Crystal of Atlan's KOF '98 event adds Mai Shiranui and new Sugariff class branch

Crystal of Atlan's collaboration with The King of Fighters '98 is now fully underway, introducing Mai Shiranui as a combat NPC alongside a new Fighter class branch called Sugariff. Sugariff uses music and rhythm-enhanced punches and kicks, while associated growth events help players accelerate the new class through equipment and enhancement rewards. Mai appears through the Dancing With Flames challenge, a five-round battle event that can award collaboration cosmetics including an emote and Flaming Ring aura.

Additional themed clothing and a chibi Mai pet extend the crossover into the game's collection systems. Crystal of Atlan has already demonstrated an aggressive collaboration strategy, including a previous NieR:Automata event. Crossovers are particularly useful for live-service RPGs because they give dormant players a reason to return without requiring an entirely new permanent region. The challenge is avoiding dependence on licensed guests for every major engagement spike.

Sugariff is arguably the more important addition because a permanent class branch expands the game's underlying combat system after the event itself eventually disappears.