The King of Fighters '98 UMFE/Changelist

This page documents changes characters underwent from the vanilla version of KOF '98 to '98 Ultimate Match, and from '98 Ultimate Match to '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition. Changes can also be found on each character's overview page.

Sources:

• http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141424057&postcount=202
• https://forums.shoryuken.com/t/kof-98um-final-edition/115221/128
• Franck Frost

System Changes

• Recovery after charging in Extra mode has been standardized across the cast
• Can no longer recovery roll after being guard crushed in mid-air

Wakeup Speed

After a knockdown, characters have variable wake up timings. The differences are listed here:

(-F) Faster wakeup

• (-10F) - Yuri, Geese
• (-7F) - Yamazaki
• (-6F) - Joe, Robert
• (-5F) - Ryo, Ralf, Clark, Athena, Mai, Kim, Mary, Mature, Rugal, Krauser
• (-3F) - Takuma
• (-2F) - Yashiro
• (-1F) - Daimon, Terry, Kensou, Saisyu, Brian
• (0F) - Kyo, Benimaru, King, Choi, Vice, Eiji, Kasumi, Shingo, Orochi, Goenitz, Mr. Big
• (1F) - Leona
• (+2F) - Iori
• (+3F) - Chin, Chizuru, Chris, Heidern
• (+4F) - Andy, Heavy D!
• (+5F) - Chang, Shermie, Billy, Lucky

(+F) Slower wakeup

Kyo Kusanagi

'98 to Ultimate Match, Both Versions

Normal Moves:

• Nerf - Activation range of cl.C reduced
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of f.A increased in size
  

• Buff - Startup of f.D reduced from 14 to 10
  

• Rework - First hitbox of 2C shortened, second hitbox lengthened
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of 2D increased in size
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of j.D increased in size
  

• Nerf - j.2C can no longer be performed during Extra mode's step dash
  

Special Moves:

• Buff - Damage of 212 Shiki Kototsuki You ( + / ) increased
  

• Buff - Hitbox of the heavy version of 100 Shiki Oniyaki ( + )'s second hit increased in size
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, Both Versions

Normal Moves:

• Buff - Recovery of cl.A reduced by 2
  

• Buff - Recovery of 2A reduced by 1
  

'98 to Ultimate Match, '98 Version

Desperation Moves:

• Buff - Damage of Ura 108 Shiki Orochinagi ( + / ) increased
  

• Nerf - Damage of Saishu Kessen Ougi Mu Shiki (( + / ) reduced
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, '98 Version

Special Moves:

• Buff - Damage of 114 Shiki Aragami ( + ) increased from 10 to 13, autoguard duration lengthened to 1-4f Upper
  

• Buff - More moves now trigger 910 Shiki Nue Tsumi ( + / )'s counter
  

'98 to Ultimate Match, EX Version

Special Moves:

• Nerf - Hitbox of 108 Shiki Yami Barai ( + / )'s fireball reduced in size
  

• Buff - Recovery of the light version of 101 Shiki Oboro Guruma ( + ) reduced by 2
  

• Buff - Startup of the heavy version of 101 Shiki Oboro Guruma ( + ) reduced by 1, recovery reduced by 3
  

• Miscellaneous - EX Kyo now uses voicelines from The King of Fighters '95
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, EX Version

Special Moves:

• Buff - Recovery of 108 Shiki Yami Barai ( + / ) reduced by 3, ADV meter gain lowered
  

Benimaru Nikaido

'98 to Ultimate Match

Normal Moves:

• Nerf - Damage of f.B reduced from 8 to 4
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of f.B increased in size
  

• Rework - Hitbox of j.A moved upwards - better air-to-air but can no longer crossup
  

Special Moves:

• Nerf - Invulnerability of the light version of Super Inazuma Kick ( + ) reduced to 1-3f
  

• Buff - Invulnerability of the heavy version of Super Inazuma Kick ( + ) increased to 1-7f
  

• Buff - Damage of Benimaru Collider ( + / ) increased
  

• Buff - Air Raijinken ( + / ) now grants a juggle point and soft knockdown
  

• Nerf - Stun damage of Iai-geri ( + / ) reduced
  

Desperation Moves:

• New Move - Raikou Kakate Koma ( + / ) added
  

• Buff - Startup of Electrigger ( + / ) reduced to 1
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition

Normal Moves:

• Buff - Damage of f.B increased from 4 to 7
  

Special Moves:

• Rework - The heavy version of Raijinken ( + ) now does less damage and only hits once, but launches opponents on hit.
  

