Difference between revisions of "The King of Fighters '97"
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Centuries later, the seal that trapped Orochi began to weaken. The three clans decided to move its vessel. Wanting to sow discord between them, one of the Hakkesshu assassinated the wife of the leader of the Yasakani using a disguise to make it seem as if the Kusanagi clan was responsible. Craving revenge, the Yasakani made a blood pact with Orochi to gain some of its power (turning their red flames to purple) and renamed itself to the Yagami clan, and the Kusanagi and Yagami clans have been in a feud ever since. | Centuries later, the seal that trapped Orochi began to weaken. The three clans decided to move its vessel. Wanting to sow discord between them, one of the Hakkesshu assassinated the wife of the leader of the Yasakani using a disguise to make it seem as if the Kusanagi clan was responsible. Craving revenge, the Yasakani made a blood pact with Orochi to gain some of its power (turning their red flames to purple) and renamed itself to the Yagami clan, and the Kusanagi and Yagami clans have been in a feud ever since. | ||
| − | In the present day, the Hakkesshu priest Goenitz seeks to break the seal and free Orochi. Chizuru Kagura, heiress of the Yata clan, hosts ''[[The King of Fighters '96]]'' tournament to draw Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, the heirs to the Kusanagi and Yagami clans, to | + | In the present day, the Hakkesshu priest Goenitz seeks to break the seal and free Orochi. Chizuru Kagura, heiress of the Yata clan, hosts ''[[The King of Fighters '96]]'' tournament to draw Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, the heirs to the Kusanagi and Yagami clans, to her so that the three clans can work together again. However, Goenitz, seeing the opportunity to destroy the heirs of all three clans at once, attacks during the finals of the event. Though Goenitz is defeated by the trio, Kyo and Iori refuse to work together against the Orochi threat and reject Chizuru's request for help. |
The next year, the destructive finale of the last tournament is explained away as the result of a terrorist attack, and a new King of Fighters tournament is announced. | The next year, the destructive finale of the last tournament is explained away as the result of a terrorist attack, and a new King of Fighters tournament is announced. | ||
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Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. When stunned or grabbed, characters can call an undefeated team member in for a special assist attack with {{X}}+{{Y}}+{{A}}+{{B}} if they are visible in frame in that moment. Most team members have a 50% chance of helping, but some always help or never help, depending on the relationships between the characters. For example, Terry Bogard always helps his girlfriend Blue Mary, while the villainous Ryuji Yamazaki never helps anyone. | Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. When stunned or grabbed, characters can call an undefeated team member in for a special assist attack with {{X}}+{{Y}}+{{A}}+{{B}} if they are visible in frame in that moment. Most team members have a 50% chance of helping, but some always help or never help, depending on the relationships between the characters. For example, Terry Bogard always helps his girlfriend Blue Mary, while the villainous Ryuji Yamazaki never helps anyone. | ||
| − | Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent. Low attacks must be blocked crouching, while high attacks (including most jumping attacks) must be blocked standing. Special moves still do partial damage when blocked. Characters can also block special moves and aerial attacks (but not grounded normal moves or Desperation moves) in midair from a neutral or backwards jump (but not a forwards jump) | + | Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent. Low attacks must be blocked crouching, while high attacks (including most jumping attacks) must be blocked standing. Special moves still do partial damage when blocked. Characters can also block special moves and aerial attacks (but not grounded normal moves or Desperation moves) in midair from a neutral or backwards jump (but not a forwards jump). While blocking, characters can guard cancel into a counterattack by pressing {{X}}+{{Y}}, at the cost of a level of the power gauge. Throws can be performed by holding {{left}} or {{right}} and pressing a strong punch or kick button when next to the opponent. Different characters have different throws available to them. Throws cannot be blocked, but they can be escaped by pressing {{A}}+{{B}} at the start of the grab. Characters can also recover from a knockdown and roll away quickly by pressing {{A}}+{{B}} upon landing. |
===Fighting styles=== | ===Fighting styles=== | ||
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*'''Team Play:''' A single-player mode where the player forms a team of any three characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. This is the main mode. | *'''Team Play:''' A single-player mode where the player forms a team of any three characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. This is the main mode. | ||
| − | *'''Team Vs:''' A two-player mode where each player forms a team of any three characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match | + | *'''Team Vs:''' A two-player mode where each player forms a team of any three characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match. |
