The King of Fighters 99 Arranged Soundtrack Art of Fighting

April 26, 2022 Post a Comment

Ladies and Gentlemen, delight welcome... the Band of Fighters!

Come up on, what skillful is a franchise like The Male monarch of Fighters without some damn skillful tunes? Considering SNK tin deliver on the soundtrack too every bit on the Crawly Animation, likewise!

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Franchise-Broad Leitmotifs

ESAKA

A line of songs that is not only associated heavily with Kyo Kusanagi and KOF every bit a franchise, but SNK themselves, being named afterwards their headquarters in Osaka, Japan.

"ESAKA", the Japan Squad theme from The King of Fighters '94. The i that would start the whole tradition. So memorable that information technology was re-used for Capcom vs. SNK. The bundled version has a much more than heroic feeling to it. It received a new arrangement in '98, fittingly called "ESAKA '98", used whenever the EX version of Kyo is on a team, which gives it a more trip the light fantastic-like feeling. It too received an arranged version, which is even more epic in scale.
Funky ESAKA, the Japan Squad theme from '95, practically sounds like something you'd hear at a sports stadium. The arranged version lives up to the name more than the original version.
"ESAKA?". Out of all the Nihon Team themes, the one from '96 is easily the most well-known. A vibrant tune compounded by stiff drums and beautiful keyboard and guitar work that just screams "stone anthem". It'southward considered past many to exist i of the most iconic songs in all of fighting games, and the SNK Sound Team'southward greatest achievement.
- The arranged version is by far the almost fondly remembered, featuring a solo that can simply exist described as "epic".
- The '98 version, despite a slightly slowed downwards step, is by no means less powerful.
- ESAKA? ~Acrid Mix~. Repurposed as the theme for the Kyo clones, who both use Kyo'southward classic movesets and even phonation clips, it naturally takes on techno influences. The arranged version, while no less awesome, also adds a sense of "wrongness" to back-trail the fact that you lot're not dealing with the real Kyo Kusanagi, making utilize of radio samples and static.
- The 2002 version, used equally the theme for Kusanagi, nonetheless another clone of Kyo's past self. 2003 brought it back with updated instrumentation, then it got an arranged version which takes on a jazzier tone to it.
- ESAKA!! from Unlimited Match gives the song a synth-rock feel. This rendition later on made it into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate once Terry Bogard was released.
- The XI version, used every bit the theme for NESTS-manner Kyo, reinterprets the vocal with the kind of instrumentation used on XI, and comes off every bit closer to the Acid Mix as a event, befitting it being used for the '99-2001 era Kyo.
- Despite not being fondly remembered, fifty-fifty XII got a remix.
'97 gives u.s.a. the rocking ESAKA Forever. Unlike past examples, this song is actually used for Kyo himself, rather than his team, and thus is more representative of his cocky still low-key personality. The arranged version cranks the rocking upwards a notch and has some backing guitars and basslines that emulate the sound of sizzling flames. In '98, it's used for rival matches between Kyo and Iori.
Although non technically part of the ESAKA line, Tears from KOF '99 thematically incorporates ESAKA? into the backing portions of the song. Every bit the name implies, information technology's a mellow but somber tune that reflects and encapsulates the circumstances behind and the results of Kyo's changes. The arranged version features some soul-rending riffs to further embody the vocal's name.
Goodbye ESAKA from 2000 is widely considered past many to be SNK's swan song to the fans before their kickoff demise, and information technology certainly feels that fashion with a melody that starts out as reflective of happier times, before suddenly shifting into a more melancholy, climactic mood. The arranged version doesn't hold dorsum on the somber mood of the vocal, especially with the song fading out at the end rather than having an actual ending, as though SNK themselves have vanished with the air current. A slightly rearranged version appears in XV every bit Kyo and Iori's rival theme when they fight each other in a friction match (if Iori is on the Actor 1 side while Kyo is Player 2). Every bit opposed to the swan song feel of the original, this one is much more triumphantn, heralding SNK's grand return to the fighting game genre as the vocal progressively swells up until the one:16 mark, where it just goes all out!
At Suita City, Toyotsu-cho... Much similar Tears, it is technically not a office of the ESAKA serial, simply it takes heavy inspiration from it and nearly feels similar a tribute to the sometime SNK, showing that while they may take been called Playmore at the time of the vocal's creation, their spirit lived on.
ESAKA Continues from Thirteen. A theme that perfectly lets you know that Kyo and his teammates are not nigh to let the disharmonize with Ash go unfinished. Information technology returned for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
And final simply not least, we take Yappari ESAKA from XIV. This song marks the triumphant return of SNK, and fittingly gives the feeling of a new beginning. Information technology also afterwards reappeared for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Meanwhile, Yappari ESAKA? is a total rearrangement of Kyo'south virtually iconic theme, ESAKA?, using the instrumentation and tone of Yappari ESAKA, and it syncs upwardly so perfectly you'd recollect information technology was the team's actual theme for the game. It's used when a lucifer between Kyo and Iori in their Classic DLC outfits occurs. The all-time role is that in-game, if the theme playing beforehand was Yappari ESAKA, it will transition seamlessly and dynamically into the remix.

