:The King of Fighters '97
{{Short description|1997 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = The King of Fighters '97
|image = The King of Fighters '97 arcade flyer.jpg
|caption=Arcade flyer featuring (from left to right): Iori Yagami, Billy Kane, Kyo Kusanagi, Shingo Yabuki, Blue Mary, and Chris.
|developer ={{collapsible list|title={{nobold|SNK}}|Yumekobo (Saturn)
Ukiyotei (PS1)
Code Mystics
(Global Match)}}
|publisher ={{collapsible list|title={{nobold|SNK}}|SNK Playmore
(Global Match)}}
|director = Toyohisa Tanabe
|producer = Takashi Nishiyama
|designer = Akiko Yukawa
Aska Tahara
Chikara Yamasaki
|programmer = S. Fujinuki
Souta Ichino
|artist = Toshiaki Mori
|composer = Akihiro Uchida
Hideki Asanaka
Toshio Shimizu
|series = The King of Fighters
|platforms = Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
|released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|July 28, 1997}}|Arcade{{vgrelease|WW|28 July 1997}} Neo Geo AES{{vgrelease|WW|25 September 1997}} Neo Geo CD{{vgrelease|WW|30 October 1997}} Saturn{{vgrelease|JP|26 March 1998}} PlayStation
Original release{{vgrelease|JP|28 May 1998}} Re-release{{vgrelease|JP|24 June 1999}}}}
|genre = Fighting
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
|arcade system = Neo Geo MVS
}}
{{nihongo foot|The King of Fighters '97|ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ'97|Za Kingu Obu Faitāzu '97||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, often shortened as KOF '97, is a 1997 fighting video game developed and published by SNK for its Neo Geo multi-video system (MVS) arcade platform and its AES home console. It is the fourth game in The King of Fighters (KOF) series. The game was ported to the Neo Geo CD console and released worldwide; it was also ported to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn consoles in Japan. KOF '97 is the last game in the "Orochi Saga" storyline, which began in The King of Fighters '95. The new tournament focuses on the servants of the demon Yamata no Orochi, also known as the "Will of Gaia", who plan to revive their master by gathering energy and sacrifices from the fighters in the KOF tournament. SNK created multiple playable characters and enhanced versions of five characters serving as hidden and boss characters.
KOF '97 is the first game in the series to be directed by its battle system designer Toyohisa Tanabe. The original director is credited to Masanori Kuwasashi, who stopped working on the series after The King of Fighters '96. The creation of the game's characters primarily focused on creating bosses, especially Orochi, to properly tell the game's story in an appealing fashion. Among its several ports, SNK developed a version of KOF '97 subtitled Global Match that has online features.
Upon its release, game designers praised KOF '97 for the handling of its narrative, though critics were divided on whether the controls and balance were better than those of previous installments. The game sold well and was followed by The King of Fighters '98, which includes most of the Orochi arc cast, who fight in a non-canonical tournament. Yumekobo also created a visual novel with role-playing game elements titled The King of Fighters: Kyo, which retells the events of The King of Fighters '97 but primarily focuses on Kyo's life. The first handheld-based game in the series, King of Fighters R-1, was released in 1998 based on The King of Fighters '97. A spin-off light novel titled The King of Fantasy was released in 2019.
Gameplay
File:NEOGEO The King of Fighters '97.png in Extra Mode battling Ralf Jones in Advanced Mode.]]
The King of Fighters '97 is a fighting game that features gameplay similar to previous installments in the series, which primarily involves the use of three-character teams. Two new playing styles are introduced, "Advanced" and "Extra", which the player can select before choosing their team.
Advanced mode is based on KOF '96 including the ability to dodge moves, counterattack or plan jumps but has a redesigned Power Gauge.{{cite magazine |title=Coin Operated |magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=24 |publisher=Emap International Limited |date=October 1997|page=[https://archive.org/details/Sega_Saturn_Magazine_Issue_24_1997-10_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n93 94] |url=https://archive.org/details/Sega_Saturn_Magazine_Issue_24_1997-10_EMAP_Images_GB |access-date=December 3, 2019}} The Power Gauge, instead of charging, is now filled whenever the player strikes the opponent or when Special Moves are performed. The player can stock up to three Power Gauges. The player can use one stock of the Power Gauge to perform a Super Special Move or enter a "MAX" mode, in which the player{{'}}s defensive and offensive strength are increased. By performing a Super Special Move while in MAX mode, the player can perform a more-powerful Super Special Move.
