The Super Meter
The super meter works much like you would expect in any other fighter, with its own twist. You build meter for hitting the opponent, having attacks blocked, and whiffing special moves. You also get meter from getting hit or blocking attacks.
In KOF XIII, when you are on your first character, you can store up to 3 stocks. Your second character can store up to 4 stocks, and your third character can store up to the maximum of 5 stocks.
A normal Desperation Move (Chinese for Super) costs one stock. Every EX Special move also takes one full stock (similar to Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior). EX Desperation Moves are stronger versions of Desperation Moves that take two stocks. Neomaxes are devastating super moves that take three whole stocks (in addition to 100% of your HD gauge) of super meter.
The gauge is also used for two special techniques known as Guard Cancel Roll and Guard Cancel Blowback which both take one stock to execute.