Stormy Saxophone

A line of songs associated heavily with Iori Yagami. As their proper noun implies, they are all jazz songs that always comprise heavy usage of the saxophone.

Stormy Saxophone, the ane that started it all. A groovy number that, while mellow, carries an underlying fire within. The arranged version cranks the jazz Upwards to Xi, adding powerful drums and a breathtaking jazz flute solo.
Stormy Saxophone 2, by far the almost recognized one in the serial, and it's like shooting fish in a barrel to run across why. It expands on the foundation set past the kickoff, and really cuts loose with the saxophone.
Cool Jam ~Stormy Saxophone 3~. Every bit its proper name implies, it's a bit more laid back than the previous entries in the serial, equally if to show that there is so much more to Iori's graphic symbol beyond his hatred and rivalry towards Kyo. It received a remastered version in '98 which added new instrumentation.
Much similar Kyo, Iori gets a theme in '99 that while technically not function of the Stormy Saxophone line of songs, still prominently features nods to them in its tune. Sadistic Optics lets the players know that even though he's non center stage anymore, Iori will always be a role of KOF and his destiny will always be intertwined with Kyo's, as the theme surprisingly goes together very well with Kyo's own theme. The bundled version cranks up the stone and jazz aspects Up to Xi. And so the KOF XV version cranked it past that, featuring even harsher guitars, heavier drums, and a bone-chilling bassline.
Stormy Scream ~Stormy Saxophone iv~, the final entry in the series before SNK went bankrupt, combines the feel of all the previous iterations to transport Iori's legacy off with a blaze of glory. The bundled version follows conform, itself taking cues from the previous arranged versions of the older themes.
Stormy Saxophone 5 serves equally a Call-Back to Stormy Saxophone ii, as Iori has reunited with Mature and Vice, and shows that while Iori may have lost his flames, he has not lost his edge.
And finally, Saxophone Under the Moon from Xiv. A triumphant return to class from the original composers of SNK and highlights Iori himself moving forward into a new era.
For Iori-ahem, Miss 10's appearance in SNK Heroines, Stormy Saxophone Under The Moon. A medley featuring all previous iterations of the serial.

Mainline Series

The Rugal/Orochi Saga (The King of Fighters '94 to '98)

