The KOF '99 Plus ROM is an unauthorized "bootleg" or hack of the original SNK arcade game The King of Fighters '99: Millennium Battle. While the base game is an official SNK release, the "Plus" version was developed by third-party hackers (likely of Chinese or Taiwanese origin) to provide features that were not accessible in the standard arcade cabinets. Exclusive ROM Features
The primary intent of the "Plus" version is to unlock restricted arcade content and simplify competitive play. Key exclusives include:
Unlocked Hidden Bosses: The final boss, Krizalid, is made selectable on the character selection screen without requiring complex cheat codes.
Infinite Striker System: In the original version, "Strikers" (assist characters) are limited by a stock system. The "Plus" ROM often grants infinite Striker uses, fundamentally changing the game's balance and combo potential.
Blood Effect Toggle: Many "Plus" versions enable the "Red Blood" effect by default, which was often censored (showing white sweat instead) in specific arcade regions.
Simplified Special Moves: These ROMs frequently include "simplified" input scripts (e.g., using a single button to execute a Super Special Move) to cater to casual players in arcade centers.
Secret Characters: Hidden versions of characters like Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami (who were secret in the original '99 release) are typically unlocked by default on the character grid. Technical Identification
In emulation software like MAME, this ROM is classified as a "clone" or "hack." MAME Name: kof99phl Full Description: The King of Fighters '99 (Plus) Development Background
These "Plus" versions appeared shortly after the original 1999 release and were widely distributed on multi-game cartridges (like the "100-in-1" Neo Geo carts) found in unregulated arcade markets. They are not recognized as "official" by SNK and are generally banned from professional fighting game tournaments due to the infinite assist and boss-character imbalances. KoF '99 Review - Neo-Geo.com
The King of Fighters '99 Plus is a modified arcade ROM (bootleg or hack) of the original Neo Geo release that provides immediate access to hidden content and gameplay alterations not available in the standard arcade version. While the official KOF '99: Millennium Battle requires specific codes or performance metrics to unlock "Real" Kyo and Iori, the "Plus" version is designed for instant gratification and "boss-play" accessibility. Key Features and "Exclusive" Content
Unlike the standard arcade ROM, the Plus edition typically includes:
Instant Unlocks: Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami are often available directly on the character selection screen without needing to enter the classic manual codes.
Boss Accessibility: It frequently allows players to select both forms of the final boss, Krizalid, which is normally restricted to CPU-only or console-exclusive modes.
Groove Mechanics: Some advanced ROM hacks (often labeled under "Plus" or "Anniversary" collections) allow players to toggle between '99-style and '98-style gameplay mechanics (Grooves), altering how characters move and fight. kof 99 plus rom exclusive
Unlimited Striker Use: Many versions remove the "Striker Bomb" limit, allowing for constant assists during combat—a feature that drastically changes the competitive balance of the game. Comparison: Plus ROM vs. Official "Evolution"
If you are looking for the definitive "expanded" experience, the official console port, KOF '99 Evolution (Dreamcast/PC), offers more refined exclusives than the bootleg Plus ROMs: KOF '99 Plus (ROM Hack) KOF '99 Evolution (Official) Playable Bosses Yes (Krizalid Form 1 & 2) No (Strikers Only) New Strikers Standard roster only 16+ New Strikers (Vanessa, Seth, etc.) Graphics Original 2D Sprites 3D Rendered Backgrounds Game Modes Endless Survival & Time Trial How to Unlock in Standard ROMs
If you are using the original KOF '99 ROM instead of the Plus version, you can manually unlock the "exclusive" characters using these inputs at the Character Select screen:
The King of Fighters '99 Plus (often referred to as ) is a modified version of the original Neo Geo arcade ROM. While the standard version introduced the Striker System Armor/Counter Modes
, the "Plus" or "Anniversary" ROM hacks typically offer exclusive features that streamline gameplay or unlock hidden content that normally requires complex codes. Exclusive ROM Features
Unlike the original arcade release, these modified "Plus" ROMs often include: Unlocked Bosses
(both forms) directly from the character selection screen without needing to meet high score requirements. Hidden Characters : Instant access to Real Kyo Kusanagi Iori Yagami
, who are usually hidden behind secret button combinations at the "Random" selection box. Groove Selection
: Some advanced hacks (like the Anniversary Edition) allow players to choose between '99 and '98 gameplay mechanics