Extra mode is based on the first two games in the series, KOF '94 and KOF '95. As in those games, the player fills the Power Gauge by charging it or defending against the opponent{{'}}s attacks. After the gauge is filled, the player enters MAX mode and, as in Advanced mode, their character's offense and defense increases. The player can only perform Super Special Moves in Max mode or when the life gauge is nearly empty and flashing red. The Super move are more powerful when the player performs a Super move in MAX mode while the life gauge is flashing red. The Emergency Roll maneuver from KOF '96 used in Advanced mode is replaced with the side-step from KOF '94 and KOF '95.
Plot and characters
{{see also|List of The King of Fighters characters}}
The highly successful and lucrative King of Fighters (KOF) tournament has sparked a worldwide fighting craze. Within a few months of the tournament ending, large corporations had held smaller KOF tournament qualifiers and constructed special KOF stadiums around the world to hype the next tournament. News of the next tournament spreads and new fighters arrive to watch the preliminary matches. All of the previous game's characters, except the disbanded Boss Team, return. Kasumi Todoh went to search for her father, and Mature and Vice were killed by Iori Yagami after he was possessed by the previous game's Riot of Blood. Chizuru Kagura, the sub-boss in the previous game, takes Kasumi{{'}}s place in the Women Fighters Team. Geese Howard's underling Billy Kane, who participated in The King of Fighters '95, returns to work with the agent Blue Mary and the wanted felon Ryuji Yamazaki (both from Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory) to form the "'97 Special Team". Iori returns as a Team Edit character along with Shingo Yabuki, a high-school student who patterns his fighting style on that of his idol and reluctant mentor Kyo Kusanagi. An alternative version of Kyo with his pre-KOF '96 moveset appears as a hidden character.{{cite web|url=https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/online/orochi/kof97.php|title=The King of Fighters '97|work=SNK|language=Japanese|access-date=December 14, 2024}}
Iori and Leona appear to fight as mid-boss characters in the Riot of the Blood curse, depending on which characters the player is using. A team of all-new characters, Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and Chris, form the "New Faces Team", which is revealed to be the last-three servants from Orochi during the Arcade Mode. The New Faces Team fights as sub-boss characters, having more powerful abilities than their common forms. Once they are defeated, Orochi possesses Chris' body to fight as the final boss character. Depending on the team chosen, Orochi takes a rest in most fights with the New Faces Team offering their lives to their lord to revive him. If the Hero Team wins the final battle, Iori challenges Kyo to a one-on-one fight. The plot is further altered if the player uses the Sacred Treasures Team composed of Kyo, Iori and Chizuru; it is revealed Kyo's girlfriend Yuki is a descendant of the goddess Kushinadahime, who is meant to be offered to revive Orochi. The defeated Orochi tries to use Iori's curse to turn him against his teammates but Iori resits and Kyo finishes the demon.{{cite video game|quote=Iori: Aaaaah!! /Orochi: Kill Kusanagi and Yata! Break the Shingi troica! Fight, my Orochi son! Listen, Yagami! /Iori:Ahhhhhhh!!!/Orochi: Ah?!|title=The King of Fighters '97 |developer=SNK |publisher=SNK |date=July 28, 1997 |platform=Neo Geo}}{{cite video game|quote=Kyo: Finish it Kagura! Can you do it? /Chizuru: As a mirror keeper... I must do it! /Orochi: Fools! A waste of time! If I release my remaining power.../Iori: Waahh!/Chizuru: His power... too strong! Kusanagi! Quickly... /Kyo: Heeaahhh! Woooohh!|title=The King of Fighters '97 |developer=SNK |publisher=SNK |date=July 28, 1997 |platform=Neo Geo}}
New characters to the series are marked below in bold:
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
Hero Team
- Kyo Kusanagi
- Benimaru Nikaido
- Goro Daimon
Fatal Fury Team
- Terry Bogard
- Andy Bogard
- Joe Higashi
Art of Fighting Team
Ikari Warriors Team
- Leona Heidern
- Ralf Jones
- Clark Still
{{Col-break}}
Psycho Soldier Team
- Athena Asamiya
- Sie Kensou
- Chin Gentsai
Korea Justice Team
- Kim Kaphwan
- Chang Koehan
- Choi Bounge
Women Fighters Team
- Chizuru Kagura
- Mai Shiranui
- King
New Faces Team
- Yashiro Nanakase
- Shermie
- Chris
{{Col-break}}
Special Team
- Ryuji Yamazaki
- Blue Mary
- Billy Kane
Sub-Boss Team
- Orochi Yashiro{{efn|name=boss|Boss character}}
- Orochi Shermie{{efn|name=boss}}
- Orochi Chris{{efn|name=boss}}
Single Entries
- Iori Yagami
- Kyo Kusanagi '94 Version
- Orochi{{efn|name=boss}}
- Orochi Iori{{efn|name=boss}}
- Orochi Leona{{efn|name=boss}}
- Shingo Yabuki
{{Col-end}}
Development
File:YamataNoOrochi.jpg slaying the Yamata no Orochi that influenced the franchise's first story arc end with this installment.]]
