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None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* May Lee went from being a ReplacementScrappy for Kim to becoming one of the more well-received characters from the Eolith era due to her quirky {{tokusatsu}} mannerisms and general cuteness.
to:
* May Lee went from being a ReplacementScrappy for Kim Jhun to becoming one of the more well-received characters from the Eolith era due to her quirky {{tokusatsu}} mannerisms and general cuteness.
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None
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* For a character who was only ever in two offshoots of ''KOF'', Moe Habana from the ''KOF EX'' games has a decent enough following owing to essentially being [[AlternateSelf an alternate]] [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute timeline equivalent]] to K'[[note]] The ''EX'' games being ports of ''[='=]99'' and ''2000'' on the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]]. [[/note]] on top of being a conceptually unique character (e.g., a DistaffCounterpart to the typical BruceLeeClone, owing to being one of the few female fighting game characters whose style is listed as Jeet Kune Do) in a similar way to Hinako[[note]] Who is a female Sumo wrestler that is far removed from any typical sumo practitioner seen in most fighting games, being a lithe and petite schoolgirl that can still fling opponents to and fro like ragdolls. [[/note]]
to:
* For a character who was only ever in two offshoots of ''KOF'', Moe Habana from the ''KOF EX'' games has a decent enough following owing to essentially being [[AlternateSelf an alternate]] [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute timeline equivalent]] to K'[[note]] The ''EX'' games being ports of ''[='=]99'' and ''2000'' on the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]]. [[/note]] on top of being a conceptually unique character (e.g., a DistaffCounterpart to the typical BruceLeeClone, owing to being one of the few female fighting game characters whose style is listed as Jeet Kune Do) in a similar way to Hinako[[note]] Hinako.[[note]] Who is a female Sumo wrestler that is far removed from any typical sumo practitioner seen in most fighting games, being a lithe and petite schoolgirl that can still fling opponents to and fro like ragdolls. [[/note]]
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Changed line(s) 33 (click to see context) from:
* Krohnen's an interesting case. Being a revision of an otherwise controversial character, Krohnen has a very nice and refreshed design that's reminiscent of [=K9999=] and Nameless, retaining the same animations, moveset, and demeanor that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}.
to:
* Krohnen's an interesting case. Being a revision of an otherwise controversial character, Krohnen has a very nice and refreshed design that's reminiscent of [=K9999=] and Nameless, retaining the same animations, moveset, and demeanor that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}.{{Tagline}}.
* For a character who was only ever in two offshoots of ''KOF'', Moe Habana from the ''KOF EX'' games has a decent enough following owing to essentially being [[AlternateSelf an alternate]] [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute timeline equivalent]] to K'[[note]] The ''EX'' games being ports of ''[='=]99'' and ''2000'' on the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]]. [[/note]] on top of being a conceptually unique character (e.g., a DistaffCounterpart to the typical BruceLeeClone, owing to being one of the few female fighting game characters whose style is listed as Jeet Kune Do) in a similar way to Hinako[[note]] Who is a female Sumo wrestler that is far removed from any typical sumo practitioner seen in most fighting games, being a lithe and petite schoolgirl that can still fling opponents to and fro like ragdolls. [[/note]]
----
--> [-Return to the main page [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters here]].-]
* For a character who was only ever in two offshoots of ''KOF'', Moe Habana from the ''KOF EX'' games has a decent enough following owing to essentially being [[AlternateSelf an alternate]] [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute timeline equivalent]] to K'[[note]] The ''EX'' games being ports of ''[='=]99'' and ''2000'' on the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]]. [[/note]] on top of being a conceptually unique character (e.g., a DistaffCounterpart to the typical BruceLeeClone, owing to being one of the few female fighting game characters whose style is listed as Jeet Kune Do) in a similar way to Hinako[[note]] Who is a female Sumo wrestler that is far removed from any typical sumo practitioner seen in most fighting games, being a lithe and petite schoolgirl that can still fling opponents to and fro like ragdolls. [[/note]]
----
--> [-Return to the main page [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters here]].-]
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Don't lead on to other examples. Dolores is a major character in XV, so I'm not inclined to count her as a dark horse in that sense.
Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
* The [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] - of all teams - has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
to:
* The [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] - of all teams - has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that following, even though they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting2''. ''Very'' 2'', is ''very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' ''eight'' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)absence.
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting
Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* The New Faces/CYS/Orochi Team pictured above are a shining example within the series. They proved to be so popular that, despite only canonically appearing in ''[='=]97'', where they were KilledOffForReal (and subsequently appearing in ''[='=]98'' and ''2002'', both which being non-canon {{Dream Match game}}s), they were brought BackFromTheDead for ''KOF XV''.
to:
* The New Faces/CYS/Orochi Team pictured above are a shining example within the series. They proved to be so popular that, Orochi, despite only canonically appearing in ''[='=]97'', ''[='97=]'', where they were KilledOffForReal (and subsequently appearing in ''[='=]98'' and ''2002'', both which being non-canon {{Dream Match game}}s), they had no real plot relevance since, were brought BackFromTheDead for ''KOF XV''.
