K9999 In KOF 2002 UM: Moves, Combos, And Gameplay
Hey everyone! Let's dive into the world of K9999 in King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (KOF 2002 UM). K9999 is a character who's as controversial as he is powerful, mainly because of his similarities to Tetsuo Shima from Akira. But setting aside the legal stuff, K9999 brings a unique and devastating playstyle to KOF 2002 UM that's worth exploring. Whether you're a seasoned KOF player or just getting started, understanding K9999's moves, combos, and overall gameplay can seriously up your game. So, let’s break it down and see what makes K9999 tick, alright guys?
Who is K9999?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly recap who K9999 is. Introduced in KOF 2001, K9999 is a clone of Kyo Kusanagi created by NESTS. However, his powers are vastly different, drawing inspiration from Tetsuo Shima, the protagonist of the anime film Akira. This inspiration is evident in his design and special moves, which involve transforming his arm into monstrous shapes and firing energy blasts. In KOF 2002 UM, K9999 retains much of his original moveset but with some tweaks and improvements, making him a formidable character in the right hands. K9999 possesses the ability to morph his arm into various shapes and unleash devastating energy attacks. He quickly gained notoriety for his unique design and powerful moveset, setting him apart from the rest of the KOF roster.
However, K9999's tenure in the KOF series was short-lived. Due to legal issues surrounding his similarities to Tetsuo Shima from Akira, he was replaced by a new character named Nameless in later installments of the series. Despite his brief appearance, K9999 remains a fan favorite and a popular choice among players of KOF 2002 UM. His inclusion in the game adds a layer of excitement and controversy, making him a memorable and unique addition to the KOF universe. For players looking to master a character with a distinctive style and devastating power, K9999 is an excellent choice, offering a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities that can catch opponents off guard.
K9999's Moveset
Okay, let's get into the exciting part – his moves! K9999 has a wild set of moves, and mastering them is key to dominating with him. Here’s a breakdown:
Normal Moves
- Standing Light Punch (close): A quick jab that can be used for pressure.
 - Standing Light Kick (close): A fast low kick, good for catching opponents off guard.
 - Standing Heavy Punch (close): A strong punch that can lead to combos.
 - Standing Heavy Kick (close): A powerful kick that can knock opponents away.
 - Crouching Light Punch: A low jab, useful for quick pokes.
 - Crouching Light Kick: A fast low kick that can trip opponents.
 - Crouching Heavy Punch: A strong crouching punch with good range.
 - Crouching Heavy Kick: A sweeping kick that can knock down opponents.
 - Jumping Light Punch: An aerial jab, useful for air-to-air combat.
 - Jumping Light Kick: A quick aerial kick, good for mobility.
 - Jumping Heavy Punch: A strong aerial punch that can cross up opponents.
 - Jumping Heavy Kick: A powerful aerial kick that can knock down opponents.
 
Special Moves
- Tsuki (Quarter Circle Forward + Punch): K9999's signature move, where he morphs his arm into a drill and lunges forward. The strength of the punch button determines the distance. This move is crucial for both offense and pressure.
 - Meteo (Quarter Circle Backward + Punch): K9999 transforms his arm into a cannon and fires a projectile. The strength of the punch button affects the speed and distance of the projectile. It’s great for zoning and controlling space.
 - Warugaki (Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch): K9999 does a quick dash followed by a strike. This move is useful for closing the gap and catching opponents off guard. You can combo into this from light attacks.
 - Kusatta (Half Circle Backward + Kick): K9999 performs a backflip kick. This move can be used to create distance or as a surprise attack. It’s also useful for escaping pressure.
 - Deru Dakara (During close range, Forward, Half Circle Forward + Punch): K9999 grabs the opponent and slams them. This command grab is essential for dealing with opponents who like to block a lot. It’s also a great way to punish predictable behavior.
 
Desperation Moves (Supers)
- Kore Ga Saigo Da! (Quarter Circle Forward x2 + Punch): K9999 unleashes a powerful energy blast. This super move has good range and can be used to punish opponents from a distance. It’s also a great way to end combos.
 - Tsuki Ga…! (Quarter Circle Backward x2 + Punch): K9999 transforms his arm into a massive cannon and fires a devastating beam. This super move has a long startup, but it deals massive damage and can be a game-changer if it connects.
 - Hidden Super Desperation Move: Power!!! (Half Circle Forward x2 + E): K9999 does a series of heavy punches, culminating in a powerful explosion. This move is difficult to land due to its short range, but it deals incredible damage. To perform this move, you need to be low on health and have at least one super meter.
 