The series' previous installment, The King of Fighters '96, was the last game to be directed by Masanori Kuwasashi, who experienced pressure with the annual release schedule. Kuwasashi was replaced with battle designer Toyohisa Tanabe, who ended the Orochi arc with The King of Fighters '97. Tanabe was in charge of balancing characters; his main objective was to end the Orochi story arc by revealing the title villain who would become a boss and face the Sacred Treasures Team, who debuted in the previous game. KOF '97 was intended to improve on the previous game's new, experimental systems.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=57}} The Orochi arc was planned since the series' beginning; the protagonist Kyo Kusanagi was inspired by Japanese myths, most notably the Kusanagi no Tsurugi weaponry obtained by the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto followed by the encounter with the mythical beast. He was also given a move titled "Orochinagi" which was conceptualized to be used to defeat it.{{cite web|url=https://itsfantastic.moe/all-about-the-king-of-fighters-94-developer-interview/|title=All About The King of Fighters '94 – Developer Interview|access-date=December 24, 2020|website=ItsFantasticMoe|date=December 23, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220144918/https://itsfantastic.moe/all-about-the-king-of-fighters-94-developer-interview/|url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=kyo| title=Kyo Kusanagi Official Profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=March 24, 2008| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410025630/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=kyo| archive-date=April 10, 2008| df=mdy-all}} The developers wanted to give players a large number of combos with the new characters and moves, leading to the development of the game's Advanced and Extra fighting systems.{{cite web|title=The King of Fighters '97|url=https://archive.org/details/vol.-112-2/page/n32/mode/1up|website=Archive|access-date=November 15, 2024}}
The narrative of KOF '97 focuses on Kyo and his social life as antagonists almost sacrifice his girlfriend Yuki to revive the final boss. Although Yuki only has one line in the game, SNK carefully chose a voice actor for the character, who speaks in the Sacred Treasures Team's ending as a cameo when Kyo thinks of Yuki as he defeats the final boss.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303225012/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yuki|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yuki|title=Yuki|work=SNK Playmore|archive-date=March 3, 2009|access-date=December 14, 2024}} The gameplay was created to appeal to players of The King of Fighters '95 and The King of Fighters '96. The latter game onwards removed Kyo's original projectile version in exchange for hand-to-hand combat. This version of the protagonist was added as an alternative playable version because he was popular with gamers.{{cite web|title=The King of Fighters '97|url=https://archive.org/details/vol.-112-2/page/n32/mode/1up|website=Archive|access-date=November 15, 2024}} There were two weeks of development for the game to properly balance the characters' moves and thus avoid overpowered and underpowered characters.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=512}}
Among other subplots, Iori Yagami in his Orochi form was originally meant to be the final boss of the game after the player beats the New Faces Team in their Orochi forms. It was later decided to make Orochi Iori the mid-boss, with Orochi as the final boss and the New Faces Team as sub-bosses.{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-iori| title=Orochi Iori Yagami official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207201041/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-iori| archive-date=2009-02-07}} Tanabe stated the staff was initially reluctant to add this version of Iori to the series' roster due to worries about fan reactions, but did so to add more impact to the Orochi Saga's climax. He was particularly pleased to see surprised reactions from female fans to this form during KOF '97{{'}}s location testing.{{Cite book |year=2005 |editor-first=Akihiko |editor-last=Ureshino |title=The King of Fighters Perfect Reader |page=144 |language=ja |publisher=Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. |isbn= 4-8222-1711-6}} After deciding Iori as the mid-boss character, developers focused on adding Leona Heidern as an alternative mid-boss character if players were already using Iori in the game. As such, several television advertisements, and advertisements in other media, were produced to notify players about a "fork in the game" and to give hints about Orochi Leona.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-leona| title=Orochi Leona official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207203805/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-leona| archive-date=2009-02-07}} Leona was revealed to be related with the Orochi, and the missing character Heidern acted as Leona's father figure.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=445}} Key arts of snakes were heavily featured in promotion of the game to symbolize the villain.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=447}}