Changed line(s) 19,23 (click to see context) from:
** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[HighTierScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
* How can you forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example, thanks to having one of the most CreepyAwesome character designs in the series, awesome voice work on his EvilLaugh courtesy of Creator/TakayaKuroda (AKA none other than [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Kazuma Kiryu]]), and a very interesting subplot connecting several teams and fighters together. Long have fans been anticipating the day he becomes a playable character.
* Ramon very quickly became a series staple not only for being a cool homage to Tiger Mask right down to his visual design, but also the fact that he's the first Mexican[[note]] KOF is ''[[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff massively]]'' [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff popular]] in Latin America, especially Mexico. [[/note]] representative in the series on top of being part of the Hero Team in his debut alongside Vanessa. Speaking of which...
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
* How can you forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example, thanks to having one of the most CreepyAwesome character designs in the series, awesome voice work on his EvilLaugh courtesy of Creator/TakayaKuroda (AKA none other than [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Kazuma Kiryu]]), and a very interesting subplot connecting several teams and fighters together. Long have fans been anticipating the day he becomes a playable character.
* Ramon very quickly became a series staple not only for being a cool homage to Tiger Mask right down to his visual design, but also the fact that he's the first Mexican[[note]] KOF is ''[[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff massively]]'' [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff popular]] in Latin America, especially Mexico. [[/note]] representative in the series on top of being part of the Hero Team in his debut alongside Vanessa. Speaking of which...
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
to:
** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[HighTierScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
''[='98=]''.
*How can you forget about Shingo Yabuki? Yabuki, Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite AscendedFanboy. Despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher brighter than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' '99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example, thanks to having one of the most CreepyAwesome character designs in the series, awesome voice work on his EvilLaugh courtesy ofCreator/TakayaKuroda (AKA none other than [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Kazuma Kiryu]]), Creator/TakayaKuroda, and a very interesting subplot connecting several teams and fighters together. fighters. Long have fans been anticipating the day he becomes a playable character.
character?
* Ramon very quickly became a series staple not only for being a cool homage to Tiger Mask right down to his visualdesign, design but also the fact that he's the first Mexican[[note]] KOF is ''[[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff massively]]'' [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff popular]] Mexican[[note]]Partially because of SNK's popularity in Latin America, especially Mexico. America.[[/note]] representative in the series on top of being part of the Hero Team in his debut alongside Vanessa. Speaking of which...
Vanessa.
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of the fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
*
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example, thanks to having one of the most CreepyAwesome character designs in the series, awesome voice work on his EvilLaugh courtesy of
* Ramon very quickly became a series staple not only for being a cool homage to Tiger Mask right down to his visual
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of the fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* Oswald. A combination of being one of the best characters in the game and just having a pretty damn cool character design made him one of the most popular characters on the ''XI'' roster. Fans were excited when he was teased, then later announced, for ''XIV's'' second round of DLC characters. Pretty impressive for someone who was essentially meant as a one-off character.
to:
* Oswald. A combination of being Being one of the best characters in the game and just having a pretty damn cool character design made him one of the most popular characters on the ''XI'' roster. Fans were excited when he was teased, then later announced, for ''XIV's'' second round of DLC characters. Pretty impressive for someone who was essentially meant as a one-off character.
Changed line(s) 29,30 (click to see context) from:
** King of Dinosaurs' introduction was met with very favorable reception, mostly because he's basically a [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs dinosaur-themed]] [[{{Expy}} Tizoc]].[[note]] Especially since he is Tizoc trying to perform a FaceHeelTurn...emphasis on "[[PokeThePoodle trying]]".[[/note]]
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[KickChick legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[KickChick legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
to:
** King of Dinosaurs' introduction was met with very favorable reception, mostly because he's basically a [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs dinosaur-themed]] [[{{Expy}} Tizoc]].[[note]] Especially since he is just Tizoc trying to perform in a FaceHeelTurn...emphasis on "[[PokeThePoodle trying]]".[[/note]]
{{Heel}} persona.
**Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous Luong. gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[KickChick legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
**
Changed line(s) 33,38 (click to see context) from:
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' design (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than Krohnen [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with a different look and identity)]]. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarrassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
** Darli, already a Dark Horse in her own debut game, was well-received upon her reveal here for the same reasons as she was in ''Samurai Shodown (2019)''. Her being a bonafide badass PirateGirl (only in appearance, mind you) with a ''[[AmazonianBeauty gorgeous]]'' [[{{Stripperiffic}} design]], [[Creator/YuuKobayashi a voice]] [[ContraltoOfDanger that's smooth on the ears]], and a very fun and unique playstyle certainly helped win people over.
----
--> [-'''Luong:''' [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]-]
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' design (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than Krohnen [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with a different look and identity)]]. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarrassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
** Darli, already a Dark Horse in her own debut game, was well-received upon her reveal here for the same reasons as she was in ''Samurai Shodown (2019)''. Her being a bonafide badass PirateGirl (only in appearance, mind you) with a ''[[AmazonianBeauty gorgeous]]'' [[{{Stripperiffic}} design]], [[Creator/YuuKobayashi a voice]] [[ContraltoOfDanger that's smooth on the ears]], and a very fun and unique playstyle certainly helped win people over.