*'''Single Play:''' A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against six individual opponents, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against a character from the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. | *'''Single Play:''' A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against six individual opponents, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against a character from the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. | ||
| − | *'''Single Vs:''' A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match | + | *'''Single Vs:''' A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match. |
*'''Survivor:''' A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-three matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. The character does not have any health restored between matches aside from the amount partially restored after each round (depending on the player's performance). | *'''Survivor:''' A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-three matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. The character does not have any health restored between matches aside from the amount partially restored after each round (depending on the player's performance). | ||
*'''Practice:''' A training mode where the player can choose any character and any opponent. There are options to set the behavior of the opponent (normal for active or stand, jump, or crouch for passive), whether the opponent guards or not, and whether the power gauge is permanently charged. There is no time limit, and the opponent has infinite health. Button inputs are shown on the side of the screen. | *'''Practice:''' A training mode where the player can choose any character and any opponent. There are options to set the behavior of the opponent (normal for active or stand, jump, or crouch for passive), whether the opponent guards or not, and whether the power gauge is permanently charged. There is no time limit, and the opponent has infinite health. Button inputs are shown on the side of the screen. | ||
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===Characters=== | ===Characters=== | ||
{{MoveListNote|legend=NeoGeo}} | {{MoveListNote|legend=NeoGeo}} | ||
| + | All of the characters from the previous game return, with the exception of the Boss Team, Kasumi Todoh (who went off to search for her father), and Mature and Vice (who were killed by Iori Yagami after he was possessed by the Riot of Blood at the conclusion of the previous game). | ||
| + | |||
Blue Mary and Ryuji Yamazaki are added from ''[[Garou Densetsu 3: Road to the Final Victory]]''. Shingo Yabuki, a high school student who idolizes Kyo Kusanagi; the "New Faces Team," consisting of bandmates Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and Chris; and the final boss, Orochi, are new original characters. There are also special "Orochi" forms for Iori Yagami, Leona, and the entire New Faces Team. | Blue Mary and Ryuji Yamazaki are added from ''[[Garou Densetsu 3: Road to the Final Victory]]''. Shingo Yabuki, a high school student who idolizes Kyo Kusanagi; the "New Faces Team," consisting of bandmates Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and Chris; and the final boss, Orochi, are new original characters. There are also special "Orochi" forms for Iori Yagami, Leona, and the entire New Faces Team. | ||
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| desc=The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. A Japanese high school student and heir of the Kusanagi clan, one of three clans that sealed away the legendary being known as Orochi. His clan possesses the Kusanagi Sword (草薙の剣), and his family crest is the sun, stylized as a halo of fire, which he wears on the back of his jacket. He has inherited his clan's ability to control fire. | | desc=The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. A Japanese high school student and heir of the Kusanagi clan, one of three clans that sealed away the legendary being known as Orochi. His clan possesses the Kusanagi Sword (草薙の剣), and his family crest is the sun, stylized as a halo of fire, which he wears on the back of his jacket. He has inherited his clan's ability to control fire. | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | 114 Shiki: Aragami | {{QCF}} {{LP}} | Kyo lunges forward with an explosive hook punch using his following arm. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a fiery uppercut (128 Shiki: Kono Kizu) with {{QCF}} {{punch}} or an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) with {{HCB}} {{punch}}. The follow-up move can be followed up with a downward punch (Ge Shiki: Migiri Ugachi) with {{punch}} or a side kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) with {{kick}}.}} | + | {{MoveListRow | 114 Shiki: Aragami | {{QCF}} {{LP}} | Kyo lunges forward with an explosive hook punch using his following arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a fiery uppercut (128 Shiki: Kono Kizu) with {{QCF}} {{punch}} or an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) with {{HCB}} {{punch}}. The follow-up move can be followed up with a downward punch (Ge Shiki: Migiri Ugachi) with {{punch}} or a side kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) with {{kick}}.}} |
| − | {{MoveListRow | 115 Shiki: Dokugami<br>(Special {{Z}}) | {{QCF}} {{HP}} | Kyo steps forward with an explosive hook punch using his leading arm. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a backhand (401 Shiki: Tsumi Yomi) with {{HCB}} {{punch}} or a jumping attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) with {{right}}+{{punch}}.}} | + | {{MoveListRow | 115 Shiki: Dokugami<br>(Special {{Z}}) | {{QCF}} {{HP}} | Kyo steps forward with an explosive hook punch using his leading arm. This move can negate projectiles. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a backhand (401 Shiki: Tsumi Yomi) with {{HCB}} {{punch}} or a jumping attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) with {{right}}+{{punch}}.}} |
