Kyo Kusanagi
The central hero and leader of the Japan Team, a young martial artist who uses flame-based Kusanagi techniques.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move, crouch, and select directions The arcade joystick supports eight directions. |
|---|---|
A | Light punch |
B | Light kick |
C | Heavy punch |
D | Heavy kick |
Joystick toward opponent | Walk forward |
Joystick away from opponent | Block Standing or crouching position changes the guard. |
Joystick Up | Jump |
A+B | Power charge The documented simultaneous input charges the Power Gauge when available. |
Control notes
Attack-button assignments follow the original arcade layout.
Command moves and special techniques require directional inputs plus attack buttons.
Some move behavior varies by character.
How it plays
How does The King of Fighters '94 play?
The game uses a two-dimensional side-view arena. A team of three fights the opposing team one member at a time; the winner keeps the remaining portion of their life gauge and faces the next opponent.
Players walk, jump, block, use normal attacks, perform command moves and special techniques, and build toward stronger attacks. Arcade progression leads through rival teams and a final boss. The original version is primarily a one-player arcade game, with competitive two-player matches available by challenging the current player.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play The King of Fighters '94?
Choose a team with complementary strengths. A projectile user can control space, a grappler can punish close approaches, and a fast fighter can exploit openings. Arrange the order deliberately because the next fighter enters only after the previous one is defeated.
Conserve life by blocking and punishing unsafe attacks rather than constantly trading blows. Learn each character's command normals, special-move ranges, and guard-cancel opportunities, then use the Power Gauge for desperation attacks when its conditions are met.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Benimaru Nikaido
A flamboyant Japanese-American fighter and member of the Japan Team who specializes in electric attacks and acrobatic movement.
Goro Daimon
A powerful judoka on the Japan Team, known for throws, grappling, and earth-shaking strength.
Terry Bogard
The central hero of Fatal Fury and leader of the Fatal Fury Team, using martial arts and projectile-based techniques.
Ryo Sakazaki
The lead fighter of Art of Fighting and member of the Art of Fighting Team, specializing in Kyokugen karate.
Heidern
The commander of the Ikari Warriors Team, a disciplined military fighter with distinctive slashing techniques.
Athena Asamiya
A psychic pop idol and member of the Psycho Soldier Team, combining martial arts with psychokinetic abilities.
Rugal Bernstein
The tournament's ruthless host and final boss, a powerful fighter who has collected defeated warriors as trophies.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the team-order selection to place durable or easy-to-control fighters first.
- 2
Do not jump repeatedly against characters with reliable anti-air attacks.
- 3
Practice command inputs before attempting desperation attacks in a serious match.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark SNK crossover that established the series' team-battle identity.
Its strict arcade difficulty and older input conventions can take time to learn.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0