
=============================================================================
                         THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2000
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Striker Guide for The King of Fighters 2000
System: Arcade/Neo-Geo
By Orochi K (Ashvin Sawmynaden)
E-mail: kof_2k@hotmail.com
Final Version - Last Revised: August 17, 2001


 =-=-=-=-=-=-=
  DISCLAIMER
 =-=-=-=-=-=-=

  This document is Copyright 2001, Ashvin "Orochi K" Sawmynaden and is 
  protected by US Copyright Law, and the Berne Copyright Convention of 1976. 
  You may not use this for profitable purposes. Don't use this for another
  purpose than personal and don't claim this to be yours. I mean, c'mon, I'm 
  OROCHI K!! Are you sure you want me to be mad at you!?
  If you wish to correct/contribute/give feedback, write to me at  
  kof_2k@hotmail.com but please remember to put the FAQ name in the subject 
  line. This isn't my only FAQ and failing to do so means your e-mail will be
  simply ignored.

  Webmasters who wish to post my work on their website must e-mail me first
  at kof_2k@hotmail.com and will be allowed to do so only if they follow the
  following conditions:
   - Your site must be a non-profitable and non-commercial one.
   - It is must unaltered, not a single character is to be removed or added.
   - No banners or advertisements of any form are to be attached to it.
   - Full credit is given to me.

  The King of Fighters and all characters mentioned in this document are
  Copyright SNK, Japan.

  This FAQ can be viewed at www.gamefaqs.com

  The latest version of this FAQ can be found at www.gamefaqs.com


 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
  INTRODUCTION
 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

  Hello to you all! And if you already know me, welcome back. The reason I've
  written this FAQ is because I think it is essential specially for those
  who have just started playing this awesome game. I know how you feel, I had
  the same problem...So many strikers...Most newbies are lost and cannot figure
  out which character to use. This FAQ is here to help them out. But just to
  get one thing clear, don't expect to get descriptions of what they do here.
  I'll only be listing the strikers.


 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

 (I) Revision history

 (II) About the Striker System

 (III) Striker Features

 (IV) Striker List

 (V) Striker Origin


 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
  REVISION HISTORY
 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

  Version 1.0 on June 17, 2001
  - Created FAQ and sent it to CJayC, praying that it will get posted.
    Still wondering how to name the FAQ.
    Sent FAQ with a big mistake in it in the table of contents!!

  Version 2.0 on June 18, 2001
  - Added Striker Origin section.
    Corrected that awful mistake of mine. See what happens when you play too
    much KoF.

  Version 2.5 on June 20, 2001
  - Updated and corrected Striker Origin section.
    Added info in Striker Features.
    Corrected a few typos.

  Version 2.6 on June 21, 2001
  - Origin of King Lion added.

  Version 2.7 on June 22, 2001
  - Corrected mistake about Duke Edwards.
    Origin of Geese added.
    Found out that I had missed a command for the Maniac Striker code. I've 
    written it correctly and it will work now. Sorry about that!

  Version 3.0 on July 6, 2001
  - Updated origins, more info has been included on some characters
  - Whole bunch of info on Eiji.
  - Origin of Gai, Kim Sue Il and Duke added.

  Version 3.1 on July 16, 2001
  - Added Maniac Striker for Kasumi, Unknown (no, his name is really Unknown,
    don't think I'm saying that I don't know  ^_^).
  - Updated Bonus Striker Attack section.
  - Corrected typos.

  Final version on August 17, 2001
  - Last revision.


 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
  ABOUT THE STRIKER SYSTEM
 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

 The Striker System has been introduced in '99. This consisted of using a 
 fourth character which you could call from time to time, provided you had
 a new option called a Striker bomb. While this was still 'experimental' in
 99, SNK has developed it further in 2000. Indeed, now strikers can be called
 anytime and there are a lot of features revolving about them which were not 
 present in '99. First, I'll talk about these features to help newbies out.
 

 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
  STRIKER FEATURES
 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

 - Active Striker
   This is a considerable change compared to '99 which introduced the system.
   In '99, you could call your striker only when you were not doing anything.
   It was impossible to call them when you were being attacked or when you
   were attacking. In 2000, you can call your striker whenever you want except
   during a DM, but you can still call them immediately after having performed
   that DM. You can call them even when you're being attacked or you're being
   thrown. It is also possible to call them immediately after a throw but the
   system changes a little then.