The King of Fighters '94

"Jungle Bouncer", the theme of the Ikari Warriors Team, is almost a annotation-for-note recreation of "Surprise! You're Dead!" by Faith No More. The arranged version is much more overt about the nod. Information technology also got a rearrangement in 2002.
"Hey!", the theme of the Women Fighters Squad. An upbeat, high energy vocal that captures Yuri, Mai, and King'south personalities perfectly. The arranged version gives a jazzier, more than party-esque feeling to the theme. An updated arrangement appears in '98 as a special theme for when someone has picked the '94 version of the Women Fighters Team.
"Dragon & Tiger Fist", the theme of the Art of Fighting Team, screams "intense martial arts legacy", a tendency that would proceed for years to come. The arranged version adds even more intensity to information technology.
"Slum No. 5", the theme of the American Sports Team. A purely funky beat that brings plenty of free energy to the table. The arranged version feels even more jazzy.
"Napolitan Blues", an urban-style remix of "Pasta", Andy Bogard'south theme from Fatal Fury 2, which is fitting because the area the Fatal Fury Squad is representing is Italy. The bundled version makes the urban elements more than subdied and brings the Italian elements to the forefront over again.
"Fear", the theme of the Korea Team. Befitting Kim'due south idea of taking in ii criminals equally his disciples, this theme has a whimsical, simply still unsettling feel to it, letting you know that while Chang and Choi may be oddballs, they are still no less dangerous. The arranged version forgoes the unsettling feeling altogether and instead is more lighthearted.
Duel R&D, the first theme of Rugal Bernstein. Pure, menacing evil to the very core. The arranged version is even more subdued, and sounds more than like something you'd hear when infiltrating a base. It receives a rearrangement in '95 called Crying R - Sorrowful D, and too has an arranged version which remains unreleased on any of the official soundtracks.
Showdown R&D, the chief theme of Rugal Bernstein. 1 of the most infamous boss songs in fighting game history, because you lot will be hearing it a LOT as Rugal reveals his truthful ability and proceeds to utterly kick your donkey to Hell and back, so y'all may every bit well learn to enjoy the hurting of beingness hit by Genocide Cutter. The arranged version has more of a trip the light fantastic toe-mix feeling to it. It is such an iconic theme for Rugal that it is ane of the virtually remixed songs in the entire series. It came back in '98, under the name Thirty, with an fifty-fifty more menacing feel to information technology with creepy static in the background. The arranged version outright sounds like a wrestling promo. It returned once more in 2002: Unlimited Match every bit Unlimited R.

The King of Fighters '95

Prisoner, the Korea Squad theme. By this betoken, it seems Kim's rehabilitation is starting to boot in for Chang and Choi, as the theme is more than whimsical than that of its predecessor, even the bundled version
Desert Requiem, Easily one of the most memorable themes of the Ikari Warriors Team, given that the SNK Sound Squad has continually had it remixed over the course of the series' history, and information technology even serves equally the theme when Heidern, Ralf, and Clark are on the same squad in Ultimate Match. The bundled version is pure heavy metallic and pulls no punches with its hard-hitting drums. Desert Requiem ~Operation01UM~ has more of a focus on the "desert" aspect, with Middle Eastern instruments thrown in. Desert Requiem -KOF XIV ver.- fits more in line with Heidern himself, equally it's his theme when fought as the first member of a team in Fourteen, and has more of a commanding tone to it.
Shuddering Gong is a particular standout from the rest of the Psycho Soldier Team's themes, as it'south the simply one that does not follow the pop genre motif, instead focusing on their Chinese representation. The arranged version has a more contemporary feel to information technology, calculation in a funky bassline. It ended up rearranged in '98 as Tremble! Shuddering Gong, at present taking cues from the '95 arranged version and calculation rock elements.
Club-K ~Flute in the Blueish Heaven~. Non only is it a solid theme that was brought dorsum in Ultimate Match when using the EX versions of Terry, Andy, and Joe on the same team, merely in-game it's as well a case of the music being perfectly timed for when the fight actually begins. The arranged version is softer in tone and more plumbing fixtures for the environment of the phase. Non to be outdone, a remix returns in XV every bit Andy and Mai's destined boxing theme.
Dragon & Tiger Fist ~Shaking a Man's Middle~ begins the tendency of adding funk elements to the Fine art of Fighting Squad themes. The arranged version adds some Japanese elements to it.
Ground-Creeping Bass is pure jazz, conforming it existence the music for Male monarch'south bar. It also ends up used equally the theme for fighting the EX version fo Yuri, Mai, and Rex in Ultimate Match. The bundled version has a more techno feel to it, more suitable for a social club.
HAL, Bass, and Melody, the theme of Saisyu Kusanagi. An intimidating theme for the begetter of series protagonist Kyo. Information technology is littered with elements from Duel R&D, reflecting Saisyu existence brainwashed by Rugal. The arranged version has more of a techno influence and more overt references to Duel R&D when the pitch shifts to lucifer information technology.
Guitar, Omega, and Rugal, the theme of Omega Rugal. A fitting theme for the final boxing confronting Rugal, with pulse-pounding drums and a sense of decisiveness to it. The arranged version is more than of a trip the light fantastic mix than anything, and contains a familiar sound sample to fans of Jet Fix Radio.
In the console versions of the game, players receive a special advantage for completing the game with the Psycho Soldier Team. Instead of the standard credits beyond a black background, the three of them are seen in the background performing a song called My Love ~Uplifting My Courage~, with vocals from Athena (Moe Nagasaki). The vocal returns in the console versions of Ultimate Match equally the theme of Athena vs. Kensou.

