The King of Fighters '97 Online

About The King of Fighters '97

The King of Fighters '97 closes the Orochi saga and, for many players – especially in Brazil – it is the King of Fighters. The roster is huge, the music is iconic and the story finally explains the feud between Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami: the Kusanagi, Yagami and Yata clans must unite to seal Orochi once again.

New faces include Shingo Yabuki, Kyo's self-declared student, and the New Face Team – Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie and Chris – who turn out to be Orochi's servants. A Special Team brings Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary and Billy Kane from Fatal Fury.

How it plays

KOF '97 lets you choose between two systems before each match:

• Advanced mode – stock up to three power bars, roll with A + B and run. This is the mode most competitive players use.
• Extra mode – the classic KOF '94/'95 style: charge your gauge manually, dodge with A + B and get stronger desperation moves at low health.

The game is famous for its strong, sometimes broken characters – which is part of the fun in casual matches.

Best characters

• Iori Yagami – fast, damaging and easy to combo with.
• Kyo Kusanagi – his '97 moveset is one of his most popular.
• Chizuru, Yamazaki and Shingo – strong choices with simple tools.

Tips

• Pick Advanced mode if you are new; the stock gauge is easier to manage.
• Learn Iori's jump D, close C, qcb + A ×3 combo – it works in almost every KOF.
• Watch for Orochi's lightning attacks in the final fight; block low and wait for openings.

Want the 1997 bootleg everyone played too? Try KOF '97 Plus. Meet the full cast in our KOF characters guide or browse the King of Fighters hub.