Basic Combos for K9999
Alright, now that we've covered the moves, let's get into some basic combos you can use to start dominating with K9999. These combos are relatively easy to execute and can be a great starting point for more advanced techniques:
- Standing Light Punch (close), Warugaki (Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch): A simple combo to start with. It's easy to execute and good for applying pressure.
 - Crouching Light Kick, Warugaki (Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch): Another easy combo that starts with a low hit, making it effective for catching opponents off guard.
 - Jumping Heavy Punch, Standing Heavy Punch (close), Tsuki (Quarter Circle Forward + Punch): A more advanced combo that starts with a jump-in attack. This combo deals good damage and can knock down opponents.
 - Standing Heavy Punch (close), Kore Ga Saigo Da! (Quarter Circle Forward x2 + Punch): A basic combo that ends with a super move. It's a great way to punish opponents from a distance.
 - Jump-in attack, Crouching Heavy Punch, Meteo (Quarter Circle Backward + Punch): Another combo that incorporates a projectile. This can keep opponents at bay.
 
Advanced Strategies and Tips
To truly master K9999, you'll need to delve into some advanced strategies and tips. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Master Spacing: K9999's Meteo (Quarter Circle Backward + Punch) is an excellent zoning tool. Use it to control space and keep opponents at a distance. Vary the strength of the punch button to change the speed and distance of the projectile.
 - Punish with Command Grab: K9999's Deru Dakara (During close range, Forward, Half Circle Forward + Punch) is a command grab that can punish opponents who like to block a lot. Use it to break through their defenses and deal significant damage.
 - Utilize Tsuki for Pressure: K9999's Tsuki (Quarter Circle Forward + Punch) is a versatile move that can be used for both offense and pressure. Use it to close the gap, apply pressure, and catch opponents off guard. Vary the strength of the punch button to change the distance of the attack.
 - Mix Up Your Attacks: Don't be predictable with your attacks. Mix up your combos, use a variety of moves, and keep your opponent guessing. This will make it harder for them to anticipate your moves and counterattack.
 - Take Advantage of His Unique Movement: K9999 has a distinctive dash and jump. Utilize these to your advantage to move around the screen quickly and evade enemy attacks.
 - Learn to Anti-Air: K9999 doesn't have the best anti-air options, so learning to time his Meteo or using a well-timed jumping attack is crucial to defend against aerial assaults.
 
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every character has their strengths and weaknesses, and K9999 is no exception. Understanding these can help you use him effectively and mitigate his shortcomings.
Strengths
- High Damage Output: K9999 can deal massive damage with his combos and super moves.
 - Good Zoning Tools: K9999's Meteo (Quarter Circle Backward + Punch) is an excellent zoning tool that can control space and keep opponents at a distance.
 - Command Grab: K9999's Deru Dakara (During close range, Forward, Half Circle Forward + Punch) is a command grab that can punish opponents who like to block a lot.
 - Versatile Moveset: K9999 has a versatile moveset that allows him to adapt to different situations and playstyles.
 
Weaknesses
- Poor Anti-Air: K9999 lacks effective anti-air options, making him vulnerable to jump-in attacks.
 - Slow Startup on Some Moves: Some of K9999's moves have a slow startup, making them easy to predict and counter.
 - Reliance on Meter: K9999's super moves are essential for dealing maximum damage, so he relies heavily on meter management.
 - Lack of Mobility: While his dash is unique, K9999's overall mobility is limited compared to some other characters.
 
Conclusion
So, there you have it! K9999 is a unique and powerful character in King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match. Despite his controversial design and limited appearances, he remains a fan favorite due to his devastating moveset and distinctive playstyle. By mastering his moves, learning his combos, and understanding his strengths and weaknesses, you can become a formidable K9999 player. Now, go out there and show everyone the power of K9999! Good luck, and have fun dominating the competition!