----
--> [-'''Luong:''' [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]-]
to:
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as partKrohnen's an interesting case. Being a revision of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' design (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better thanan otherwise controversial character, Krohnen [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with a different look and identity)]]. Between having has a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] reminiscent of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone [=K9999=] and Nameless, retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} moveset, and demeanor]] demeanor that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarrassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
** Darli, already a Dark Horse in her own debut game, was well-received upon her reveal here for the same reasons as she was in ''Samurai Shodown (2019)''. Her being a bonafide badass PirateGirl (only in appearance, mind you) with a ''[[AmazonianBeauty gorgeous]]'' [[{{Stripperiffic}} design]], [[Creator/YuuKobayashi a voice]] [[ContraltoOfDanger that's smooth on the ears]], and a very fun and unique playstyle certainly helped win people over.
----
--> [-'''Luong:''' [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]-]{{Tagline}}.
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part
** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than
** Darli, already a Dark Horse in her own debut game, was well-received upon her reveal here for the same reasons as she was in ''Samurai Shodown (2019)''. Her being a bonafide badass PirateGirl (only in appearance, mind you) with a ''[[AmazonianBeauty gorgeous]]'' [[{{Stripperiffic}} design]], [[Creator/YuuKobayashi a voice]] [[ContraltoOfDanger that's smooth on the ears]], and a very fun and unique playstyle certainly helped win people over.
----
--> [-'''Luong:''' [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]-]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Dark Skinned Blond is no longer a trope
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
to:
** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] design (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Shes Got Legs is currently a disambiguation
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[ShesGotLegs legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
to:
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[ShesGotLegs [[KickChick legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
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** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[TierInducedScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
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** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[TierInducedScrappy ([[HighTierScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
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** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangedFighter,just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
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** Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangedFighter,just LongRangeFighter, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), being a welcome addition for black female representation (something SNK has lacked in the past), definitely helps.
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* How can one forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
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* How can one you forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
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** Then there's Dolores; Gameplaywise, she's essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd. On her own merits though, she has a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), and is also a welcome addition for black female representation, something SNK has lacked in the past.
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** Then there's Dolores; Gameplaywise, she's essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd. On her own merits though, she has Dolores was very well-received well before she'd be revealed in full as part of the game's first open beta test. Sporting a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] (to put it mildly), is part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, just is a unique hybrid of a [[TheGrappler Grappler]] and LongRangedFighter,just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]), and is also being a welcome addition for black female representation, something representation (something SNK has lacked in the past.past), definitely helps.
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** Darli, already a Dark Horse in her own debut game, was well-received upon her reveal here for the same reasons as she was in ''Samurai Shodown (2019)''. Her being a bonafide badass PirateGirl (only in appearance, mind you) with a ''[[AmazonianBeauty gorgeous]]'' [[{{Stripperiffic}} design]], [[Creator/YuuKobayashi a voice]] [[ContraltoOfDanger that's smooth on the ears]], and a very fun and unique playstyle certainly helped win people over.
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* How can one forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}.
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* How can one forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}. Sure enough, his reveal at EVO 2022 (alongside Kim Kaphwan) was met with near-universal applause.
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** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too.
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** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too. His popularity assured him the spot of the first DLC fighter in ''XV''.
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* Lien from ''Maximum Impact'' is a somewhat lesser example of this, but she is one of the few new characters from that game whose design was generally well-received... plus her being '''REALLY''' hot certainly helps in a series with the likes of Mai Shiranui. Not only is she ''by far'' the MI character with the most fanart made out of, but she even got her own sprite set for MUGEN.
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Ensemble Darkhorse is for relatively minor characters who are unexpectedly popular. Isla is the new Deuteragonist of the Shun'ei saga, Antonov is an important antagonist of XIV and Lien and Alba are key characters of the Maximum Impact games. They aren't minor characters.
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** Antonov, the host of the ''XIV'' tournament was already loved for being the closest Rugal has to a GoodCounterpart besides his own son Adelheid (and one of the few noble hosts KOF has had besides Chizuru and the aforementioned Adel). And then came ''XV'' where he got an ''[[NiceHat awesome]]'' [[BarbarianLonghair redesign]] (based on Wrestling/RandySavage, no less) and was revealed to be teaming up with fellow Dark Horses Ramon and KOD to form the Galaxy Anton Wrestling team. Both his [[https://youtu.be/GmHDNKhcGVs team theme]] and especially [[https://youtu.be/EF3ktOUzmwo his own theme]] in ''XV'' kick plenty of ass, too.