The New Faces Team was created to offset the remaining top-three characters. The team-member characters were developed as a counterpart to the Hero Team; Chris manipulates fire like Kyo, Shermie uses lightning like Benimaru Nikaido and Yashiro Nanakase is a male giant like Goro Daimon.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yashiro| title=Yashiro Nanakase official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216115805/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yashiro| archive-date=2009-02-16}} The plot element of Chris acting as a new body for Orochi was developed in the early stages of production, but the staff considered using other ideas.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=chris| title=Chris official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216115622/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=chris| archive-date=2009-02-16}} At the start of production, the plan was for Chris to use the "Flame of Darkness (Black Flame)" but because viewing the black flame on a screen was difficult, its color was changed to purple.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-chris| title=Orochi Chris official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207095902/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi-chris| archive-date=2009-02-07}} Orochi was first intended as "a buck-naked Chris" fighting with a shining energy ball. His final design was chosen after developers conducted a survey in which only two responders favored the first design. Orochi's character-design codename was "Chief", but several people opposed giving him the final name.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi| title=Orochi official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207192441/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=orochi| archive-date=2009-02-07}}
In regards to characters from other series, Blue Mary from Fatal Fury 3 was favored over her later designs.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=mary| title=Blue Mary official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-11| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207095108/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=mary| archive-date=2009-02-07|url-status=dead}} To have all eight of the servants of Orochi confirmed in this game, Ryuji Yamazaki from Fatal Fury 3 was chosen as the new member because the developers considered him to be a good villain and liked his snake-like appearance—the ancient Orochi was a giant snake. To adapt the character for KOF '97, the game planner provided Yamazaki with new moves.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yamazaki| title=Ryuji Yamazaki official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418094231/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=yamazaki| archive-date=2009-04-18}} Yamazaki was too different from his Fatal Fury persona after Tanabe got the producer's permission as in KOF he is a rebellious servant of the villains while in his original game he is portrayed as a man working for the mafia.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=501}}
Release
The King of Fighters '97 was first released in Japanese arcades on July 28, 1997. It was ported to the Neo Geo AES and the Neo-Geo CD on September 25, 1997 and October 30, 1997, respectively. A PlayStation version was released on May 28, 1998. A Sega Saturn version was released in Japan on March 26, 1998.{{cite magazine |title=Zombies Invade Japan! |magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=29|publisher=Emap International Limited|date=March 1998|page=12}} It requires the same 1MB RAM cartridge used by the previous game. A "Saturn Best Collection" was first distributed on October 1, 1998, with a new cover and a lower price.{{cite web| url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kof97| title=The King of Fighters '97 official profile| website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website| access-date=2009-03-14| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320070608/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kof97| archive-date=2009-03-20}}{{cite web |title=Official website |url=https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof97gm/ |website=The King of Fighters '97 Global Match |publisher=SNK |access-date=9 July 2024}}
An emulated version of the game was released as part of The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga in 2008 for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Wii.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/thekingoffighterscollectiontheorochisaga/similar.html?mode=versions| title=KoF Collection Orochi Releases dates| website=GameSpot| accessdate=2008-09-21}} The Neo Geo AES version was added via emulation to the Wii Virtual Console in Japan on September 6, 2011, in North America on March 8, 2012, and in the PAL region on February 9, 2012. An emulated version was released for the mobile operating systems iOS and Android in 2013; the iOS version supports the iCade accessory.
