Social Relations

Social Relations are a mechanic in The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98.

Overview
Before each battle, you can select the order your characters will fight. In the Order Select Screen, hold down the C button to see the smiley icons that depict teammate relationships. These icons identify how POW stocks are affected between rounds (when in Advanced Mode), and if your teammates will help you by calling off a Back-Up Attack (both Advanced and Extra Modes). The icons do not affect your Power Gauge, only your current POW stocks. The character relations specifically reflect on the order you have designated.

This mechanic would be removed from series starting with The King of Fighters '99, and did not return in The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match.