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** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock]] [[TheHero Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of ''[[Franchise/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]]'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of ''[[Franchise/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]]'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
to:
** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock]] [[TheHero Rock Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''. \n** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of ''[[Franchise/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]]'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
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* Alba is another fan-favorite design from ''Maximum Impact''. His CoolShades, generally badass design, fun moveset, and equally cool fighting style have earned him enough points to be a runner-up (with 4824 votes) in a 2005 poll made by SNK-Playmore USA. Like fellow darkhorse Lien, he too has a MUGEN sprite set.
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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/new_face_team.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:A team so popular, they were ''[[TheBusCameBack resurrected]]'' [[TheBusCameBack for a mainline title]] after ''25 years'' of (canonical) absence in the series.[[labelnote:L-R]] [[MsFanservice Shermie]], [[TheLeader Yashiro]], and [[BadassAdorable Chris]], otherwise known as the New Faces or Orochi Team. [[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:A team so popular, they were ''[[TheBusCameBack resurrected]]'' [[TheBusCameBack for a mainline title]] after ''25 years'' of (canonical) absence in the series.[[labelnote:L-R]] [[MsFanservice Shermie]], [[TheLeader Yashiro]], and [[BadassAdorable Chris]], otherwise known as the New Faces or Orochi Team. [[/labelnote]]]]
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[[caption-width-right:350:A team so popular, they were ''[[TheBusCameBack resurrected]]'' [[TheBusCameBack
%%
%% Due to the nature of this trope, finding a proper image will be very tricky.
%% DO NOT add an image to this page or any of the other EnsembleDarkhose subpages without discussion in Image Pickin'.
%% See this IP thread for
%% Image removed per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1653999562014733600
%%
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Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
** Then there's Dolores, who is essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd, has a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] to put it mildly, is also a part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, and just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]).
to:
** Then there's Dolores, who is Dolores; Gameplaywise, she's essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd, Najd. On her own merits though, she has a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] to (to put it mildly, mildly), is also a part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, and just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]).Unigaya]]), and is also a welcome addition for black female representation, something SNK has lacked in the past.
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* The [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] - of all teams - has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
* How can one forget about Shingo Yabuki? Kyo's AscendedFanboy and the [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Sakura]] to his Ryu? {{Adorkable}} doesn't even ''begin'' to describe this guy as - despite his very goofy and laidback nature - he's actually [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass a lot brigher than one might give him credit for]]. Especially since, unlike his perceived equivalent [[JokeCharacter Dan]], he ''canonically won a KOF tournament''[[note]] He was a part of ''KOF [='=]99's'' Hero Team, alongside series regular Benimaru and then-newcomers K' and Maxima. [[/note]]. As if that wasn't enough, he's also [[BadassNormal stronger than]] [[ClarkKentOutfit he looks]], being able to [[MadeOfIron survive being mauled by Orochi!Iori]] at the end of ''XI'' with only a couple bruises to show for it. And his seiyuu? ''[[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu DIO]]'' ''[[Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure himself]]''. To say that he's one of the most requested characters for ''KOF XV'' would be an {{understatement}}.
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* Even the [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
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* Even Adelheid is the [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] prime example of a character who is [[TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter criminally underutilized]]. Being a RedeemingReplacement to his father in every way on top of being one of the most noble hosts ''KOF'' has had alongside Chizuru and Antonov, Adel is definitely one of many characters in ''KOF'' to have a surprisingly large cult following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically ever appearing as a Boss in the very first installment.''2003'' and an unlockable sub-boss in ''XI''. When players realized he was relegated to an NPC in ''XIII'' many people were [[MemeticMutation disappointed immesurably and many days were ruined]].
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* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
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* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
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* Ramon very quickly became a series staple not only for being a cool homage to Tiger Mask right down to his visual design, but also the fact that he's the first Mexican[[note]] KOF is ''[[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff massively]]'' [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff popular]] in Latin America, especially Mexico. [[/note]] representative in the series on top of being part of the Hero Team in his debut alongside Vanessa. Speaking of which...
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
* Vanessa is also another character who quickly became a series staple simply for how ''refreshing'' she is as a character concept: an ActionMom who averts FieryRedhead, is one of the [[StatuesqueStunner tallest ladies in the series]], ''and'' is one of the oldest female characters in the series at 30 years old. And that's not even getting into the fact that she's also one of the few female {{Boxing Battler}}s in all of fighting games, either. In fact, she proved so popular she'd even inspire [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Crimson Viper]], a whole eight years after the fact.
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* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example.
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* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example.example, thanks to having one of the most CreepyAwesome character designs in the series, awesome voice work on his EvilLaugh courtesy of Creator/TakayaKuroda (AKA none other than [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Kazuma Kiryu]]), and a very interesting subplot connecting several teams and fighters together. Long have fans been anticipating the day he becomes a playable character.
