Reading through this entire thread...I apologize in advance for the very dumb question but:
Am I playing this wrong?
I'm just playing some minutes each day completing the story (I like to use KOF 97 characters, Kyo, Benimaru and Goro) . I play it like a regular side scroller.
I just buy some special characters and increase their stats....
I havent "re rolled" (or whatever that is) and I have not focused on particular characters outside of my personal preference. What am I missing?
I've been pondering this myself. For the most part it is fine to not go all in on the "meta". Often this is for optimization and efficiency but if you're enjoying the game and characters, who cares?
On the flip side, you don't want to ignore strong characters entirely because sometimes they might carry you when you need/want it most. In gacha games one of the frequent early top concerns is clear speeds. This typically enables you to progress faster and get more currencies to level/pull characters/limit break etc.
In terms of building your characters. Some things to consider are
1. Leader Skill - Having this character as your first fighter will enable this passive buff that affects the entire team.
2. Core Buffs - These are passive buffs, some characters get more offense while others get more defense.
3. Attacks - Some characters have different attacks depending on which version.
I would say the game majorly favours strong offense. Not only do you clear faster but never do you see objectives such as eat 30 hits from the boss. Instead you have objectives such as don't get hit more than 20 times, this typically translate to beat enemies faster to mitigate risks. This is why Shermie seems great, attack buff while above 70% hp will work for all characters. I haven't got her yet, I'm still deciding if I want to use my ticket for her but this leader skill alone seems worth considering because of its usefulness.
I will say however, sometimes playing with my preferred characters who clear slower and I need to pay more attention to because they are, overall, a bit weaker turns out to be a bit more fun. Then again, sometimes I go up against bosses and they stop flinching. This is significantly less fun... Might just be I was too low a level though.