{{MoveListRow | 100 Shiki: Oni Yaki<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{DPF}} {{punch}} | Kyo twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | 100 Shiki: Oni Yaki<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{DPF}} {{punch}} | Kyo twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of red fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | 910 Shiki: Nue | + | {{MoveListRow | 910 Shiki: Nue Tsumi | {{QCB}} {{punch}} | Kyo launches his opponent into the air with an uppercut. If he is attacked before the uppercut, he counters with an elbow drop (Ge Shiki: Ryuu Iri) against a high or mid attack or a downward flaming punch (Ge Shiki: Tora Fuse) against a low attack.}} |
{{MoveListRow | 75 Shiki: Kai | {{QCF}} {{kick}} | Kyo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. He slides before hopping when the move is performed with {{HK}}. It can be followed up with another kick by pressing {{kick}} again.}} | {{MoveListRow | 75 Shiki: Kai | {{QCF}} {{kick}} | Kyo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. He slides before hopping when the move is performed with {{HK}}. It can be followed up with another kick by pressing {{kick}} again.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | 202 Shiki: Koto Tsuki You | {{HCB}} {{kick}} | Kyo runs into his opponent with an elbow strike, then lifts the opponent into the air with his hand and causes an explosion of red fire. He runs further when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | 202 Shiki: Koto Tsuki You | {{HCB}} {{kick}} | Kyo runs into his opponent with an elbow strike, then lifts the opponent into the air with his hand and causes an explosion of red fire. He runs further when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | ||
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{{MoveListRow | Kuuhaa Dan | {{HCF}} {{kick}} | Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with {{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Kuuhaa Dan | {{HCF}} {{kick}} | Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with {{HK}}.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Gen'ei Shiranui | {{QCF}} {{kick}} in midair | Andy dives quickly to the ground. The move does no damage by itself, but it can be followed up by a crouching palm thrust that knocks his opponent over (Shimo Agito) with {{punch}} or a rolling kick (Uwa Agito) with {{kick}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Gen'ei Shiranui | {{QCF}} {{kick}} in midair | Andy dives quickly to the ground. The move does no damage by itself, but it can be followed up by a crouching palm thrust that knocks his opponent over (Shimo Agito) with {{punch}} or a rolling kick (Uwa Agito) with {{kick}}.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Geki Heki Haisui Shou<br>(Special {{L}}) | {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Andy slides forward with an elbow strike | + | {{MoveListRow | Geki Heki Haisui Shou<br>(Special {{L}}) | {{HCF}} {{punch}} (close) | Andy slides forward with an elbow strike, then does palm strikes with each hand, ending with a double-handed palm thrust that knocks his opponent over.}} |
}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | ||
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{{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | ||
{{MoveListRow | Hurricane Upper<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves a short distance across the ground. He steps forward and generates a second cyclone that knocks the opponent over when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Hurricane Upper<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves a short distance across the ground. He steps forward and generates a second cyclone that knocks the opponent over when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Baku Retsu Ken | {{repeat|{{punch}}}} | Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. He can follow up with a downward elbow strike | + | {{MoveListRow | Baku Retsu Ken | {{repeat|{{punch}}}} | Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. He can follow up with a downward elbow strike by pressing {{QCF}} {{LP}} or a jumping kick that knocks his opponent over by pressing {{QCF}} {{HP}} during the move.}} |
{{MoveListRow | Slash Kick | {{HCF}} {{kick}} | Joe turns and launches himself forward with a flying kick that knocks his opponent over. He flies farther when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Slash Kick | {{HCF}} {{kick}} | Joe turns and launches himself forward with a flying kick that knocks his opponent over. He flies farther when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Tiger Kick<br>(Special {{Z}}) | {{DPF}} {{kick}} | Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. The move knocks the opponent over when it is performed with {{LK}} and ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Tiger Kick<br>(Special {{Z}}) | {{DPF}} {{kick}} | Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. The move knocks the opponent over when it is performed with {{LK}} and ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. | + | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. |
{{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Ryo does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | {{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Ryo does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Ryuuko Ranbu | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{punch}} | Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou. | {{MoveListRow | Ryuuko Ranbu | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{punch}} | Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. | + | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks his opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. |
