The character roster has been updated for this release, featuring 40 normal characters and 2 boss characters. The gameplay system remains similar to The King of Fighters 2000 , with the exception of the striker system, which has been redeveloped. Players can now customize their number of strikers and fighters after each battle. A fully active team has only one Power Stock, while a striker-dedicated team can access up to four. Each character assigned as a striker increases power for special maneuvers and Desperation Moves.