The arcade version was emulated as part of the ACA Neo Geo series for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on November 2, 2017, with releases for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and iOS following.{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Jared |title=Out Now: ‘Little Nightmares’, ‘SpongeBob – The Cosmic Shake’, ‘Revelation M’, ‘My Little Blood Cult’, ‘Aerofly FS Global’, ‘M.A.D. Cows’, ‘Rayceptor’ and More |url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/12/14/best-new-iphone-games-december-14th |website=TouchArcade |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=14 December 2023}} Another emulated release of the arcade version titled The King of Fighters '97 Global Match, featuring online multiplayer, was released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Microsoft Windows via Steam.{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/es-es/news/latest/2019/2/16/the-king-of-fighters-97-global-match-para-ps4-y-psvita-tendr-edicin-fsica-limitada|title=The King of Fighters ’97 Global Match para PS4 y PSVita tendrá edición física limitada|website=Crunchyroll|language=Spanish|access-date=December 14, 2024}}
Reception
=Critical reception=
{{Video game reviews
| Allgame = NG: 4/5{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Kyle |title=The King of Fighters '97 - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17011&tab=review |website=AllGame |publisher=RhythmOne |access-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115224246/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17011&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}
| Fam =
| NLife = Wii: 8/10{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=James |title=The King of Fighters '97 Review (Neo Geo) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/neogeo/the_king_of_fighters_97 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Hookshot Media |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=11 February 2012}}
| PG = AND/iOS: 3/5{{cite web |last1=Willington |first1=Peter |title=Game Reviews - The King of Fighters '97 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-king-of-fighters-97/the-king-of-fighters-97/ |website=Pocket Gamer |publisher=Steel Media |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=19 November 2013}}
| TA = iOS: 3.5/5{{cite web |last1=Musgrave |first1=Shaun |title=‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’ Review – The Fan Favorite Fighter Is Back Again |url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/12/13/king-of-fighters-97-review-kof-97-aca-neogeo-mobile/ |website=TouchArcade |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=13 December 2023}}
| rev1 = 148Apps
| rev2 = Consoles News
| rev3 = Fun Generation
| rev4 = MAN!AC
| rev4Score = Saturn/PS1: 85%{{cite magazine |last1=Ehrle |first1=Oliver |title=Overseas - Planet Saturn - King of Fighters 97 |journal={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}} |date=June 1998 |page=60 |issue=56 |url=https://archive.org/details/MANiAC.N056.1998.06/page/15/mode/2up |publisher=Cybermedia |language=German}}{{cite magazine |last1=Ehrle |first1=Oliver |title=Overseas - Sony Dimension - King of Fighters '97 |journal={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}} |date=September 1998 |page=67 |issue=59 |url=https://archive.org/details/MANiAC.N059.1998.09/page/n65/mode/2up |publisher=Cybermedia |language=German}}
| rev5 = Mega Fun
| rev5Score = PS1: 18%{{cite magazine |last1=Döller |first1=Georg |title=Import Test - King of Fighters '97 |journal={{ill|Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}} |date=January 1999 |issue=1/99 |page=109 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/3/31/MegaFun_DE_1999-01.pdf |publisher=Computec |language=German}}
| rev6 = Sega Saturn Magazine
| rev6Score = Saturn: 91%{{cite magazine |last1= |first1= |title=Matters Of Import - King Of Fighters '97 |journal=Sega Saturn Magazine |date=July 1998 |issue=33 |page=64 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/4e/SSM_UK_33.pdf |publisher=EMAP}}
| rev7 = Slide to Play
| rev8 = Video Games
}}
The King of Fighters '97 received positive reviews, with critics offering praise for its characters and narrative. AllGame wrote the game's presentation was the best in the series, calling it one of the best 2D fighting games. Hardcore Gaming 101 appreciated the new characters and their playstyle, and commended the seamless integration of the story into the game. The reviewer praised the gameplay changes as "great" but criticized the game for being unbalanced, and described the controls as more responsive than in any previous entry in the series. The reviewer praised the game's soundtrack but noted players do not hear much of it during the game.{{cite web |last1=Rasa |first1=Chris |title=King of Fighters ’97, The |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/the-king-of-fighters-97/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=9 July 2024 |date=14 August 2017}} Reviewing the Virtual Console release, Nintendo Life compared KOF '97 to KOF '95, saying the difference is huge in regards to the large amount of improvements SNK made across the years such as cast, animations and more balanced artificial intelligence. Sega Saturn Magazine said KOF {{'}}97 was a return to form for the series after the "disappointment" of KOF {{'}}96. Overall, it was noted as a "great game" and a "fantastic update".