{{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Robert does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | {{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Robert does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Ryuuko Ranbu | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{punch}} (close) | Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Ga. | {{MoveListRow | Ryuuko Ranbu | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{punch}} (close) | Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Ga. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Desperation moves | | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Yuri channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. | + | {{MoveListRow | Haoh Shoukou Ken | {{right}} {{HCF}} {{punch}} | Yuri channels and throws a large fireball from both hands that knocks her opponent over on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}. |
{{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Yuri does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | {{ESMove | desc=Super Desperation move | Yuri does a version of the move that hits more times.}}}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Hien Hou'ou Kyaku | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{kick}} | Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps. | {{MoveListRow | Hien Hou'ou Kyaku | {{down}} {{downright}} {{HCB}} {{kick}} | Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps. | ||
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{{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | ||
{{MoveListRow | Vulcan Punch | {{repeat|{{punch}}}} | Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with {{right}} while doing this.}} | {{MoveListRow | Vulcan Punch | {{repeat|{{punch}}}} | Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with {{right}} while doing this.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Gatling Attack<br>(Special {{C}}) | Hold {{left}} for 2 seconds, then {{right}}+{{punch}} | Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut. He slides further when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | + | {{MoveListRow | Gatling Attack<br>(Special {{C}}) | Hold {{left}} for 2 seconds, then {{right}}+{{punch}} | Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut that knocks his opponent over. He slides further when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} |
{{MoveListRow | Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Chijou) | Hold {{down}} for 2 seconds, then {{up}}+{{punch}} | Ralf jumps in the air with a knee strike, then drops down with an explosive dive punch, which knocks his opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Chijou) | Hold {{down}} for 2 seconds, then {{up}}+{{punch}} | Ralf jumps in the air with a knee strike, then drops down with an explosive dive punch, which knocks his opponent over on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Kuuchuu) | {{QCF}} {{punch}} in midair | Ralf drops down with an explosive dive punch that knocks his opponent over on impact.}} | {{MoveListRow | Kyuukoka Bakudan Punch (Kuuchuu) | {{QCF}} {{punch}} in midair | Ralf drops down with an explosive dive punch that knocks his opponent over on impact.}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Kobokushu | {{right}}+{{LP}} | Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them.}} | + | {{MoveListRow | Kobokushu | {{right}}+{{LP}} | Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them. This is an overhead strike that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.}} |
{{MoveListRow | Kousentai | {{right}}+{{LK}} | Kensou hops forward with a turning kick.}} | {{MoveListRow | Kousentai | {{right}}+{{LK}} | Kensou hops forward with a turning kick.}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Special moves | | ||
{{MoveListRow | Ka Chou Sen<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{QCF}} {{punch}} | Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Ka Chou Sen<br>(Special {{C}}) | {{QCF}} {{punch}} | Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with {{HP}}.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Ryuu En Bu | {{QCB}} {{punch}} | Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. She steps forward slightly and the move can hit two times when it is performed with {{HP}}.}} | + | {{MoveListRow | Ryuu En Bu | {{QCB}} {{punch}} | Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. This move can negate projectiles. She steps forward slightly and the move can hit two times when it is performed with {{HP}}.}} |
{{MoveListRow | Hakuro no Mai<br>(Special {{L}}) | {{DPF}} {{punch}} | Mai twirls forward while swinging her fans around her.}} | {{MoveListRow | Hakuro no Mai<br>(Special {{L}}) | {{DPF}} {{punch}} | Mai twirls forward while swinging her fans around her.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Hishou Ryuu'en Jin | {{DPF}} {{kick}} | Mai does a backflip while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. She flips higher when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Hishou Ryuu'en Jin | {{DPF}} {{kick}} | Mai does a backflip while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact. She flips higher when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} | ||
