King of Fighters R-1 is a single-player action fighting game in which players select from a roster of well-known characters to engage in one-on-one combat, utilizing a variety of moves and special attacks. In this game, the storyline revolves around the classic King of Fighters tournament, featuring characters competing for supremacy across familiar backgrounds, with gameplay inspired by The King of Fighters '97. It stands out with its adaptation to handheld platforms, offering modes like 'Extra' and 'Advance' that mirror the mechanics of KOF '97, and maintaining the core gameplay experience of the original series on the Neo Geo Pocket.