 - Another Striker
   In 99, each character held only one striker. In 2000, each character holds
   in fact 2 strikers. When you come to the fourth character, you will be
   shown the Striker Menu and you will notice that there are in fact 2
   strikers and you choose which one you'll take here. Some characters have
   another character as striker, e.g. Terry has Geese as his other striker
   while some characters exist as both strikers but obviously in different
   versions, e.g. K' (ME!). It is also at this menu that you access the third
   striker, see the 'Maniac Strikers' section for the details.

 - Maniac Strikers
   Some characters have a third hidden striker and you need to input a code to
   enable these. This code is performed at the striker menu where you choose 
   between the first and the second striker.
   Here is the code which I took from Famitsu Magazine and tested myself:
   - Highlight the 'Another Striker'
   - Do the following: up, left, left, left, right, right,right, down
   If done correctly, the 'Another Striker' will change to the 'Maniac Striker'
   Only the following characters have Maniac Strikers:
          Chang, Choi, Iori, Kula, Kyo, Ramon, Ryo, Kasumi

 - Striker Bombs
   You need those to call your Striker. One of these enable you to call your
   striker, whoever it may be, once. You start the battle with 3 bombs but
   as you pass on to the second and last character, you can hold up to 4 and
   5 respectively, 5 being the maximum.

 - Replacing striker bombs
   A new feature, and what a kick-ass one indeed!! In 2000, when you taunt, the
   following things appear:
   (i) If you have one Power Stock, you'll lose it.
  (ii) You'll get a Striker Bomb.
   This is a pretty useful feature with some strikers.
   However, keep the following points in mind:
   (i) You cannot cancel the taunt by pressing directions or buttons. In previous
       KOFs, it was possible to get out of the taunt (i.e. end it quickly) by 
       pressing a button. This is no longer possible. The character will 
       perform the whole taunt even if you kick the machine will all your might
       and consequently get thrown out. Thus, you are very vulnerable during
       this time, specially if you are using someone like Shingo.
  (ii) If the maximum number of bombs you can carry is 4 and you already have
       these 4, no need to taunt in the hope that this will increase to 5 by
       some miracle (this ain't no Fatal Fury :P). You will get a Strike Bomb
       as long as you have an empty slot in your Striker gauge. So, no need to 
       taunt when this is full.
 (iii) You will lose a Power Stock. Don't taunt uselessly if you don't have
       a stock.
 
   You can also do this in Counter and Armor Modes. The timer will reduce
   and you'll get a striker bomb.
   A good time to taunt is just after you've knocked the opponent down.

 - Bonus Striker Attack
   This occurs if you call your striker just after a throw. This uses a Striker
   Bomb and most noticeably, the strikers do only a 1-hit attack. This means
   that you can't even combo in and even characters like Joe are pretty much
   useless in this feature. Morever, you'll also lose a Power Stock but you can
   earn back a striker bomb by pressing START (i.e. taunting) during the attack.
   Well, it is possible to throw in 1 hit but not more as far as I can say. Use
   this just to finish off your opponent if he has only a little life left and
   so do you!


 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
  STRIKER LIST
 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

  I wasn't too sure about how to list them and I've decided to list them
  according to the teams as they appear on the character select screen and
  the edit and hidden characters last. If you have problems navigating 
  through the list, just e-mail me and I'll try to think of another way to
  arrange the list (but only if I get many e-mails requesting this) to make
  things easier for you. The names written down are as shown in the game
  itself.

