Look, if you spent any time in arcades during the mid-90s, you probably remember the absolute graphical powerhouse that was Art of Fighting 3: The Path of the Warrior. It was SNK showing off. The sprites were massive, the animation was fluid thanks to some early motion-capture experiments, and the "Ultimate KO" system made every round feel like a life-or-death struggle. But then there’s Wang Koh-San.
While Ryo and Robert were busy doing their best Patrick Swayze and Steven Seagal impressions, Wang was just... some guy with a pelican. Honestly, he’s one of the most bizarre design choices in the history of the Neo Geo. He isn't a brooding martial arts master or a vengeful ninja. He's a painter. A happy-go-lucky artist who travels with a bird named Hoeh-Hoeh.
Who Exactly Is Wang Koh-San?
Wang isn't just in Glasshill Valley to get into fights. He’s actually an illustrator looking for inspiration for an upcoming art competition. That’s his whole deal. He basically wanders into the plot of Art of Fighting 3 because he hears about Wyler’s Elixir and thinks his old buddy, Lee Pai Long (a veteran from the first two games), might find it interesting.
It’s easy to dismiss him as pure comic relief. He’s short, he wears a giant backpack, and his animations are intentionally goofy. But if you actually dig into his lore, the guy is a master of Xinyiliuhequan. It’s a real-world Chinese martial art that translates to "Heart Mind Six Harmonies Fist." It’s known for being explosive and mimicking the movements of animals. In Wang’s case, that animal inspiration is channeled through his bond with his pelican, Hoeh-Hoeh.
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That Moveset Is Kinda Wild
Playing as Wang is an experience. Unlike the Kyokugenryu guys who rely on fireballs and traditional punches, Wang is all about range and weird angles.
- The Bird Factor: His pelican isn't just a cosmetic pet. Hoeh-Hoeh actually gets involved in the fights. We’re talking about a bird that can peck your eyes out or provide cover while Wang sets up a bigger hit.
- The Backpack: Ever been hit by a bag full of art supplies? Wang uses his gear as a blunt-force weapon. It gives him a hitbox that feels slightly "off" compared to the rest of the cast, which can be a nightmare for players who aren't used to the matchup.
- Kyukyo Ogi Randa Kun: This is his Desperation Move. It’s a chaotic flurry of strikes that perfectly captures the "Path of the Warrior" vibe, but with a clumsy, artistic flair.
Most people rank him pretty low on tier lists because his reach is stubby and he doesn't have the raw "oomph" of a character like Karman Cole or the bosses. But in the hands of someone who knows how to exploit the game’s unique dashing and tactical systems, he’s a pest. A very dangerous, paint-splattered pest.
Why Nobody Talks About Him Anymore
SNK basically abandoned poor Wang after 1996. While Kasumi Todoh became a staple in the King of Fighters series, Wang Koh-San disappeared into the ether. He has a tiny cameo in the background of the Mexico stage in KOF 2002, and he popped up in a card game or two, but that’s about it.
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The reality is that Art of Fighting 3 was a commercial disappointment compared to its predecessor. It changed the "feel" of the series too much, moving away from the 2D Street Fighter-esque gameplay toward something that felt more like a 2D version of Virtua Fighter. Because the game didn't set the world on fire, most of its new cast—Wang, Rody Birts, Lenny Creston—got left behind.
It’s a shame, really. Wang represented a shift in SNK’s design philosophy where they weren't afraid to make a "dork" a legitimate threat. He’s the precursor to characters like Bao or Momoko in later KOF games.
How to Actually Win with Wang
If you’re dusting off the Neo Geo Mini or firing up the ACA NeoGeo version on your console, don’t play Wang like Ryo. You'll lose. Fast.
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Instead, focus on his agility. He’s one of the "medium" weight characters, meaning he recovers faster than the big bruisers like Wyler. Use his low stature to avoid high projectiles and poke with his kicks. You've gotta be annoying. Make the opponent impatient. When they whiff a big move, that's when you go in with his multi-hit specials.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to your Spirit Gauge. In AOF3, your specials get weaker as your spirit drops. Wang needs every bit of damage he can get, so don’t waste your meter on random bird-throws if they aren't going to connect.
Actionable Next Steps for AOF3 Fans
- Check the Hitboxes: If you’re playing on an emulator, turn on hitbox viewing. You’ll see that Wang’s backpack actually extends his hurtbox more than you’d think, making him easier to hit from behind.
- Master the Tactical Step: AOF3 has a unique "step" mechanic. Use it with Wang to close the distance since his walk speed is garbage.
- Explore the Ending: Finish the game with Wang just to see the art. His ending features various caricatures of the cast drawn by Wang himself. It’s one of the most charming moments in the series.
Ultimately, Wang Koh-San is a relic of a time when fighting game developers were willing to take huge risks on character concepts. He’s weird, he’s difficult to master, and he’s probably never coming back—but that’s exactly why he’s worth a second look.