With regards to the game's narrative, 1UP.com said the addition of the new Sacred Treasure Team is a proper conclusion to the Orochi story arc and praised the characters, most notably Kyo's arc, who has to deal with Orochi to save his girlfriend.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature |title=History Of... The King of Fighters, SNK's classic team-based 2D fighting series |website=1UP.com |access-date=August 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004214749/http://www.1up.com/features/history-ofthe-king-fighters |archive-date=October 4, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://4thletter.net/2013/07/the-top-200-fighting-game-endings-part-ten/|title=The Top 200 Fighting Game Endings: Part Ten |publisher=4thletter|access-date=April 19, 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125062206/http://4thletter.net/2013/07/the-top-200-fighting-game-endings-part-ten/|archive-date=January 25, 2016}} According to Kotaku, Kyo is the most heroic character in the series, considering his role in the Orochi arc where he faces enemies with the Hero Team and Sacred Treasures.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/where-the-worlds-best-fighting-game-characters-come-fro-1627582335|title=Where The World's Best Fighting Game Characters Come From|website=Kotaku|access-date=October 29, 2024|date=August 27, 2014|author=Jafffe, Alex}} Media also praised the inclusion of Iori's and Leona's Orochi forms for their berserker behavior and the violent methods they display in the story and gameplaywise.{{cite web|url=https://atomix.vg/el-glosario-de-the-king-of-fighters/#google_vignette|title=El Glosario de The King of Fighters|website=Atomix|access-date=November 29, 2024 |language=Spanish}}{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/fighting-games/265246/the-20-best-altered-fighting-game-characters|title=The 20 Best Altered Fighting Game Characters|date=May 31, 2017|publisher=Den of Geek|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706031040/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/fighting-games/265246/the-20-best-altered-fighting-game-characters|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live}}
Reviews of home console ports of The King of Fighters '97 varied, with technical issues often being the focus of criticism. {{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}} and MAN!AC positively assessed the Neo Geo CD and PlayStation ports, but criticized the excessively lengthy load times. Video Games deemed KOF {{'}}97 "slightly worse" than KOF {{'}}96. The magazine said that the PlayStation version has marginally shorter load times compared to the Neo Geo CD version.{{cite magazine |last1=Karels |first1=Ralph |title=Import - King of Fighters '97 (PS) |journal={{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}} |date=September 1998 |issue=9/98 |page=75 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a2/VideoGames_DE_1998-09.pdf |publisher={{ill|Weka Group|de|Weka Group}} |language=German}} Consoles News said the PlayStation version's load times were optimized and noted it as the best PlayStation port of an SNK game, but said it was inferior to the Sega Saturn port. Fun Generation did not like the visual presentation and the long load times, and called the music some of the worst on the PlayStation. The reviewer praised the game for its playability and recommended it only for experienced fighting-game fans. Mega Fun complained about the small sprites compared to those in the arcade version, and called the gameplay tired.