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* While most of the newcomers from ''XIV'' we're hit or miss, there were a few hits to be had --
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* While most of the newcomers from ''XIV'' we're were hit or miss, there were a few hits to be had --
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** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of [[VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]], ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
to:
** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of [[VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]], ''[[Franchise/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]]'', ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
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--> '''Luong:''' [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]
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--> '''Luong:''' [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters [-'''Luong:''' [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters [[YMMV/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]][[/labelnote]]-]
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** Of the completely new characters introduced to ''XIV'' that didn't make it into ''XV'' (at least not initially), Najd is probably the biggest one of all. A [[CastingAShadow unique power set]], DifficultButAwesome gameplay, [[InTheHood badass design]], and an admittedly catchy {{leitmotif}} all make her one of the more well-liked characters in a game that had no shortage of (hit-or-miss) newcomers.
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** Of the completely new characters introduced to ''XIV'' that didn't make it into ''XV'' (at least not initially), Najd is probably the biggest one dark horse of all. A [[CastingAShadow unique power set]], DifficultButAwesome gameplay, [[InTheHood badass design]], and an admittedly catchy {{leitmotif}} all make her one of the more well-liked characters in a game that had no shortage of (hit-or-miss) newcomers.
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** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than Krohnen [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with a different look and identity)]]. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
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** There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than Krohnen [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with a different look and identity)]]. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarassingLastName [[EmbarrassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
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** Of the completely new characters introduced to ''XIV'' that didn't make it into ''XV'' (at least not initially), Najd is probably the biggest one of all. A [[CastingAShadow unique power set]], DifficultButAwesome gameplay, [[InTheHood badass design]], and an admittedly catchy {{leitmotif}} all make her one of the more well-liked characters in a game that had no shortage of (hit-or-miss) newcomers.
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** And finally, while his true identity is [[AmbiguousSituation up in]] [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown the air]], Krohnen was welcomed (back) with open arms from the very moment he was revealed in The Video Game Awards 2021. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}.
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** And finally, while his true identity is [[AmbiguousSituation up in]] [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown the air]], There honestly couldn't be a more refreshed design of a... ''[[CreatorsPest interesting]]'' [[Manga/{{Akira}} character]] (to put it mildly) better than Krohnen was welcomed (back) [[spoiler:(who, in reality '''IS''' K9999, just with open arms from the very moment he was revealed in The Video Game Awards 2021.a different look and identity)]]. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}. Just try not to giggle at his [[EmbarassingLastName last name]] and you'll be fine.
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** If we're being frank, there's very little reason to explain why [[MsFanservice Shermie]] is popular. Gorgeous design (which got updated for ''XV''), catty and charming personality, and the fact that she's one of the first and most prominent female [[GrappleMove grapplers]] in all of fighting games (who, mind you, precedes [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha R.Mika]] by a year, though there was also Vice in ''[='=]96''). Case in point - her character trailer was the first one to reach 1M views on Website/YouTube. Yeah, she's ''that'' popular.
to:
** If we're being frank, there's very little reason to explain why [[MsFanservice Shermie]] is popular. Gorgeous design (which got updated for ''XV''), catty and charming personality, and the fact that she's one of the first and most prominent female [[GrappleMove grapplers]] in all of fighting games (who, mind you, precedes [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha R.Mika]] by a year, though there was also Vice in ''[='=]96''). Case in point - her [[https://youtu.be/rbXDQND5EmU character trailer trailer]] was the first one to reach 1M views on Website/YouTube. Yeah, she's ''that'' popular.
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* The New Faces/CYS/Orochi Team pictured above are a shining example within the series. They proved to be so popular that, despite only canonically appearing in ''[='=]97'', where they were KilledOffForReal (and subsequently appearing in [='=]98 and ''2002'', both which being non-canon {{Dream Match game}}s), they were brought BackFromTheDead for ''KOF XV''.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his very rugged and chiseled appearance, (one-sided) rivalry with Iori, and for the fact that he's an incredibly fun and maneuverable LightningBruiser of a character.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his very rugged and chiseled appearance, (one-sided) rivalry with Iori, and for the fact that he's an incredibly fun and maneuverable LightningBruiser of a character.
to:
* The New Faces/CYS/Orochi Team pictured above are a shining example within the series. They proved to be so popular that, despite only canonically appearing in ''[='=]97'', where they were KilledOffForReal (and subsequently appearing in [='=]98 ''[='=]98'' and ''2002'', both which being non-canon {{Dream Match game}}s), they were brought BackFromTheDead for ''KOF XV''.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his [[{{Hunk}} veryrugged rugged]] [[MrFanservice and chiseled appearance, appearance]], (one-sided) rivalry with Iori, and for the fact that he's an incredibly fun and maneuverable LightningBruiser of a character.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his [[{{Hunk}} very
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* Shermie. A one-shot villain who never officially appears in future non-dream match installments, but remains very popular and ends up being included in both ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''. It helps that she's got a killer rack and [[ShesGotLegs nice legs]]. As of ''XIV'', she's one of the many dead characters brought back to life by Verse, just in time to appear in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy''. Her teammates Yashiro Nanakase and Chris get similar treatment as well, to the point that ''SNK Heroines'' turned out to be a foreshadowing for their official return in ''XV'', with Yashiro being the first confirmed. When the time came for her official reveal, everyone was immediately won over.
