tide of battle, so questions like “Where do I put my best character?” and “What is the make-up of the opposing team?” become crucial to your game strategy. After you lose two characters, a special KOF feature to enjoy is the thrilling developments of game play that keep you on your toes and just may allow you to turn the tables to win with your last remaining character.

 This team battle format has earned the full support of fans and players, and has become synonymous with KOF. Throughout the series with certain titles we have made new attempts to change match rules by employing the Striker System and Multi-shift System, but this old standard has prevailed and in our latest title “THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII,” we’ve gone back to the basics with a system close to that of “KOF ’94.”

TEAM BATTLES
These were created through KOF and remain the hottest battle format among fighting games that to this day continues to evolve.