The iOS version received mixed reviews, with reviewers divided over the port's touchscreen controls. 148Apps praised the port for its wealth of control options. Slide to Play said the virtual controls work well but the button layout is too cluttered. Pocket Gamer reviewer called KOF {{'}}97 the best of the Orochi Saga games but said it does not work well with touchscreen controls. TouchArcade reviewed the 2023 version, saying that the multiplayer options made it one of the best mobile ports ever. On a more negative note, Gaming Age gave the game a D+, saying the game is difficult to play and does not provide tutorials to learn how to play characters, and noted input lag.{{cite web|url=https://gaming-age.com/2018/06/the-king-of-fighters-97-global-match-review-for-ps4-ps-vita/|title=The King of Fighters ’97 Global Match review for PS4, PS Vita|website=Gaming Age|access-date=October 26, 2024|author=Pollesel, Matthew}} Kenneth Brunton, writing for Bonus Stage UK, was more positive, praising the presentation and saying the input lag was tolerable.{{cite web|url=https://www.bonusstage.co.uk/archives/158885|title=The King of Fighters ’97 Global Match Review|website=Bonus Stage uk|access-date=October 26, 2024|author=Bruton, Kenneth}}
=Sales=
In Japan, Game Machine listed The King of Fighters '97 in its September 1, 1997, issue as being the second-most-successful arcade game of the month.{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=548|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 September 1997|page=21|lang=ja}} By August 1998, The King of Fighters '97 had shipped 50,000 arcade sets in Japan and 100,000 overseas, the highest number among Neo Geo games.{{cite magazine|title=SNK Reports Fiscal Results |magazine=Game Machine|issue=569|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=1 August 1998|page=26|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19980801p.pdf}} According to Famitsu, the AES version sold over 19,900 copies in its first week on the market.{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|title=Game Search|website=Game Data Library|access-date=2020-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035430/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|archive-date=2019-04-24|url-status=live}}
During its release week, the Sega Saturn port of the game sold 94,327 copies in Japan. As of 2004, the game had sold 156,717 copies in Japan.{{cite web|access-date=July 14, 2009|url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/sat.php|title=Sega Saturn Japanese Ranking|publisher=Japan Game Charts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924030552/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/sat.php|archive-date=September 24, 2009|url-status=usurped}} The PlayStation port sold 160,124 units.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227141202/http://geimin.net:80/da/db/1998_ne_fa/index.php|archive-date=December 27, 2008|url=http://geimin.net:80/da/db/1998_ne_fa/index.php|title=1998年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP100|publisher=Gemin|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/01/king-fighters-97-global-match-announced-ps4-ps-vita-pc |title=The King of Fighters '97 Global Match announced for PS4, PS Vita, and PC |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=28 January 2018 |access-date=2018-01-28 |website=Gematsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129004328/https://gematsu.com/2018/01/king-fighters-97-global-match-announced-ps4-ps-vita-pc |archive-date=2018-01-29}}
=Legacy=
The King of Fighters '97 was followed by The King of Fighters '98. The developers wanted to bring back old characters, and Vice and Mature were given new moves.{{cite book |title=The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History |date=2022 |publisher=Bitmap Books |isbn=9781838019181 |page=139}} The introduction of the classic Kyo Kusanagi from KOF '97 was noted to be "a hit" with gamers. The developers added new alternative versions of other characters to the sequels, leading to the creation of the Kyo clones Kyo-1 and Kyo-2, from The King of Fighters '99, and with a now-more-experienced Kyo with new moves.{{cite web |url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=95ver-kyo |title=95 Kyo official profile |website=King of Fighters 10th Anniversary Official Website |access-date=2009-03-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410025355/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/character/index.php?num=95ver-kyo |archive-date=2008-04-10}}
Yumekobo and SNK developed a game titled The King of Fighters: Kyo, which was based on Masato Natsumoto's eponymous manga. It was released on August 27, 1998, in Japan for the Sony PlayStation. The game is presented as a visual novel set before The King of Fighters '97, with fights arranged in a similar fashion to turn-based role-playing games. The player-character primarily confronts Kyo.{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/king-of-fighters-kyo-the/ |title=The King of Fighters Kyo - PlayStation (1998) |website=HardcoreGaming |access-date=August 31, 2024}}
KOF '97 also inspired a spin-off light novel titled {{nihongo |The King of Fantasy: Yagami Iori's Another World ~Remember When You See The Moon!~ |ザ・キング・オブ・ファンタジー 八神庵の異世界無双 ～月を見るたび思い出せ！～ |The King of Fantasy: Yagami Iori no Isekai Musō ~Tsukio Miru Tabi Omoidase!~}}, which was written by Nobuhiko Tenkawa and illustrated by Eisuke Ogura. It was published in 2019 by Kadokawa Shoten. The novel primarily focuses on Iori and Kyo, who are trapped in another world after Orochi's defeat, and they meet alternate versions of the characters from the games.{{cite web |url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/321903000741/ |title=THE KING OF FANTASY 八神庵の異世界無双 月を見るたび思い出せ！|website=Kadokawa Shoten |access-date=December 14, 2024 |language=Japanese}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/online/orochi/kof97.php}} {{in lang|ja}}
- {{Official website|https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof97gm/|The King of Fighters '97 Global Match official website}}
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/563188-the-king-of-fighters-97 The King of Fighters '97] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/the-king-of-fighters-97/3030-4124/ The King of Fighters '97] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8317 The King of Fighters '97] at Killer List of Videogames
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/king-of-fighters-97 The King of Fighters '97] at MobyGames
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