* Yashiro as well, for being a really cool LightningBruiser of a character with a fun, hard-hitting moveset, a cool design (that got a nice refresh in ''XV''), and for his rivalry with Iori. And lest we forget that he's also [[MrFanservice quite handsome]], too.
* Yashiro as well, for being a really cool LightningBruiser of a character with a fun, hard-hitting moveset, a cool design (that got a nice refresh in ''XV''), and for his rivalry with Iori. And lest we forget that he's also [[MrFanservice quite handsome]], too.
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* Shermie. A one-shot villain who never officially appears in future non-dream match installments, but remains very The New Faces/CYS/Orochi Team pictured above are a shining example within the series. They proved to be so popular that, despite only canonically appearing in ''[='=]97'', where they were KilledOffForReal (and subsequently appearing in [='=]98 and ends up ''2002'', both which being included in both ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''. It helps that she's got a killer rack and [[ShesGotLegs nice legs]]. As of ''XIV'', she's one of the many dead characters non-canon {{Dream Match game}}s), they were brought back to life by Verse, just in time to appear in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy''. Her teammates Yashiro Nanakase BackFromTheDead for ''KOF XV''.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his very rugged andChris get similar treatment as well, to chiseled appearance, (one-sided) rivalry with Iori, and for the point fact that ''SNK Heroines'' turned out to be a foreshadowing for their official return in ''XV'', with Yashiro being the first confirmed. When the time came for her official reveal, everyone was immediately won over.
* Yashiro as well, for being a really coolhe's an incredibly fun and maneuverable LightningBruiser of a character with a fun, hard-hitting moveset, a cool character.
** If we're being frank, there's very little reason to explain why [[MsFanservice Shermie]] is popular. Gorgeous design(that (which got a nice refresh in updated for ''XV''), catty and for his rivalry with Iori. And lest we forget charming personality, and the fact that he's she's one of the first and most prominent female [[GrappleMove grapplers]] in all of fighting games (who, mind you, precedes [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha R.Mika]] by a year, though there was also [[MrFanservice quite handsome]], too. Vice in ''[='=]96''). Case in point - her character trailer was the first one to reach 1M views on Website/YouTube. Yeah, she's ''that'' popular.
** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[TierInducedScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
** Yashiro, TheLeader of the three, is well-liked both for his very rugged and
* Yashiro as well, for being a really cool
** If we're being frank, there's very little reason to explain why [[MsFanservice Shermie]] is popular. Gorgeous design
** And finally, we have Chris, who is not only one of the youngest fighters in the series (at a meager ''14'' years old - the same age as Kula), but also a very fun, maneuverable fighter that ended up being top tier in ''[='=]98'' ([[TierInducedScrappy for better or worse]]). The icing on the cake for him are two things: he bears more than a passing resemblance to a [[Characters/NeonGenesisEvangelionShinjiIkari certain hero]] from a [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion certain anime]], and his back walk animation has him ''[[Music/MichaelJackson moonwalking]]''.
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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/new_face_team.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:A team so popular, they were ''[[TheBusCameBack resurrected]]'' [[TheBusCameBack for a mainline title]] after ''25 years'' of (canonical) absence in the series.[[labelnote:L-R]] [[MsFanservice Shermie]], [[TheLeader Yashiro]], and [[BadassAdorable Chris]], otherwise known as the New Faces or Orochi Team. [[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:A team so popular, they were ''[[TheBusCameBack resurrected]]'' [[TheBusCameBack for a mainline title]] after ''25 years'' of (canonical) absence in the series.[[labelnote:L-R]] [[MsFanservice Shermie]], [[TheLeader Yashiro]], and [[BadassAdorable Chris]], otherwise known as the New Faces or Orochi Team. [[/labelnote]]]]
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With a long-runner such as ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters'', you're bound to have some hits in the form of these characters.
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--> '''Luong:''' [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters Domo]], manzoku shitana.[[labelnote:EN]] [[Franchise/TheKingOfFighters Thanks]], I'm satisfied. [[/labelnote]]
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* Duck King. The dude is [[FunPersonified almost always cheerful]], overly eccentric, and can pull off some of the craziest stunts... using [[DanceBattler breakdancing moves]] ''[[RuleOfCool that are humanly impossible]]'' (in RealLife, employing breakdancing as a martial art would leave you with several broken bones ''at best''). Oh, and did we mention [[HeadPet the family of ducks living inside his hair]] that copy his every move? This was before [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII Sazh]], mind you.
* Shermie. A one-shot villain who never officially appears in future non-dream match installments, but remains very popular and ends up being included in both ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''. It helps that she's got a killer rack and [[ShesGotLegs nice legs]]. As of ''XIV'', she's one of the many dead characters brought back to life by Verse, just in time to appear in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy''. Her teammates Yashiro Nanakase and Chris get similar treatment as well, to the point that ''SNK Heroines'' turned out to be a foreshadowing for their official return in ''XV'', with Yashiro being the first confirmed. When the time came for her official reveal, everyone was immediately won over.