Desperation Moves:

• Buff - Startup of Raikou Kakate Koma ( + / ) reduced by 3
  

• Buff - Recovery of the MAX version of Raikouken ( + ) reduced by 9
  

Goro Daimon

'98 to Ultimate Match

Normal Moves:

• Rework - Tama Tsubushi ( + ) now hits overhead, but has reduced damage from 25 to 18
  

• Nerf - Recovery of Guard Cancel Blowback increased
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox added to f.B covering the hitbox
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of f.C increased in size
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox of f.D increased in size
  

• Nerf - Hurtbox added to j.D covering the hitbox
  

• Nerf - First hitbox of Zujou Barai ( + ) reduced in size
  

Special Moves:

• Nerf + Bug Fix - OTG bug from the light version of Jiraishin ( + ) fixed
  

• Buff - Startup of the light version of Jiraishin ( + ) reduced from 28 to 20
  

• Buff - Startup of Chou Oosoto-Geri ( + / ) reduced
  

Desperation Moves:

• Rework - Arashi no Yama: Nekko Nuki ( + / ) is now a counter super
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition

Normal Moves:

• Buff - First hitbox for Zujou Barai ( + ) reverted to Vanilla '98 size
  

Special Moves:

• Buff - Startup of Chou Oosoto-Geri ( + / ) reduced
  

Desperation Moves:

• Buff - Arashi no Yama: Nekko Nuki ( + / )'s superflash now only occurs upon successful counter, whiff recovery increased, damage decreased
  

• Buff - Damage of Arashi no Yama: Zoku Kirikabu Gaeshi ( + / > + / ) increased
  

• Buff - Damage of Arashi no Yama: Bukko Meki Uranage ( + / > + / > + / ) increased
  

Terry (both)

• far B - damage increased from 5 to 6
• QCB+D - Hitbox made taller so it hits crouching opponents as well. Less recovery on landing, and as a result it has frame advantage on block

Terry (normal)

• HCF+K - B version damage increased from 4 to 8, D version damage increased from 9 to 12
• dp+D - Invincible until the hitbox comes out, and trading on the first hit results in the opponent being floated up with followup attacks being possible
• QCFx2+D - Invincible until the hitbox comes out

Terry (EX)

• HCF+K - First hit can be cancelled into any attack other than HCF+K on hit/block
• QCF+C - Builds less meter
• QCB,db,f+ P - All versions have their startup quickened by 8 frames, but have no invincibility after the super flash

Andy (both)

• close C - hitbox changed so that it doesn't whiff against short characters
• db,f + C - Slower startup, but less recovery

Andy (EX)

• QCB+P - 5 frames less recovery

Joe (both)

• df+B - less recovery

Joe (EX)

• HCF+P - Projectile has a bigger hitbox
• Mash P repeatedly - Hitbox of the first hit has been enlarged so that it doesn't whiff against short characters, follow up recovery reduced by 2 frames

Ryo

• QCF+C - Faster startup, more recovery
• HCB,f+P - C and MAX versions have faster startup

Ryo (EX)

• f+A - if not cancelled into, results in a hard knockdown
• HCB+B - landing recovery reduced by 8 frames
• air QCF+A - Projectile flies at a slightly shallower angle
• HCB,f+P - faster startup. A and MAX versions will connect from light attacks

Robert (both)

• Standing CD - longer reach
• f+A - Hitbox has been lengthened
• air QCB+K - recovery after landing has been reduced by 4 frames for the B version and by 3 frames for the D version
• HCB,f+P - C and MAX versions have faster startup

Robert (EX)

• HCB+B - Can juggle after it connects
• MAX QCF,HCB+P - Invincibility is 10 frames longer

Yuri (both)

• jump A - special cancel-able
• jump CD - special cancel-able

Yuri

• QCF+K - Less recovery on landing, frame advantage on block (doesn't specify whether it's the air or ground version)
• QCB+D - Less damage, but also less recovery. Can connect a stand A or crouch A on hit

Yuri (EX)

• QCB+C - less recovery, +3 on block

Leona

• down B - Timing for comboing into itself is easier
• air QCB+P - While jumping backwards after blocked, you can do a jump attack, air throw or a V-slasher
• QCFx2+P - longer invincibility

