Best King of Fighters '98 character for beginners?

[johnwroachiii]

I've never played KoF98. What's the best character to start with to get a feel for the game?

[Skykid]

Hmm, not sure about best character to start with, I'd go for best team myself. When I first got into it I set myself the challenge of taking on each team in order, learning their moves, and finishing the game with them.

Lots of the moves in KOF are repeated between characters, so once you know a few, it's easy to get to grips with the others.

So, back to the original question, pick the hero team first (that's Kyo, Daimon, and Benimaru) who have a good mix of styles. Learn them as a team and take it from there.

Enjoy, 98' is in contention for the best 2D fighting game ever!

[BulletMagnet]

So, back to the original question, pick the hero team first (that's Kyo, Iori, and Benimaru) who have a good mix of styles.

My memory might fail me, but wasn't Daimon, not Iori, the second/third "Hero team" character?

Anyways, if you're looking for a decent "learner" character, I find Terry to be a pretty safe choice, not just for '98 but most games he's in.

[louisg]

I still consider myself a beginner, and I usually use Terry, King and Yuri. Terry might really be the absolute easiest.

[Mortificator]

Working in the command throw takes getting used to, but Iori's a nice pick for beginners.

I agree with the votes for Kyo and Terry, especially since Terry has a DP motion for Rising Tackle this game. Ryo also might be a good choice if you're used to shotos (or Dan, more specifically).

If you want to try out KOF-style grappling, maybe go with Clark or Orochi Yashiro.

[Skykid]

So, back to the original question, pick the hero team first (that's Kyo, Iori, and Benimaru) who have a good mix of styles.

My memory might fail me, but wasn't Daimon, not Iori, the second/third "Hero team" character?

Anyways, if you're looking for a decent "learner" character, I find Terry to be a pretty safe choice, not just for '98 but most games he's in.

Sorry, I just wrote that on brain daze - fixed my post. Yes, Daimon is the one I meant (thanks Bulletmagnet.)

I can see how some of the suggestions here lean toward fireball heavy characters (or ones with fairly familiar moves) but I would still do the hero guys first. Kyo will meet the fireball requirement, but it's really good to learn Daimon as there's a ton of great grab characters in KOF, and Benimaru is also one that requires close quarters. Learning those three will really give you a good foundation when it comes to trying out the other characters.

[Ruldra]

Assuming you can play Ryu just fine, there are some characters that plays a bit similar to him: Ryo, Robert, Yuri, Kyo, Iori. These ones should help you get started in the game.

Grab characters are good but I'd say they are more suited for experienced players. Knowing how and when to do the moves takes a bit of practice.

[kernow]

Art of Fighting team, if you've played SF2 before.

[crithit5000]

Any team with Ralf gets my vote, but he's definitely not the easiest to learn. But he's a drunk, so we love him unconditionally. Usually I'll pair him up with Robert, Kim (who I'd probably recommend to beginners), or Ryugi.

[Skykid]

Seems like we're talking to ourselves here.

[EinhanderZwei]

How about Mai?

[johnwroachiii]

Thanks for your help, everyone. Neo Geo fighters have always been a blind spot in my game-playing career.