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:

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 Bogard

'98 to Ultimate Match, Both Versions

Normal Moves:

Nerf - Activation range for cl.D reduced

Nerf - Startup for f.D increased by 1

Nerf - Vertical hitbox for j.D reduced in size (Does not affect the hop version)

Desperation Moves

Buff - Hitbox for the MAX version of Power Geyser ( + )'s third hit increased in size

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, Both Versions

Normal Moves:

Buff - Damage for f.B increased from 5 to 6

Special Moves:

Buff - Recovery for the heavy version of Crack Shoot ( + ) reduced by 3

Buff - Final hitbox for the heavy version of Crack Shoot ( + ) increased in size

'98 to Ultimate Match, '98 Version

Special Moves:

Nerf - Damage for the light version of Power Charge ( + ) reduced from 9 to 4

Buff - Hitbox for Power Dunk ( + / )'s second hit increased in size

Nerf - Damage for the light version of Power Dunk ( + )'s second hit reduced from 14 to 11

Nerf - Damage for the heavy version of Power Dunk ( + )'s second hit reduced from 15 to 13

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, '98 Version

Special Moves:

Buff - Invulnerability for the heavy version of Rising Tackle ( + ) increased to 1-9f

Buff - Damage for the light version of Power Charge ( + ) increased from 4 to 8

Buff - Damage for the heavy version of Power Charge ( + ) increased from 9 to 12

Buff - Launch for the heavy version of Power Dunk ( + )'s first hit increased in size, juggle property added

Desperation Moves:

Buff - Invulnerability for the MAX version of High Angle Geyser ( + ) added

'98 to Ultimate Match, EX Version

Special Moves

Buff - Recovery for Power Wave ( + / ) reduced by 5

Buff - Throw invulnerability for Rising Tackle ( ~ + / ) added

Nerf - Damage for the light version of Fire Kick ( + ) reduced by 5

Nerf - Damage for the heavy version of Fire Kick ( + ) reduced by 6

New Move - Round Wave ( + / ) added

Desperation Moves:

Miscellaneous - Hit effect for Power Geyser ( + / ) changed to effect from Real Bout Fatal Fury Special

Ultimate Match to Final Edition, EX Version

Special Moves:

Buff - Special cancel property added to Fire Kick ( + / )

Nerf - ADV meter gain for the heavy version of Power Wave ( + ) reduced

Buff - Invulnerability for the heavy version of Rising Tackle ( ~ + ) increased

Desperation Moves:

Buff - Startup for Power Geyser ( + / ) reduced by 8, invulnerability decreased

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

The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition
System	FAQ • System • Controls • Guides • Changelist • Match Videos • Advanced Strategy • Tier Lists • Frame Data & Hitboxes
Characters	Andy Bogard • Athena Asamiya • Benimaru Nikaido • Billy Kane • Blue Mary • Brian Battler • Chang Koehan • Chin Gentsai • Chizuru Kagura • Choi Bounge • Chris • Clark Still • Eiji Kisaragi • Geese Howard • Goro Daimon • Heavy D! • Heidern • Iori Yagami • Joe Higashi • Kasumi Todoh • Kim Kaphwan • King • Kyo Kusanagi • Leona Heidern • Lucky Glauber • Mai Shiranui • Mature • Mr. Big • Ralf Jones • Robert Garcia • Rugal Bernstein • Ryo Sakazaki • Ryuji Yamazaki • Saisyu Kusanagi • Shermie • Shingo Yabuki • Sie Kensou • Takuma Sakazaki • Terry Bogard • Vice • Wolfgang Krauser • Yashiro Nanakase • Yuri Sakazaki
EX Characters	EX Andy • EX Billy • EX Blue Mary • EX Geese • EX Joe • EX King • EX Kyo • EX Mai • EX Robert • EX Ryo • EX Terry • EX Yamazaki • EX Yuri • Orochi Chris • Orochi Shermie • Orochi Yashiro