Ralf

• crouch A - can be comboed into itself
• far D - hurtbox has been shrunk towards his back
• vertical jump A - faster startup
• charge b, f + P - Shorter charge time, standardized with other charge moves
• charge d,u + P - enemy can't recovery roll on hit
• MAX QCF,HCB+K - completely invincible until just after the hitbox comes out

Clark

• close B - less recovery
• crouch D - recovery reduced by 4 frames

Athena

• far A - startup faster by 3 frames, bigger hurtbox
• far D - faster startup by 4 frames, gains lower body invincibility sooner
• f+B - second hit has its hitbox extended upwards
• QCB+P - 1 frame less recovery, C version travels faster
• HCF+P - the opponent takes 10 damage if they hit the ground without being juggled
• HCB+K - less recovery

Kensou

• close/far A - doesn't whiff against crouching short characters anymore
• down B - easier to combo into itself
• far B - damage increased from 4 to 6
• f+A - less recovery
• air QCB+P - Can be cancelled into other special attacks if the final hit connects

Chin

• HCF+K - B version is +3 on block, D version is +1 on block
• QCB+C - First hit doesn't push the opponent back anymore
• dp+A - faster startup

Chizuru

• f+A - lower body invincibility until just before the hitbox appears
• d,d+P/K - Now hits overhead, knockdown on hit
• QCF+C - travels less distance, 15 frames of invincibility from the start of the move

Mai

• dp+P - less recovery, A version is -1 on block, C version is -10 on block
• QCFx2+P - faster startup, A version has slightly slower projectile speed, C and MAX versions have slightly faster projectile speed
• QCBx2+P - less recovery

Mai (EX)

• charge d,u + K - invincible startup, but less damage and longer recovery as a result

King (both)

• QCF+D - less recovery

King (EX)

• QCFx2+P - opponent can't recovery roll on hit

Kim

• f+B - Bigger hitbox, such that it'll hit even if right next to the opponent
• Charge d, u + D - Invincible on the frame that the hitbox appears
• Charge b, f+ K - Charge time is shorter, standardized with the rest of the cast
• air QCF HCB+K - Invincible until just before the hitbox appears

Chang

• jump C - hurtbox on the steel ball is smaller
• jump CD - hurtbox on the steel ball is smaller

Choi

• Charge times are shorter, standardized with the rest of the cast

Yashiro (both)

• close D - hits low
• jump C - easier to cross up

Yashiro

• HCF+A - 2f less recovery
• QCF+A followup after HCF+A - 3 frames less recovery
• QCB+K - greatly increased the amount it contributes to the stun meter

Shermie (both)

• crouch B - easier to combo into itself
• close C - no longer whiffs on short characters
• jump D - faster startup

Shermie

• f+B - first hit hits overhead
• HCF+K - Travels further, does more damage
• QCB+P - Bigger collision box

Orochi Shermie

• f+B - first hit hits overhead
• QCB+K - more damage
• HCF+P/K - B, C and D versions have the same recovery as the A version (shorter)
• MAX QCFx2+K - Invincibility lasts until after the hitbox comes out

Chris

• QCF+D - less recovery

Orochi Chris

• QCB+P - less recovery
• QCFx2+P - faster startup

Yamazaki (both)

• far C - can cancel into special/super moves when it connects
• QCB+C - C version has less recovery, is now -2 if guard cancel rolled
• HCF+K - damage increased from 13 to 21
• QCFx2+P - Made it easier for the downward attack to hit if a grounded opponent is hit by the rising punch

Yamazaki

• HCB,f+P - damage increased from 22 to 27

Yamazaki (EX)

• f+A - if not cancelled into, second hit does a hard knockdown

Blue Mary

• QCF+K - less recovery

Billy (both)

• close C - no longer whiffs on short characters
• crouch D - cancels into special and super moves
• f+A - second hit should no longer whiff on short characters
• HCF+P - B version has 6 frames less recovery, D version has 10 frames less recovery
• A repeatedly/C repeatedly - can cancel the animation by pressing ABCD together

Billy

• QCB+K - counter hitbox comes out sooner
• QCFx2+P - If the second hit connects in mid-air, the third hit should connect easier, and Billy's hurtbox has been shrunk downwards

Iori

• f,f step (Extra mode) - distance moved is longer
• HCB,f+P - morerecovery after the throw so it's harder to connect attacks afterwards

Mature

• QCB+D - slower startup but less recovery
• dp+P - more damage

Vice

• jump C - active frames lengthened from 4 to 8
• jump D - active frames lengthened from 5 to 8
• QCFx2+K - invincibility until just after the throw hitbox appears