* Yashiro as well, for being a really cool LightningBruiser of a character with a fun, hard-hitting moveset, a cool design (that got a nice refresh in ''XV''), and for his rivalry with Iori. And lest we forget that he's also [[MrFanservice quite handsome]], too.
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example.
* Even the [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
* Oswald. A combination of being one of the best characters in the game and just having a pretty damn cool character design made him one of the most popular characters on the ''XI'' roster. Fans were excited when he was teased, then later announced, for ''XIV's'' second round of DLC characters. Pretty impressive for someone who was essentially meant as a one-off character.
* May Lee went from being a ReplacementScrappy for Kim to becoming one of the more well-received characters from the Eolith era due to her quirky {{tokusatsu}} mannerisms and general cuteness.
* Angel, even though she only appears in ''2001'' canonically, gets a lot of popularity due to being very powerful gameplay-wise and being quite the bombshell. Enough that she even reappears in ''XIV'' when people would least suspect her (with Ramon to boot).
* While most of the newcomers from ''XIV'' we're hit or miss, there were a few hits to be had --
** King of Dinosaurs' introduction was met with very favorable reception, mostly because he's basically a [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs dinosaur-themed]] [[{{Expy}} Tizoc]].[[note]] Especially since he is Tizoc trying to perform a FaceHeelTurn...emphasis on "[[PokeThePoodle trying]]".[[/note]]
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[ShesGotLegs legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
** Antonov, the host of the ''XIV'' tournament was already loved for being the closest Rugal has to a GoodCounterpart besides his own son Adelheid (and one of the few noble hosts KOF has had besides Chizuru and the aforementioned Adel). And then came ''XV'' where he got an ''[[NiceHat awesome]]'' [[BarbarianLonghair redesign]] (based on Wrestling/RandySavage, no less) and was revealed to be teaming up with fellow Dark Horses Ramon and KOD to form the Galaxy Anton Wrestling team. Both his [[https://youtu.be/GmHDNKhcGVs team theme]] and especially [[https://youtu.be/EF3ktOUzmwo his own theme]] in ''XV'' kick plenty of ass, too.
** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock]] [[TheHero Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of [[VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]], ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
** Then there's Dolores, who is essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd, has a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] to put it mildly, is also a part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, and just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]).
** And finally, while his true identity is [[AmbiguousSituation up in]] [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown the air]], Krohnen was welcomed (back) with open arms from the very moment he was revealed in The Video Game Awards 2021. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}.
* Lien from ''Maximum Impact'' is a somewhat lesser example of this, but she is one of the few new characters from that game whose design was generally well-received... plus her being '''REALLY''' hot certainly helps in a series with the likes of Mai Shiranui. Not only is she ''by far'' the MI character with the most fanart made out of, but she even got her own sprite set for MUGEN.
* Alba is another fan-favorite design from ''Maximum Impact''. His CoolShades, generally badass design, fun moveset, and equally cool fighting style have earned him enough points to be a runner-up (with 4824 votes) in a 2005 poll made by SNK-Playmore USA. Like fellow darkhorse Lien, he too has a MUGEN sprite set.
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* Duck King. The dude is [[FunPersonified almost always cheerful]], overly eccentric, and can pull off some of the craziest stunts... using [[DanceBattler breakdancing moves]] ''[[RuleOfCool that are humanly impossible]]'' (in RealLife, employing breakdancing as a martial art would leave you with several broken bones ''at best''). Oh, and did we mention [[HeadPet the family of ducks living inside his hair]] that copy his every move? This was before [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII Sazh]], mind you.
* Shermie. A one-shot villain who never officially appears in future non-dream match installments, but remains very popular and ends up being included in both ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and ''VideoGame/NeoGeoBattleColiseum''. It helps that she's got a killer rack and [[ShesGotLegs nice legs]]. As of ''XIV'', she's one of the many dead characters brought back to life by Verse, just in time to appear in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy''. Her teammates Yashiro Nanakase and Chris get similar treatment as well, to the point that ''SNK Heroines'' turned out to be a foreshadowing for their official return in ''XV'', with Yashiro being the first confirmed. When the time came for her official reveal, everyone was immediately won over.
* Yashiro as well, for being a really cool LightningBruiser of a character with a fun, hard-hitting moveset, a cool design (that got a nice refresh in ''XV''), and for his rivalry with Iori. And lest we forget that he's also [[MrFanservice quite handsome]], too.
* Eiji Kisaragi, the no-nonsense {{ninja}} from ''VideoGame/ArtOfFighting 2''. ''Very'' popular among the fandom. Discounting his appearance in the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, SNK finally brought him back in ''XI'' to please the crowd after an '''eight''' game absence. (Note: his last in-game appearance was in ''[='95=]'', ''the second game in the series''.)
* Ron, the badass [[NonPlayerCharacter NPC]] who shows up in ''KOF 2000'', is a notable example.
* Even the [[ButtMonkey American Sports Team]] has a surprisingly large following despite the fact that they only appeared canonically in the very first installment.
