The King of Fighters ’97

The King of Fighters ’97 is a celebrated entry in the iconic fighting game series that serves as the thrilling culmination of the Orochi storyline, a saga that has intricately developed through earlier games. This title brings back the beloved 3-on-3 battle format, allowing players to select teams from a diverse roster of characters, each with their distinct fighting styles and special moves. The game is notable for its introduction of two distinct playing styles—Advanced and Extra—providing players with the ability to choose between a more aggressive, offense-oriented system or a methodical, defensive style that emphasizes space control.

Expand Your Strategy with Innovative Game Mechanics

These fighting styles, Advanced and Extra, offer varied strategic depth depending on player preference. The Advanced mode allows players to stockpile multiple power gauges, enabling the use of devastating Desperation Moves at any time during a match. Conversely, the Extra mode adheres to a more classic fighting format where the power gauge fills up as the player sustains damage, releasing powerful attacks at critical moments. This choice significantly impacts gameplay, encouraging players to tailor their approach to matches based on their team’s strengths and the dynamics of their opponents.

The King of Fighters ’97 enhances the visual and auditory experience with richly detailed sprites and vibrant backgrounds that vividly illustrate each character’s origins. The soundtrack, with its driving beats and character-specific themes, complements the intense action of the matches, enhancing the overall immersive experience. This installment’s deep commitment to character diversity, balanced gameplay mechanics, and the climactic resolution of a major storyline arc makes it a standout title in the fighting game community, celebrated for its competitive depth and the dramatic flair that only The King of Fighters series can deliver.