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{{MoveListRow | Hien Zan<br>(Special {{C}}) | Hold {{down}} for 2 seconds, then {{up}}+{{kick}} | Kim flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with {{HK}}, he ascends higher and hits additional times, and the move can be followed up with another kick (Tenshou Zan) by pressing {{down}}+{{HK}}.}} | {{MoveListRow | Hien Zan<br>(Special {{C}}) | Hold {{down}} for 2 seconds, then {{up}}+{{kick}} | Kim flips backward, slicing through the air with a circular kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with {{HK}}, he ascends higher and hits additional times, and the move can be followed up with another kick (Tenshou Zan) by pressing {{down}}+{{HK}}.}} | ||
{{MoveListRow | Hishou Kyaku | {{QCF}} {{kick}} in midair | Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.}} | {{MoveListRow | Hishou Kyaku | {{QCF}} {{kick}} in midair | Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.}} | ||
| − | {{MoveListRow | Ryuusei Ranku | Hold {{left}} for 2 seconds, then {{right}}+{{kick}} | Kim slides forward with a sweep kick, then jumps in the air and | + | {{MoveListRow | Ryuusei Ranku | Hold {{left}} for 2 seconds, then {{right}}+{{kick}} | Kim slides forward with a sweep kick, then jumps in the air and follows up with an axe kick that knocks his opponent down. He slides further when the move is performed with {{HK}}.}} |
}} | }} | ||
{{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | {{MoveListTable | desc=Command normals | | ||
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| portrait={{sprite | King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png | crop_width=176 | crop_height=176 | crop_x=704 | crop_y=704}} | | portrait={{sprite | King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png | crop_width=176 | crop_height=176 | crop_x=704 | crop_y=704}} | ||
| sprite={{sprite | King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Leona.gif}} | | sprite={{sprite | King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Leona.gif}} | ||
| − | | desc=Leona when | + | | desc=Leona when she is under the effects of the Riot of the Blood, also called Insane Leona with the Blood of Orochi Awakened Within the Darkness (ヤミノナカオロチノチニメザメルレオナ). She is revealed to be a descendant of Orochi, whose memory was wiped by Goenitz. She is faced instead of Orochi Iori if the player is using a team with Iori on it. She uses the same moves as normal Leona but moves faster. |
}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 01:14, 20 June 2024
| The King of Fighters '97 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System(s): Sega Saturn | |||||||||||||||
| Publisher: SNK | |||||||||||||||
| Developer: TUG[1], Yumekobo[2] | |||||||||||||||
| Original system(s): Neo Geo | |||||||||||||||
| Developer(s) of original games: SNK | |||||||||||||||
| Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (40 tracks) | |||||||||||||||
| Peripherals supported: Extended RAM Cartridge (1MB/4MB) | |||||||||||||||
| Genre: Fighting Action/Kakutou Action (格闘アクション)[3], Action[4] | |||||||||||||||
| Number of players: 1-2 | |||||||||||||||
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The King of Fighters '97 (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ’９７) is an entry in The King of Fighters series, released for the Sega Saturn by SNK. It is the fourth in the series, following The King of Fighters '96. Like its prequel, the Saturn release was delayed, so much so that the game was not released until 1998.
It requires a 1MB RAM cartridge for use, though, unlike The King of Fighters '96, it is also compatible with 4MB cartridges.
Contents
- 1 Story
- 2 Gameplay
- 2.1 Fighting styles
- 2.2 Social relations
- 2.3 Modes
- 2.4 Characters
- 2.5 Stages
- 3 History
- 4 Production credits
- 5 Magazine articles
- 6 Physical scans
- 7 Technical information
- 8 References
Story
The game is the conclusion of the Orochi Saga, a story that was partially revealed in the previous games and through outside media such as mangas.
In ancient times, a divine being called Orochi was born from Gaia and became its guardian, serving as a balancing force between humanity and nature. Its human followers formed a clan, and the strongest warriors of that clan became known as the Hakkesshu. As humanity grew, it began to topple the balance against nature, and Orochi decided it needed to destroy humanity in order to restore the natural order. This began a war with Orochi and the Hakkesshu against the rest of the human race. The war ended when three clans sealed Orochi away using the Three Sacred Treasures: the Kusanagi Sword, the Yasakani Jewel, and the Yata Mirror.
Centuries later, the seal that trapped Orochi began to weaken. The three clans decided to move its vessel. Wanting to sow discord between them, one of the Hakkesshu assassinated the wife of the leader of the Yasakani using a disguise to make it seem as if the Kusanagi clan was responsible. Craving revenge, the Yasakani made a blood pact with Orochi to gain some of its power (turning their red flames to purple) and renamed itself to the Yagami clan, and the Kusanagi and Yagami clans have been in a feud ever since.
In the present day, the Hakkesshu priest Goenitz seeks to break the seal and free Orochi. Chizuru Kagura, heiress of the Yata clan, hosts The King of Fighters '96 tournament to draw Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, the heirs to the Kusanagi and Yagami clans, to her so that the three clans can work together again. However, Goenitz, seeing the opportunity to destroy the heirs of all three clans at once, attacks during the finals of the event. Though Goenitz is defeated by the trio, Kyo and Iori refuse to work together against the Orochi threat and reject Chizuru's request for help.