Heidern

• charge d,u+C - longer invincibility, but longer recovery

Takuma

• far B - longer active frames
• close C - no longer whiffs against short characters
• QCB+P - less recovery
• QCF,HCB+A - invincible until just after the hitbox appears

Saisyu Kusanagi

'98 to Ultimate Match

Normal Moves:

• Nerf - Activation range of cl.C reduced
  

• Buff - Active frames of f.B increased from 3 to 6
  

• Buff - Startup for the uncancelled version of Ge-Shiki Gou Tsui ( + ) reduced from 19 to 17
  

Special Moves:

• Buff - Recovery of both versions of 108 Shiki Yami Barai ( + /) reduced by 3 frames (from 38 to 35 for + and from 40 to 37 for + )
  

• Buff - Startup for the light version of 427 Shiki Kamukakari ( + ) reduced from 19 to 17
  

• Buff - Startup for the light version of 720 Shiki Homuragasane ( + ) reduced from 13 to 11
  

• Buff - Singular juggle hit property added to the light version of 720 Shiki Homuragasane 2 ( + > + )

Desperation Moves:

• Buff - Startup for the light and MAX versions of 1207 Shiki Tsumugari ( + / + ) decreased ('98 UM value currently unknown)
  

• Buff - Invulnerability for the heavy version of 1207 Shiki Tsumugari ( + ) increased to 1-16f
  

Ultimate Match to Final Edition

Special Moves:

• Buff - Hitbox for the light version of 110 Shiki Nata Guruma ( + )'s second hit increased in size
  

• Buff - Recovery of both versions of 427 Shiki Kamukakari ( + / decreased (to 23f for + and to 17f for + )
  

• Buff - Hitbox for the light version of 720 Shiki Homuragasane ( + ) increased in size
  

• Buff - Recovery of the light version of 720 Shiki Homuragasane ( + ) reduced to 25f
  

Desperation Moves:

• Buff - Startup for the light and MAX versions of 1207 Shiki Tsumugari ( + / + ) decreased to 7
  

Heavy D!

• close C - less recovery, no longer whiffs on short characters
• d,d+P - after powering up, as long as you don't do any powered up specials you won't lose the effect upon being hit
• QCF+A - while powered up, startup is faster and will connect from light attacks
• QCFx2+K - animation completes during the super flash so you can move as soon as it ends
• MAX QCFx2+K - effect lasts until the end of the round

Lucky

• close C - no longer whiffs on short characters
• crouch C - no longer whiffs on short characters, special/super cancellable on contact
• dp+B - invincible until just after the hitbox appears
• dp+D - made it easier to connect in full if used as a followup in a combo

Brian

• close C - first hit no longer whiffs on short characters
• jump C - can be cancelled into aerial special attacks
• QCFx2+B - faster startup

Geese (both)

• close C - no longer whiffs on short characters
• f+B - less recovery, +2 on block

Geese

• dp+A - descending attack is easier to connect against crouching opponents, less recovery on landing

Geese (EX)

• db, HCB, df+ P - hitbox extended to the interior of the move

Krauser

• close C - less damage
• far C - less damage
• far D - less damage
• stand CD - less damage, smaller hitbox
• rdp+K - less damage, D version no longer has invincibility, more recovery
• QCF+K - less damage
• QCF+P/K - less damage, heavy version has faster startup but more recovery
• f,HCF+P - less damage
• QCF,HCB+P - more recovery on whiff, characteristics don't change if both buttons are pressed

Mr.Big

• crouch A - cancel-able into command moves
• crouch B - easier to connect to crouch A
• crouch C - cancel-able into command moves
• f+A - cancel-able if cancelled into
• tap P repeatedly - harder to get pushed out of range on hit, easier to get multiple hits, first hit does less damage
• HCB+K - reflects grounded projectiles

Eiji

• QCF+B - less recovery
• MAX QCF,HCB+P -slower startup, no invincibility after super flash

Kasumi

• air QCF+P - 5 frames less recovery on landing
• dp+K - no hitback, damage reduced from 14 to 5
• HCF+D - damage increased from 20 to 26

Shingo

• jump D - easier to crossup
• f+B - will combo after heavy attacks
• QCF+A - no longer whiffs on short characters
• QCF+C - startup faster by 1 frames

Rugal

• far B - startup faster by 1 frame
• close D - startup faster by 3 frames, recovery reduced by 5 frames