DODGE

The single most important and original implementation of the KOF engine is the 'dodge', or 'sway'. Executed by pressing A+B together, this is a damn useful manoeuvre for avoiding projectile attacks - but don't rely on it during close combat: you are still vulnerable to throws.

STRONG ATTACK

Press C+D to release a powerful blow that can knock down the opponent. Some characters (like Goro, above) have a truly vicious strike. This works exactly the same way as Garou Densetsu 2 (1992) - if guarded, you can cancel the move into a special attack.

POWER GAUGE

Hold A+B+C to charge the ‘MAXIMUM’ bar. When full, attack power increases by almost 50%, and you can pull one ‘Super Move'. Goes away by time, or by doing a Super. Note that 'MAX' lasts a lot longer if you charge it up manually rather than blocking or taking attacks.

TAUNT

Pressing C from a distance makes your character 'taunt'. In a similar to way to the Ryuko no Ken games, it serves a distinct purpose besides being cheeky: it reduces the opponent's power gauge, slows them down when they are charging their bar, and stops them reaching 'MAX'.

SUPER MOVE

Each character's 'Super Move' can be executed as many times as you wish when your energy bar is low (and flashing red), or once when your gauge is flashing 'MAXIMUM'. It takes the least damage on MAX, and the most damage when both 'in the red' and on MAXIMUM.

SUPPORT ATTACK

This is a great feature: when your player is either 1) dizzy, or 2) being grabbed by a throw move that scores multiple hits, tap A+B+C and a teammate will jump in to help. This only works when your teammates are on the screen, and you have less energy than the opponent.

DODGE ATTACK

This is exactly the same as in Garou Densetsu Special (1993): when blocking, input Forwards + A or B when the opponent is being offensive. Makes the upper half of the body completely invincible, but does NO damage. It is often safer to dodge, and is only used by experts who want high scores.

COMBO THROWS

A curious little historical footnote: KOF'94 was the first game in which you can actually combo throws. For example, in Street Fighter II, Zangief's numerous Pile Driver combinations aren't 'combos' per se: they are enhanced 'tap-throws'. Here, standard 2-hit moves actually cancel into throw commands.

GUARD CANCEL

Finally a really discreet tactic, not to be underestimated: if you block at least five times in succession; input a special command and it will cancel the guard. Essentially it's almost exactly like the 'MAX Counter' system from KOF'95, except that you don't have to be on MAX - just block 5 hits, and away you go.