Play Nettou The King of Fighters '96 Online

Summary

Nettō The King of Fighters '96 landed on the Game Boy in August 1997, and European players later knew it as The King of Fighters: Heat of Battle. One of the quirkiest tricks hidden in the cartridge is the "Carnage" code, which instantly fills every Power Gauge – yours and the CPU’s – letting you unleash Super Special Moves without the usual health‑draining charge. It also lets you pull off the powerful versions of those moves even when you’re not low on health, turning ordinary battles into over‑the‑top showdowns.

The handheld version also boasts a roster you won’t find elsewhere: Orochi Iori and Orochi Leona, ripped straight from KOF ’97, a beefed‑up Chizuru Kagura, the looming final boss Goenitz, and Takuma Sakazaki’s flamboyant alter‑ego Mr. Karate from Art of Fighting. These exclusive fighters give the portable title its own flavor, making it a hidden gem for anyone hunting rare KOF content.

Storyline

Nettou The King of Fighters '96 (often called KOF ’96) opens with a brand‑new King of Fighters tournament organized by Chizuru Kagura, the heir of the ancient Yata Clan. Chizuru’s goal is to track down Kyo Kusanagi—who famously defeated the previous host Rugal Bernstein—and persuade him, along with his bitter rival Iori Yagami, to aid her in sealing the looming Orochi demon. The Yata, Kusanagi, and Yashiro (Yasanaki) clans are the three lineages entrusted with that seal, and Chizuru hopes the two rivals will join forces for the task. The tournament’s ultimate challenger is Goenitz, a servant of Orochi who ambushes Chizuru after she tests the winners, intent on thwarting her sealing plans. If the player sides with Chizuru, Kyo and Iori unite to incinerate Goenitz; if Goenitz is chosen, he is ultimately defeated by Chizuru’s late sister Maki, whose lingering spell finally ends his threat.