The next year, the destructive finale of the last tournament is explained away as the result of a terrorist attack, and a new King of Fighters tournament is announced.
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
The game is a team fighting game and follows the same format as the previous entries in the series, but it introduces two distinct playing styles that the player can select, Advanced and Extra. The Advanced mode is based on The King of Fighters '96. As in that game, characters can perform evasive rolls. This mode features a revamped power gauge that now fills whenever the player strikes the opponent or performs special moves and can store up to three stocks of the gauge. The Extra mode is based on the first two games in the series, The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters '95. As in those games, characters have a sidestep dodge. The power gauge is filled by charging it or by blocking attacks or taking damage. In addition to the new modes, most characters have received new Desperation moves, and the command normals from the earlier games have been restored.
As before, the playable characters are divided into multiple teams of three. The player can freely mix and match characters from different teams to form a custom team, but choosing characters from one of the canonical teams gives special endings in the arcade modes. Before each match, players arrange the team members in any order. For the first round of the match, the first member of each team fights. When a character is defeated, the following member of the team takes his or her place in the next round, while the character on the opposing team continues to fight and has a small portion of health restored (more health is restored if the round is completed faster). The other members of the team stand in the background of the stage during the fight. The match ends when all three members of either team are defeated.
Characters move with 
and 
and crouch with 
. They jump upward with 
and jump behind and ahead with 
or 
. They can "super jump" (a faster and farther jump, trailed by afterimages) by pressing , then or quickly. Characters can perform a weak punch with 
, a strong punch with 
, a weak kick with 
, or a strong kick with 
. Each character has a set of basic, unique, and special moves that can be performed by the player with a specific series of button inputs. Characters have knockdown attacks, which knock the opponent over, that are performed with +. This can be done while standing or jumping.
Characters can become dizzy from being attacked repeatedly; they are uncontrollable and vulnerable in this state but can recover more quickly by rapidly pressing back and forth on the D-Pad along with the attack buttons. When stunned or grabbed, characters can call an undefeated team member in for a special assist attack with +++ if they are visible in frame in that moment. Most team members have a 50% chance of helping, but some always help or never help, depending on the relationships between the characters. For example, Terry Bogard always helps his girlfriend Blue Mary, while the villainous Ryuji Yamazaki never helps anyone.
Blocking can be done by holding the D-Pad in the opposite direction of the opponent. Low attacks must be blocked crouching, while high attacks (including most jumping attacks) must be blocked standing. Special moves still do partial damage when blocked. Characters can also block special moves and aerial attacks (but not grounded normal moves or Desperation moves) in midair from a neutral or backwards jump (but not a forwards jump). While blocking, characters can guard cancel into a counterattack by pressing +, at the cost of a level of the power gauge. Throws can be performed by holding or and pressing a strong punch or kick button when next to the opponent. Different characters have different throws available to them. Throws cannot be blocked, but they can be escaped by pressing + at the start of the grab. Characters can also recover from a knockdown and roll away quickly by pressing + upon landing.
Fighting styles
Players choose one of two modes before selecting their characters.
| Advanced | |
|---|---|
| The Advanced mode is a more offense-oriented playstyle based on the gameplay of The King of Fighters '96.
Characters backstep or run with The power gauge is filled by attacking the opponent with normal attacks (but not throws) or by performing special moves (regardless of whether they connect with the opponent). When the gauge is filled, it is kept in stock and reset, up to three times. A character can use one stock of the gauge to perform a Desperation move or to enter "MAX mode" by pressing Stored stocks of the power gauge are carried over to the next character when one character is defeated. | |
| Extra | |
| The Extra mode is a more defense-oriented playstyle based on the gameplay of the first two games in the series, The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters '95.
Characters hop back or forth with The power gauge is filled by blocking attacks or taking damage. It can also be filled manually, although it leaves the character vulnerable to an attack, by holding |
Social relations
On the character select screen (after selecting the first character) or on the order select screen, holding shows the relationship between the highlighted character and the previously selected character. These icons indicate whether the teammates help each other when called for an assist attack and whether power gauge stocks are gained or lost when one character follows the other into battle (in Advanced mode).
| Positive | |
|---|---|
| The two characters are friendly to one another. They always help each other when called for an assist attack (if not defeated). One stock of power gauge is awarded to the next character when the first character is defeated in battle. | |
| Neutral | |
| The two characters are indifferent to each other. They have a 50% chance of helping each other when called for an assist attack (if not defeated). No stocks of power gauge are given to or taken from the next character when the first character is defeated in battle. The majority of characters have neutral relationships with each other. | |
| Negative | |
| The two characters are hostile to one another. They never help each other when called for an assist attack. One stock of power gauge is removed from the next character when the first character is defeated in battle. |
Modes
Art gallery
The game has the following modes:
- Team Play: A single-player mode where the player forms a team of any three characters and fights three-on-three elimination matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game. This is the main mode.
