The King of Fighters: Heat of Battle, also known in Japan as Nettou The King of Fighters '96 is a Game Boy game based on The King of Fighters '96. It is the successor to Nettou The King of Fighters '95 but unlike the previous game all the content of the original game is included, except for Team Assistance. Every character has their own stage and special endings depending of their team.
Mr. Karate, also known as Takuma, appears as a special guest who can only be unlocked on this version. Other unlockable characters include Orochi Iori and Orochi Leona, originally playable on The King of Fighters '97, and Chizuru's friend, Maki Kagura before she appears on The King of Fighters 2003.