* Oswald. A combination of being one of the best characters in the game and just having a pretty damn cool character design made him one of the most popular characters on the ''XI'' roster. Fans were excited when he was teased, then later announced, for ''XIV's'' second round of DLC characters. Pretty impressive for someone who was essentially meant as a one-off character.
* May Lee went from being a ReplacementScrappy for Kim to becoming one of the more well-received characters from the Eolith era due to her quirky {{tokusatsu}} mannerisms and general cuteness.
* Angel, even though she only appears in ''2001'' canonically, gets a lot of popularity due to being very powerful gameplay-wise and being quite the bombshell. Enough that she even reappears in ''XIV'' when people would least suspect her (with Ramon to boot).
* While most of the newcomers from ''XIV'' we're hit or miss, there were a few hits to be had --
** King of Dinosaurs' introduction was met with very favorable reception, mostly because he's basically a [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs dinosaur-themed]] [[{{Expy}} Tizoc]].[[note]] Especially since he is Tizoc trying to perform a FaceHeelTurn...emphasis on "[[PokeThePoodle trying]]".[[/note]]
** Luong... ''[[MsFanservice hoo boy.]]'' Gorgeous and ''very'' appealing design? Check. Charming and catty personality (which is ''especially'' [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]] during her special intro with Kim)? Check. Fun and surprisingly accessible gameplay? Check. Uses those [[ShesGotLegs legs of hers]] [[GlassCannon to their fullest potential?]] ''Check.'' Throw in the fact that she has a special intro with fellow Dark Horse Shermie in her ''XV'' trailer and you have yourself a very welcome addition to the series. Even further still - she's a part of ''XV's'' Secret Agent Team alongside Mary and Vanessa.
** Antonov, the host of the ''XIV'' tournament was already loved for being the closest Rugal has to a GoodCounterpart besides his own son Adelheid (and one of the few noble hosts KOF has had besides Chizuru and the aforementioned Adel). And then came ''XV'' where he got an ''[[NiceHat awesome]]'' [[BarbarianLonghair redesign]] (based on Wrestling/RandySavage, no less) and was revealed to be teaming up with fellow Dark Horses Ramon and KOD to form the Galaxy Anton Wrestling team. Both his [[https://youtu.be/GmHDNKhcGVs team theme]] and especially [[https://youtu.be/EF3ktOUzmwo his own theme]] in ''XV'' kick plenty of ass, too.
** While all four of the characters for ''XIV''[='s=] DLC Pack 1 have had fans, a lot were excited (especially [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Dood]]) to see [[VideoGame/GarouMarkOfTheWolves Rock]] [[TheHero Howard]] finally make his main series debut. Helps that he's a very accessible and well-rounded fighter, too.
* The ''KOF XV'' newcomers are considerably more well-received than the ones introduced in ''XIV''.
** Isla became this from the very moment she was revealed back in [=GamesCom=] 2021. Not only is her design much more cohesive than Shun'ei's (which is all the more appropriate since she's billed as the Iori to Shun'ei's Kyo), but it also evokes the likes of [[VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends K/DA]], ''VideoGame/JetSetRadio'', and ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' all into one stylish, urban, rebel graffiti artist package. Helping her quite a bit is both hailing from Chile (a South American country that ''isn't'' Brazil) and her trailer theme, "Time for revolution It's our generation" resembling something from either of the aforementioned games. And to make it even better, she's voiced by none other than Creator/{{Lynn}} of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' fame.
** Then there's Dolores, who is essentially a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to Najd, has a very ''[[{{Stripperific}} striking]]'' [[DarkSkinnedBlonde design]] to put it mildly, is also a part of the Rivals team alongside Isla and ''Heidern'' of all people, and just so happens to be voiced by Creator/YukoKaida (aka, [[VideoGame/Persona5 Sae Niijima]], [[VideoGame/{{Judgment}} Saori Shirosaki]], and [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ikumi Unigaya]]).
** And finally, while his true identity is [[AmbiguousSituation up in]] [[CharlieBrownFromOuttaTown the air]], Krohnen was welcomed (back) with open arms from the very moment he was revealed in The Video Game Awards 2021. Between having a very nice and refreshed design that's a [[CompositeCharacter composite]] of the two characters he succeeds, [[MovesetClone retaining the same animations, moveset,]] [[{{Jerkass}} and demeanor]] that made his predecessor so fondly remembered in the first place, Krohnen is pretty much ''the'' character that lived up to the game's {{Tagline}}.
* Lien from ''Maximum Impact'' is a somewhat lesser example of this, but she is one of the few new characters from that game whose design was generally well-received... plus her being '''REALLY''' hot certainly helps in a series with the likes of Mai Shiranui. Not only is she ''by far'' the MI character with the most fanart made out of, but she even got her own sprite set for MUGEN.
* Alba is another fan-favorite design from ''Maximum Impact''. His CoolShades, generally badass design, fun moveset, and equally cool fighting style have earned him enough points to be a runner-up (with 4824 votes) in a 2005 poll made by SNK-Playmore USA. Like fellow darkhorse Lien, he too has a MUGEN sprite set.
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