- Team Vs: A two-player mode where each player forms a team of any three characters and fights a three-on-three elimination match. Players can choose a different team after each match.
- Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-one matches against six individual opponents, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against a character from the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. Matches are fought to the best of three rounds. There are storyline intermissions throughout the game.
- Single Vs: A two-player mode where each player chooses a single character and fights a one-on-one match to the best of three rounds. Players can choose a different character after each match.
- Survivor: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights one-on-three matches against six randomly selected teams, then fights against a sub-boss (Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona), against the Awakened Orochi Team, and finally against Orochi, for a total of 9 matches. The character does not have any health restored between matches aside from the amount partially restored after each round (depending on the player's performance).
- Practice: A training mode where the player can choose any character and any opponent. There are options to set the behavior of the opponent (normal for active or stand, jump, or crouch for passive), whether the opponent guards or not, and whether the power gauge is permanently charged. There is no time limit, and the opponent has infinite health. Button inputs are shown on the side of the screen.
- Art Gallery: A bonus gallery containing 65 pieces of artwork for the game.
In any of the single-player modes, a second player can enter the game for a challenge match by pressing START on a second control pad. There are eight difficulty levels (Beginner, Easy, Normal, Arcade, Hard, Very Hard, Hardest, Expert). The game ends if the player loses a match but can be continued an unlimited number of times. There is an option to set the number of rounds for the single play modes (1, 3, or 5).
Characters
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
| P | Any punch button |
| LP | Light punch |
| HP | Hard punch |
| K | Any kick button |
| LK | Light kick |
| HK | Hard kick |
All of the characters from the previous game return, with the exception of the Boss Team, Kasumi Todoh (who went off to search for her father), and Mature and Vice (who were killed by Iori Yagami after he was possessed by the Riot of Blood at the conclusion of the previous game).
Blue Mary and Ryuji Yamazaki are added from Garou Densetsu 3: Road to the Final Victory. Shingo Yabuki, a high school student who idolizes Kyo Kusanagi; the "New Faces Team," consisting of bandmates Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, and Chris; and the final boss, Orochi, are new original characters. There are also special "Orochi" forms for Iori Yagami, Leona, and the entire New Faces Team.
In the options, players can set the function of the extra buttons on the Saturn control pad under the "Play Style" setting. Normal leaves them unassigned (which is the default setting), Simple assigns special mechanics to them that usually take multiple button presses (similar to the default assignments in King of Fighters '95), and Special assigns special moves to them (which vary by character). The assignments for the Simple control scheme are 
for knockdown attacks, 
for evasive rolls, 
to power up or for a support attack, and 
for taunting.
Shujinkou Team
A Japanese team consisting of Kyo Kusanagi, the main character of the Orochi Saga, and his friends. With the imminent return of Orochi and the Hakkesshu, they have teamed up again.
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Kyo Kusanagi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The protagonist of the Orochi Saga. A Japanese high school student and heir of the Kusanagi clan, one of three clans that sealed away the legendary being known as Orochi. His clan possesses the Kusanagi Sword (草薙の剣), and his family crest is the sun, stylized as a halo of fire, which he wears on the back of his jacket. He has inherited his clan's ability to control fire.
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Benimaru Nikaido | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A young model and Kyo's best friend. He is a professional fighter and the son of a multimillionaire family. He fights with shootboxing and electrokinetic abilities.
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Goro Daimon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A former Olympic gold medalist judoka who has geokinetic abilities.
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Garou Densetsu Team
A team representing characters from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games. They join the tournament after receiving an invitation from Blue Mary.
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Terry Bogard | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series. He was trained in various fighting styles such as karate, kickboxing, and kung fu by his late father and their master Tung Fu Rue.
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Andy Bogard | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terry's brother and a ninja of the Shiranui-ryuu style.
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Joe Higashi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Muay Thai kickboxing champion and a good friend of the Bogard brothers.
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Ryuuko no Ken Team
A team representing characters from the Art of Fighting series of fighting games. They are seeking to find out who injured Takuma Sakazaki, the creator of the Kyokugen-ryuu fighting style, before the tournament.