The King of Fighters '96

Rumbling on the Urban center. One of the about memorable themes of the Ikari Warriors Team, and the start of their themes condign more energetic to reflect the add-on of Leona. The bundled version has more distinctive and melodic guitar solos than its arcade version analogue. The '98 version updates the original with meliorate instrumentation.
Seoul Road. Equally if to showcase the Graphic symbol Evolution of Chang and Choi under Kim'southward tutelage, their team themes begin to have on a more heroic vibe starting here, with a song that screams "Evil is unforgivable!". The arranged version is pure rock, which Kim's themes had begun to exhibit starting with Real Bout Fatal Fury. Xiv brought information technology back as the theme of Kim vs. Chang & Choi, having taken on a slightly more sorrowful tone showing Kim's disappointment that his 2 disciples have seemingly gone back to a life of crime.
Longhorn Beetle. Reflecting Yuri'southward addition to the team in place of Takuma, the Fine art of Fighting Team theme now sounds much more lively. The arranged version is jazzier and has more western influences.
Get'n Up. With the addition of Kasumi Todoh, the Women Fighters' Team theme now takes cues from Fine art of Fighting 3'southward jazz and house-themed soundtrack. The arranged version sounds like something befitting an improvident night on the town, which perfectly suits the phase being a restaurant at the peak of a skyscraper.
Dust Human. A slow, enigmatic shell with an undeniably urban experience to it. A perfect fit for the deadly crime boss and pimp that is Mr. Big. The arranged version sounds like something you'd hear in a survival horror game, with creepy bells and heavy, distorted breathing noises.
Fairy. A powerful yet graceful melody that perfectly captures Chizuru Kagura's graphic symbol and gives a sense of finality to the tournament itself. The arranged version, withal, manages to one-upward the original by giving it the same energy as "ESAKA?" and turning information technology into a powerful rock track that is fondly remembered and praised by many every bit one of the best tracks in KOF. Information technology would get on the be rearranged in '98. It returns in 2003 as Sacredness ~ Fairy, used for equally the theme for both Chizuru and Maki Kagura.
Trash Head, the theme of Goenitz. A grandiose, menacing theme conforming of the mastermind behind the events of the Orochi Saga. And you'll be hearing it a lot as y'all try and contrivance his onslaught of summoned tornadoes. The arranged version sounds similar a triumphant military march and brilliantly utilizes distortions to reverberate Goenitz's wind element. It returns in Unlimited Lucifer every bit Trash Head ~Jump Has Come up~ with a more symphonic stone flavor, conforming Goenitz's nature as a priest.
Completing the game with the Japan Squad has Self as the ending theme, and it overtakes the credits theme in the same manner as My Love from '95. This particular version of the song, however, is less pregnant than its bundled version, called Setting Sun & Moon, which is an Image Song sung by both Kyo (Masahiro Nonaka) and Iori (Kunihiko Yasui) that gives a somber, but meaningful glimpse into their complicated rivalry. A shorter, instrumental version is used for the console versions of the game.

The King of Fighters '97

The NESTS Saga (The Rex of Fighters '99 to 2002 Unlimited Match)