, effectively changing character movesets and visuals to match their '98 counterparts. Rebalanced Mechanics
: Modern ROM versions often include bug fixes and rebalancing for top-tier characters to make competitive play more fair. Standard "Plus" vs. Evolution
While the ROM hacks focus on arcade-style modifications, the official enhanced version, The King of Fighters '99: Evolution , provides its own set of exclusives: 3D Rendered Backgrounds
: Stages were completely remodeled in 3D for the Dreamcast and PC versions. Additional Strikers : Features exclusive extra Strikers like Fiolina Germi Hidden Character Unlock Codes (For Standard ROMs) The KOF '99 Plus ROM is an unauthorized
If you are playing a standard ROM and need to unlock the exclusives manually: Real Kyo Kusanagi : At the character select screen, highlight the Random Box , and press: Left, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right Iori Yagami : Highlight the Random Box , and press: Right, Left, Up, Right, Down, Left for the hidden characters or the Battle Ability system used to trigger the final secret fights? The King Of Fighter 99 - Hack ULTRA REMIX PRO 17 Feb 2020 —
KOF '99 Plus ROM (often part of unofficial arcade hacks or "Plus" series sets) typically focuses on unlocking restricted characters like , and the final boss
, while sometimes introducing gameplay tweaks like infinite striker gauge or pre-unlocked hidden moves Hidden Character Unlock Codes
In the standard arcade version, these characters require specific "Battle Point" scores or complex inputs
. In many "Plus" ROMs, these inputs work instantly at the character select screen Real Kyo Kusanagi : Highlight the (?) Random Select icon, hold , and press:
left arrow comma right arrow comma up arrow comma left arrow comma down arrow comma right arrow Iori Yagami : Highlight the (?) Random Select icon, hold , and press:
right arrow comma left arrow comma up arrow comma right arrow comma down arrow comma left arrow
: While most Plus ROMs have him selectable from the start (often at the edges of the screen), standard hacks may require holding over a specific character (like ) and pressing a button Gameplay System Overhauls
Some advanced "Plus" or "Anniversary" hacks (like the one found on SuperCombo Wiki
) add features that weren't in the original 1999 arcade release: Groove Select : Choose between (Striker system) and (classic 3v3 mechanics) EX Characters
: Alternative versions of characters with older movesets from KOF '97 or '98 Rebalanced Bosses : A playable version of
that is tuned for fair competitive play rather than being "boss-tier" powerful Essential Combat Controls Summon Striker simultaneously Counter Mode
with 3 power stocks. This allows unlimited Super Special Moves for a short time Armor Mode The Emulator: Use MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator)
with 3 power stocks. Increases defense and prevents flinching from attacks Advanced Character Secrets Team / Character Secret Bonus Kyo Secret Team for a special ending Iori Secret Team for a unique story sequence Extra Strikers Console-specific versions (Evolution) included as "Extra Strikers" before their debut in KOF 2000
The King of Fighters '99: Millennium Battle - Move List and Guide
CHARACTER MOVELISTS - Hero Team '99 (K', Maxima, Benimaru, Shingo) - Fatal (Mid-Boss and Last Boss forms) The King of Fighters '99 – Cheats - GameFAQs
It is important to clarify that "KOF '99 Plus" is not an official release from SNK. Instead, it is a bootleg (hack) ROM created by unofficial developers or scene groups in the early 2000s. These ROMs were often distributed on arcade cabinets in regions like Southeast Asia and China.
Here is a technical and historical breakdown of the KOF '99 Plus ROM Exclusive content.
Here is the legal and ethical disclaimer: You should only download this ROM if you own a legitimate copy of The King of Fighters ‘99 for Neo Geo CD, MVS, or AES.
That said, for preservationists, here is how you experience this oddity:
kof99p.zip or kof99plus.zip. Do not confuse it with kof99n.zip (the original).1. The "Infinite Striker" (No Charge Time)
2. Hidden Characters Directly Playable (No Secret Codes) In the original arcade version, bosses like Krizalid (in his cloak and power-activated form) required a secret team or a Game Shark code. The "Plus" ROM makes these characters selectable from the main roster without any input code.
3. Altered Character Roster & Palette Swaps
4. Dramatically Increased Damage Output
5. Striker Swapping Glitch (Become a Feature) In the original, switching strikers was not intended. In the Plus ROM, a common exclusive bug/feature allows you to cycle through your entire bench of strikers instantly, letting you chain Striker attacks from 4 different characters in one combo.
In the official arcade version, several popular characters were unselectable or required specific input codes to access.
Bootleg ROMs are famous for "recolor" hacks. Depending on which version of the Plus ROM you download, you might find: