I. Game Background
1.1 World Setting: The Orochi Saga Finale
The King of Fighters '97 is the fourth mainline entry in SNK's classic fighting series and the epic conclusion to the "Orochi Saga", which spanned from KOF '95 to KOF '97.
Set in 1997, the world is gripped by a massive KOF tournament craze. Major corporations are hosting qualifiers and building arenas, and every major city is buzzing with KOF fever. However, beneath this surface-level spectacle lies an ancient conspiracy. A mysterious force known as the "Orochi Clan" is moving in the shadows. As servants of "Gaia" (the will of nature), their goal is to resurrect the sealed ancient demon god—Orochi.
Within the Orochi Clan, the four "Heavenly Kings" are the primary executors. Goenitz was defeated in KOF '96, but the remaining three—Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris—have infiltrated the KOF '97 tournament under the guise of the "New Faces Team." They are absorbing the energy of fighters on the battlefield to prepare for the final ritual.
Meanwhile, the heirs of the Three Sacred Treasures—Kyo Kusanagi (Kusanagi Sword), Iori Yagami (Yasakani Jewel), and Chizuru Kagura (Yata Mirror)—must set aside their generational grudges to seal Orochi, or the entire human world will face destruction.
The game's ending depends on the team you choose. Clearing the game with the "Three Sacred Treasures Team" (Kyo + Iori + Chizuru) reveals a deeper truth: Kyo's girlfriend, Yuki, is the reincarnation of the goddess "Kushinadahime," and her life energy is the final sacrifice needed for Orochi's resurrection.
1.2 Development History: SNK's Masterpiece
The King of Fighters '97 was developed and published by SNK, first hitting the Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware on July 28, 1997. It was directed by Toyohisa Tanabe (the combat system designer), who took over from the previous director.
This title introduced a major innovation in the system: the Dual Mode Selection System (Advanced / Extra Mode):
- Advanced Mode: Inherits the system from KOF '96. Attack to charge the gauge, store up to 3 stocks, and spend them to unleash Super Special Moves or enter MAX mode for enhanced offense and defense.
- Extra Mode: A return to the classic controls of KOF '94 / '95. Charge your gauge manually or by defending; once full, you automatically enter MAX state, and you can use infinite Super Special Moves when your health is low.
The development team spent two weeks balancing character performance to ensure every fighter was competitive. The new "New Faces Team" (Yashiro, Shermie, Chris) was designed as counterparts to the "Hero Team" (Kyo, Benimaru, Goro): Chris controls fire like Kyo, Shermie uses electricity like Benimaru, and Yashiro is a powerhouse like Goro.
Commercially, KOF '97 set a record for Neo Geo shipments—50,000 units in Japan and 100,000 overseas. In the Japanese arcade market, it was the second-highest-earning game in September 1997. The Sega Saturn version sold 94,327 copies in its first week, and the PS version reached 160,124 copies. In China, KOF '97 became a generational arcade icon, remaining a staple of competitive fighting games to this day.
II. Character Introduction
KOF '97 features 29 base characters (excluding hidden/bosses), divided into 9 teams + 2 individual entries. Below are the team breakdowns.
2.1 Hero Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyo | Japan | Kusanagi Style + Personal | The series' main protagonist, wielder of crimson flames. Heir to the "Kusanagi Sword." |
| Benimaru | Japan | Personal | Kyo's best friend. A stylish, arrogant fighter who commands electricity. |
| Goro | Japan | Judo + Personal | Kyo's mentor-like teammate. A giant expert in throws and counters. |
2.2 Fatal Fury Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terry | USA | Personal + Jeff Bogard Style | The legendary hero of South Town. Famous for his red cap and "Power Geyser." |
| Andy | USA | Koppo + Shiranui Style | Terry's younger brother. A speed-based ninja fighter trained in Japan. |
| Joe | Japan | Muay Thai | The strongest Muay Thai champion in South Town. Hot-blooded and boisterous. |
2.3 Art of Fighting Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryo | Japan | Kyokugen Karate | The Invincible Dragon. A grounded, powerful fighter. |
| Robert | Italy | Kyokugen Karate | The Strongest Tiger. A wealthy heir with flashy kicks and Ryo's rival/friend. |
| Yuri | Japan | Kyokugen Karate | Ryo's younger sister. An agile and nimble female fighter. |
2.4 Ikari Warriors Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leona | Unknown | Assassination + Chain Attacks | A silent mercenary girl harboring the "Orochi Blood" within her. |
| Ralf | USA | Military Arts + Personal | A hot-blooded tough guy and the team's aggressive vanguard. |
| Clark | USA | Military Arts + Wrestling | Ralf's long-time partner. A throw expert who never takes off his sunglasses. |
2.5 Psycho Soldier Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athena | Japan | Psycho Power + Chinese Martial Arts | An idol and fighter. A series veteran wielding psychic powers. |
| Kensou | China | Psycho Power + Chinese Martial Arts | Athena's junior, secretly harboring feelings for her. |
| Chin | China | Drunken Fist | Athena and Kensou's master. An elderly but incredibly powerful master. |
2.6 Korea Justice Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim | Korea | Taekwondo | A master of justice who views "reforming" villains as his life's mission. |
| Chang | Korea | Iron Ball + Fighting | A former villain reformed by Kim. Wields a massive iron ball with destructive force. |
2.7 Women Fighters Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chizuru | Japan | Kagura Style | Heir to the "Yata Mirror." The key driver of the game's plot. |
| Mai | Japan | Shiranui Style Ninjutsu | Famous for her paper fans and fire ninjutsu. The series' most iconic female character. |
| King | France | Muay Thai | An elegant Muay Thai expert and bar owner. A classic Art of Fighting character. |
2.8 New Faces Team — The Orochi Heavenly Kings
| Character | True Form | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashiro | Dry Earth | Striking | A powerhouse, counterpart to Goro. One of the Four Heavenly Kings. |
| Shermie | Lightning | Throws + Electricity | A sexy fighter, counterpart to Benimaru. One of the Four Heavenly Kings. |
| Chris | Flames of Destiny | Speed | A seemingly innocent boy who is actually Orochi's vessel. Counterpart to Kyo. |
2.9 '97 Special Team
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamazaki | Japan | Personal | A mad-dog villain from Fatal Fury 3 with a bizarre, snake-like style. |
| Blue Mary | USA | Joint Locks + Wrestling | An S-class agent and joint-lock expert. Terry's love interest. |
| Billy | UK | Bojutsu | Geese's right-hand man. A master of the three-section staff, returning from KOF '95. |
2.10 Individual Entries
| Character | Nationality | Fighting Style | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iori | Japan | Yagami Style + Personal | Kyo's rival. Heir to the "Yasakani Jewel." Famous for his laugh and purple flames. |
| Shingo | Japan | Kusanagi Style (Incomplete) | Kyo's obsessed fan. Calls himself Kyo's disciple, but can't even produce flames. |
2.11 Hidden/Boss Characters
| Character | Unlock Condition | Bio |
|---|---|---|
| Orochi Iori | Mid-boss | A berserker form corrupted by Orochi blood. Extremely fast and aggressive. |
| Orochi Leona | Mid-boss | Leona's berserk form after awakening the Orochi blood. |
| Orochi Yashiro | Pre-final boss | Awakened as the "Dry Earth" King. High-damage close-range strikes. |
| Orochi Shermie | Pre-final boss | Awakened as the "Lightning" King. Enhanced electrical attacks. |
| Orochi Chris | Pre-final boss | Awakened as the "Flames of Destiny" King. Purple flames cover the screen. |
| Orochi | Final Boss | The ultimate entity possessing Chris. Features the screen-wide "Sunlight" super. |
| Kyo '94 | Hidden | Uses the classic moveset from KOF '94. Retained due to high popularity. |
III. Controls
3.1 Basic Controls
KOF '97 uses the standard Neo Geo MVS 8-way joystick + 4-button layout:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| A | Light Punch |
| B | Light Kick |
| C | Heavy Punch |
| D | Heavy Kick |
3.2 Universal Actions
| Action | Input | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Move | → / ← | Walk forward/backward |
| Crouch | ↓ | Low block + low attacks |
| Jump | ↖/↑/↗ | Multi-directional jump |
| Dash (ADV) | →→ | Forward dash |
| Backstep (ADV) | ←← | Quick backward evade |
| Emergency Evade (ADV) | A+B (or ←←) | Roll (invincibility frames) |
| Side Step (EXT) | A+B | Side step (previous system) |
| Throw | Near opponent →/← + C/D | Grab throw |
| Throw Escape | When grabbed →/← + C/D | Break out of a throw |
| Blowback | C+D | High-damage hit, can cancel into specials |
| MAX Activation (ADV) | A+B+C | Spend 1 stock to enter MAX mode |
| Charge (EXT) | Hold A+B+C | Manual gauge charging |
3.3 Dual Mode System Explained
Choose your combat style before the match:
| Feature | Advanced Mode | Extra Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge Gain | Attack / Use Specials | Charge (A+B+C) / Defend |
| Gauge Storage | Up to 3 stocks | 1 stock |
| Super Move | Spend 1 stock | In MAX mode / Low health |
| MAX Mode | Spend 1 stock (A+B+C) | Auto-activate when full |
| Evade | Roll (A+B) | Side Step (A+B) |
| Dash/Backstep | →→ / ←← | No (Jump only) |
| Air Guard | No | Yes (some moves) |
| Low Health Super | No | Yes (Infinite) |
Pro Tip: Beginners should use Advanced Mode (easier gauge building and safer rolls). Nostalgic players often prefer Extra Mode for the infinite supers at low health.
3.4 Move List Example: Kyo Kusanagi
| Move Name | Input | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Bite (Throw) | Near opponent ←/→ + C | Throw |
| 108 Shiki: Yamibarai | ↓↘→ + A/C | Ground fire projectile |
| 100 Shiki: Oniyaki | →↓↘ + A/C | Rising flame anti-air |
| 75 Shiki: Kai | ↓↘→ + B/D | Two-hit kick |
| 114 Shiki: Aragami | ↓↘→ + A | Core starter move |
| Ura 108 Shiki: Orochinagi | ↓↙←↙↓↘→ + A/C | Super: Screen-wide flame burst |
| Saishu Kessen Ougi: Mushiki | ↓↘→↓↘→ + A/C | MAX Super: Close-range explosion |
IV. Orochi Saga Storyline
4.1 KOF '95 — The Prologue
After the defeat of Rugal Bernstein, the shadow of the Orochi Clan emerged. The history between Iori Yagami's family and the Orochi Clan began to surface.
4.2 KOF '96 — The Storm
Goenitz, leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, appeared as the final boss. A priest who commands storms, his power was overwhelming. Upon his defeat, he triggered the Orochi blood within Iori, causing a "Blood Riot"—Iori killed his own teammates, Mature and Vice, in a frenzy.
Chizuru Kagura revealed the secret of the Three Sacred Treasures: Kusanagi Sword, Yasakani Jewel, and Yata Mirror. The Yagami family had signed a blood pact with the Orochi Clan centuries ago.
4.3 KOF '97 — The Final Battle
The tournament proceeds. The New Faces Team awakens as the Heavenly Kings. After defeating them, Orochi descends, using Chris as a vessel. His screen-wide super, "Sunlight," is an unblockable attack that can instantly KO any character.
Key Plot Branch:
- Clear with Three Sacred Treasures Team: Reveals Yuki is the true sacrifice. Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru seal Orochi. Iori resists the Orochi blood to help complete the seal. Afterward, Iori challenges Kyo to a final duel.
- Clear with other teams: The story concludes, but the core sealing plot remains.
V. Tips and Advanced Strategy
5.1 Basic Fighting Tips
- Master "Spacing": Don't just mash buttons. Observe your opponent's habits.
- Use the D Button: Standing or crouching D is often the best poke for most characters.
- Hit Confirm: Learn to confirm light attacks into supers (e.g., Kyo's Crouch B → Crouch A → Mushiki).
- Throws are Unblockable: Use them to break defensive turtles.
- MAX Mode: In Advanced mode, use MAX mode to cancel normal moves into special moves for massive damage.
5.2 Character Tier List
| Tier | Characters | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| S | Iori, Chizuru, Chang | Tournament staples, high pressure |
| A | Kyo, Goro, Yamazaki | High burst damage |
| B | Terry, Robert, Clark | Balanced, good for intermediates |
| C | Shingo, Chin | High skill floor |
5.3 Advanced Tactics
- Wake-up Pressure: Apply pressure with low attacks or throws as the opponent stands up.
- Gauge Management: Don't waste stocks. Use them for MAX mode combos.
- Anti-Air: Use your character's specific anti-air move (like a Dragon Punch) to punish jumps.
VI. Trivia and Arcade Legends
6.1 The "National Game" of China
KOF '97 is more than a game in China; it is a cultural phenomenon. From the late 90s to the mid-2000s, it was the most played game in every arcade. Even today, it thrives through emulators and online platforms, a rare feat for a 1997 title.
6.2 Iori's Laugh
Iori's iconic three-stage laugh was originally a placeholder recording, but it was so perfect that it became his signature.
6.3 Mythological Roots
Many moves are based on the "Yamata no Orochi" legend. Iori's "Maiden Masher" (Yao Otome) refers to the eight maidens sacrificed to the serpent.
6.4 The Color of Flames
Chris's flames were originally black, but they were invisible on old CRT monitors, so they were changed to purple. This became a series staple.
6.5 The Orochi Boss Fight
Orochi is infamous for his unblockable "Sunlight" super. However, his AI has patterns—staying at a distance or baiting his throws makes him manageable.
FAQ
Q1: How do I unlock hidden characters?
- Orochi Iori: Hold Start + ←→←→ + A/C on Iori
- Orochi Leona: Hold Start + ↑↓↑↓ + B/D on Leona
- Orochi Team: Hold Start on any New Faces member
- Kyo '94: Hold Start on Kyo
