MAX Mode

MAX Mode is a reoccurring mechanic in The King of Fighters series.

Description
The fighter strikes a pose, and then flashes yellow (blue in KOF XIV and XV) for the duration of MAX Mode. A timer appears above the Special Meter Gauge, indicating how long MAX Mode will last. If the player also has more stocks stored while in this mode, they can pull off Super Special Moves. When the timer is depleted, MAX Mode ends, and the character's attributes revert to normal, keeping any stocks he has stored.

In The King of Fighters '97 and The King of Fighters '98, MAX Mode was a part of Advance Mode. When activated, the fighter is granted extra damage to their attacks and suffers less damage from the opponent.

However, in the re-release of the latter game, The King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match, Extra Mode has been reworked to keep a single stock bar if the meter is full as opposed to being in an automatic MAX Mode if the meter was full. As a result, Extra Mode allows the user to activate Max Mode manually like in Advance Mode, and the cost for a super no longer needs an extra stock due to Extra Mode only having 1 total. MAX Mode in this game also has a second version exclusive to Extra Mode, labeled as MAX Mode (Quick). If you activate MAX Mode when you land any physical hit (even from the air), it will activate MAX Mode (Quick) as it results in a faster activation without the power-up pose. This allows you to combo immediately into the next action without leaving an opening.

In The King of Fighters 2002 (and its remake), MAX Mode is changed from its  '97 and  '98 counterparts. When MAX Mode is activated, the fighter's attack damage will slightly decrease, but will also enable you to execute your character's hidden arsenal. Special Moves (and many other normal attacks) can be canceled into the next via the Free Cancel mechanic (carried over into The King of Fighters Neowave as part of Super Cancel Mode). This allows longer lasting combos that would normally not be possible. Performing a Super Special Move costs 1 stock, but the player can use one during MAX Mode without expending a stock. MAX Mode also unlocks the fighter's MAX Super Special Move (MAX 2 in Unlimited Match). MAX Mode ends immediately after a Super Special Move is performed.

MAX Mode returns in The King of Fighters XIV, and is changed again. Firstly, EX Special Moves can only be used during MAX Mode. Max Super Special Moves and Climax Super Special Moves uses all of the MAX Mode Gauge, and you cannot use a Level 1 Super for free unlike in The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match.

In The King of Fighters XV, MAX Mode returns with the established mechanics of XIV, but with added tweaks. Now, MAX Mode costs 2 bars of meter instead of 1. EX Special Moves can be used outside of MAX Mode, and now cost half a bar, and the character's attack and Guard Crush strength increases. MAX Mode Quick also returns in this game, albeit it can also be activated when you guard against a regular or command move, and the user will glow pink this time around as a new visual indicator. However, MAX Mode (Quick) does not increase its power for attacks and Guard Crushes akin to 2002. This variant of MAX Mode acts similar to Hyperdrive Mode from The King of Fighters XIII.

Appearances

 * The King of Fighters '97
 * The King of Fighters '98: Dream Match Never Ends (The Slugfest) (Dream Match)
 * The King of Fighters 2002: Challenge to Ultimate Battle (Dream Match)
 * The King of Fighters Neowave (Dream Match)
 * The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match (Remake)
 * The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match (Remake)
 * The King of Fighters XIV
 * The King of Fighters XV

Similar Mechanics

 * Advance Mode
 * Extra Mode
 * Armor Mode
 * Counter Mode
 * Critical Counter
 * Hyperdrive Mode