  CHARACTER        STRIKER         ANOTHER STRIKER         MANIAC STRIKER

   K'               K'              Another K'                   -

   Maxima           Maxima          Rocky                        -

   Ramon            Ramon           Duke                     Neo & Geo

   Vanessa          Vanessa         Fio                          -

   Benimaru         Benimaru        Another Benimaru             -
 
   Shingo           Shingo          Kyoko                        -

   Lin              Lin             Eiji                         -

   Seth             Seth            Goro                         -
 
   Terry            Terry           Geese                        -

   Andy             Andy            Billy Kane                   -

   Joe              Joe             Duck                         -

   Mary             Mary            Yamazaki                     -

   Ryo              Ryo             Kaede                     G-Mantle

   Robert           Robert          Another Robert               -

   King             King            King Lion                    -

   Takuma           Takuma          Gai                          -

   Leona            Leona           Goenitz                      -

   Ralf             Ralf            Yashiro                      -

   Clark            Clark           Shermie                      -

   Whip             Whip            Chris                        -

   Athena           Athena          Another Athena               -

   Kensou           Kensou          Another Kensou               -

   Chin             Chin            Baijang                      -

   Bao              Bao             Kaoru                        -

   Mai              Mai             Chizuru                      -

   Yuri             Yuri            Nakoruru                     -

   Kasumi           Kasumi          Xiang-Fei                 Unknown

   Hinako           Hinako          Lilly Kane                   -

   Kim              Kim             Sue Il                       -

   Chang            Chang           Dong Hwan               Smart Chang

   Choi             Choi            Jae Hoon                 Cool Choi

   Jhun             Jhun            Baedal                       -

   Kyo              Kyo             Syo                        Saisyu

   Iori             Iori            Vice & Mature            Another Iori

   Kula             Candy           Foxy                        Rugal           


 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
  STRIKER ORIGIN
 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

  Who are these strikers and how did SNK come up with them!? Now, how many times
  have I heard this question. Well, here are the answers...Help/corrections/
  confirmations/feedback are most welcome!

  Another K': This is K' before NESTS implanted the Kusanagi DNA into him and
              modified his genes. Thus, he still has black hair.

  Duck: Duck was a character in SNK's first beat-em-up, Fatal Fury. He is also
        present in the movie where he's a DJ. Well, that's his job.

  Duke: He's a selectable character in Burning Fight which is a Final Fight
        wanna-be.

  Fio: From The King of Fighters Evolution where she's a special striker. She's
       also a character in the Metal Slug series (2, 3, X). Of course, she is
       no longer that small 'toyish' character in here!

  Kyoko: Cosplayer, has nothing to do with the game although she wears Kyo's
         old clothes. Maybe a clone who survived, who knows...!?  :D

  Eiji: A ninja that appeared in only one game as a selectable character, The
        King of Fighters '95 where he teamed up with Iori and Billy. He holds
        a grudge against the Sakazakis and that is why he joined KoF. Also
        appears in '98 during the special intro between Billy and Iori. The
        reason he's Lin's another striker is probably because they are both
        fearsome ninjas. Here's some great info on Eiji contributed by 
        Jon <Kubikiri@aol.com> : Eiji was first a character in Art of Fighting
        2 and is thought to have some feelings for Mai (but then any man who
        went by Mai without looking at her... *cough*). And here's something
        very cool! Eiji is the descendant of Zantetsu who's in the unsurmountable
        Last Blade. Zantetsu's real name is Santa Kisaragi and if you played
        '95, you now understand where he got his moves.

  Geese Howard: ...Geese Howard, the man behind Fatal Fury and KOF, he was the
                first one to host both tournaments. A crime leader in Southtown,
                he killed Jeff Bogard and was beaten 10 years ago by The Legendary
                Wolf, Terry Bogard. Has been thought to be dead numerous times
                but as usual, he is back...

  Yamazaki: Of Orochi blood, he appears in '97 and '98 and as a special striker
            in Evolution. He is a criminal who has a terrible lust for blood and
            was hired by Geese to team up with Billy while Mary had to keep an
            eye on crazy Ryuji (I pity her...).

  Kaede: He's the leading character in another awesome beat-em-up by SNK, the
         Last Blade series. Make sure to play Last Blade 2 and you'll know
         what I'm talking about.

  G-Mantle: Character from Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle.

  King Lion: Another character from Kizuna Encounter.

  Gai: A character from the fighting title, Buriki One. 

  Goenitz: The cheapest boss in video game history!! He's the one who brought
           about the awakening of Orochi. The most powerful one of the 8 Gods,
           little is known about him. Appears as boss in '96.

  Yashiro: Yet another Orochi descendant, he helped Goenitz in his quest. 
           Appeared as character in '97 and '98 and also as mid-boss (another
           version with different tricks though) in '97, this form could also
           be selected in '98 although he was less strong.

  Shermie: Yashiro's partner, also of Orochi blood. Appears in 2 forms in '97
           and '98 just like Yashiro.

  Chris: The third of the Orochi band and same appearances as Yashiro and 
         Shermie. Beware though, his body holds Orochi, the boss in '97.

  Kaoru: She's a fan of Athena. You can see her in '97 and '99 endings, yes
         it really is the same person.

  Chizuru: Mid-boss in '96 and very important character in '97, she teamed
           up with Kyo and Iori to seal the Orochi power. Also appears in
           '98 but she is less stronger than before.

  Nakoruru: Leading character in the Samurai Shodown series.

  Xiang-Fei: Originally in Fatal Fury, she also appeared in '99. I wonder why
             she was left out as a selectable character in 2000.

  Lilly Kane: Billy's younger sister. She doesn't appear in any other game
              though. At some time, it was thought that Joe had some feelings
              for her and she thus appeared in one Garou Dentetsu ending but
              since it's Joe we're talking about... :D

  Sue Il: Kim's brother, you'll see him in Kizuna Encounter. I don't know if
          he's in Savage Reign though, I'm still looking for the game!

  Dong Hwan: Kim Kaphwan's older son, he appears in the latest FF, Garou: Mark
             of the Wolves. And you'll also see him in Fatal Fury: The Movie
             which I watched for the second time today to refresh my memory.

  Jae Hoon: Kim's younger son and also appears in Garou: Mark of the Wolves
            and in the movie.

  Saisyu: Who doesn't know him!!? :P He is Kyo's father (yeah, I know, he 
          doesn't look like it!) and the leader of the Kusanagi clan. Appears
          as mid-boss in '95 and teamed up with Takuma and Heidern (wow, talk
          about a team!) in '98. He is also a special striker in Evolution.

  Vice & Mature: Both of Orochi blood, they are teamed up with Iori in '96 and
                 '98. Each one appears randomly but they do the same attack.
                 They were killed by Iori when he became crazy in the '96 ending
                 and it's also been said that Mature and Iori shared feelings.

  Rugal: A crime leader, he wanted to awaken Orochi to satisfy his overwhelming
         needs for power. He is the boss in '94, '95 and '98. Has been thought
         to be dead each time but has appeared again. And he's still here!!!
         Beaten by Terry in '94, beaten by Kyo in '95, beaten by <insert name
         here> in '98 but still here!? Wait till you meet Orochi K, dude!!


  And in case you're wondering, I' ve written all this by myself. It was 
  pretty easy as I've been playing KOF ever since '94, so I know all about
  the storyline. For much more details on some of the characters, you can check
  out Kailu Lantis's massive guide. Darn, he preceeded me...


  Voil! Hope this has helped you. Comments or questions are most welcome and
  should be sent at the adress mentioned at the beginning of this FAQ.
  If this FAQ happens to get posted (maybe CJayC will not realize how crap this
  is *praying like hell for this to happen* ), I plan on writing one to give
  descriptions of each attack and more important, how each striker happens to be
  in the game since so many people have been asking me such questions.
  Well, since it has got posted, I'm starting to work on the descriptions.


     "It's like I'm assisting suicide! Hate not me, Hate your weakness!"
                 - Iori Yagami in The King of Fighters 2000


 =-=-=-=-=
  CREDITS
 =-=-=-=-=

 Special thanks go to:

 - CJayC <www.gamefaqs.com>
   For his tremendous site and for posting my guides. He deserves all the
   credits.
 
 - SNK
   Capcom created the genre, SNK lui donna ses lettres de noblesse. Sorry for
   the french if you don't understand, but that's the true way it should be
   said and I'm not too good at translations.
   
 - hebretto <hebretto@hotmail.com>
   For his various corrections: replacing striker bombs in Counter/Armor mode,
   about Kyoko, his corrections on Kaoru, Nakoruru, Kim's another striker,
   Fio, Eiji and for reminding me that you also lose a power stock too during
   the Bonus Striker attack.

 - Jon <Kubikiri@aol.com> 
   For a whole bunch of info on Eiji (this dude sure knows a lot on him!).
   Also for info and tips on Kim Sue Il, Gai, Lilly and Duke.

 - You <insert contact info here>
   For some weird reason, you are reading my work.


=============================================================================
                         THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2000
=============================================================================
           Copyright 2001, Ashvin "Orochi K" Sawmynaden. All rights reserved.