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Ryo Sakazaki | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The protagonist of the Art of Fighting series. He is a practitioner of Kyokugen-ryuu, a style of karate created by his father.
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Robert Garcia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ryo's best friend and friendly rival who fights using a kick-heavy version of Kyokugen-ryuu. He comes from a wealthy family.
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Yuri Sakazaki | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The younger sister of Ryo, who fights with an unorthodox take on Kyokugen-ryuu.
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Ikari Team
A team representing characters from the Ikari Warriors series of run-and-gun games. The team is investigating the headaches and hallucinations that Leona has been suffering recently.
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Leona | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The adoptive daughter of Heidern, who found her after her village was destroyed and her family was murdered by the Hakkesshu. Though she has no memory of it, she is the daughter of a member of the Hakkesshu and a descendant of Orochi. After her father declined to help resurrect Orochi, Goenitz activated the Riot of the Blood within her, causing her to kill her family and the rest of her village.
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Ralf Jones | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The protagonist of the Ikari Warriors series. He is a mercenary whose fighting style is based on hard punches.
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Clark Still | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ralf's best friend and a former spy before joining the Ikari Warriors. He fights with a wrestling-based fighting style.
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Athena Team
A team representing characters from the Psycho Soldier series of platforming games. Athena initially does not want to join the tournament this year, but she changes her mind after reading a heartwarming letter from a fan named Kaoru Watabe.
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Athena Asamiya | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The protagonist of Psycho Soldier. She is a pop idol with powerful psychic abilities and kung fu training (with a greater emphasis on the former).
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Sie Kensou | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The self-proclaimed love interest of Athena, who has the same psychic abilities and kung fu training as Athena (though his fighting style emphasizes the latter).
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Chin Gentsai | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The master of Athena and Kensou and a master of various styles of kung fu, though he fights primarily with drunken boxing.
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Shin Josei Kakutouka Team
A new Women Fighters Team, with Chizuru Kagura (the sub-boss of The King of Fighters '96) replacing Kasumi Todoh, who left to continue searching for her father.
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Chizuru Kagura | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The heiress of the Yata clan, one of the three clans to seal away Orochi. Her clan possesses the Yata Mirror (八汰鏡). She is trying to convince Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, the other guardians of the Three Sacred Treasures, to unite against the threat of Orochi and the Hakkesshu. She fights with dance-like motions and open-handed strikes and can create mirror images of herself. She is harmed if one of her mirror images is attacked.
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Mai Shiranui | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A kunoichi who practices her family's own martial art, Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu.
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King | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A bar owner who fights with her own kick-heavy take on Muay Thai.
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Kim Team
A Korean team consisting of Kim Kaphwan (from Fatal Fury) and two original characters. They join the tournament so Kim can prove the effectiveness of his criminal rehabilitation program.
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Kim Kaphwan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A taekwondo master with a strong sense of justice who formed the Korea Justice Team in order to rehabilitate the two criminals on his team.
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Chang Koehan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A very large criminal who fights with a big metal ball attached to a chain.
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Choi Bounge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A very small criminal who fights with two clawed hands (resembling the horror movie villain Freddy Krueger).
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New Faces Team
A new team consisting of the members of the band C.Y.S. They were preparing to perform at a club when their gig was canceled to book Iori's jazz band instead. Vowing revenge, the band steals an invitation by beating up the American Sports Team and joins the tournament.
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Yashiro Nanakase | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The guitarist for the band C.Y.S., who has a deep hated for Iori. His fighting style is focused on his hard punches.
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Shermie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A fashion designer and the keyboardist for the band C.Y.S. She fights using an acrobatic grappling style.
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Chris | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The lead vocalist for the band C.Y.S. His fighting style is centered around his incredible speed.
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'97 Special Team
Three polls were conducted by the Japanese video game magazines Weekly Famitsu, Gamest, and Neo Geo Freak, and a team was formed with the characters that won each poll. Ryuji Yamazaki won the Famitsu poll, Blue Mary won the Gamest poll, and Billy Kane won the Neo Geo Freak poll. All three characters originated in the Fatal Fury series, with Ryuji and Blue Mary having debuted in Garou Densetsu 3: Road to the Final Victory.
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Ryuji Yamazaki | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A criminal who fights with one hand in his pocket. It is revealed that he is actually a descendant of the Hakkesshu, but he is immune to the effects of the Riot of the Blood because of his insanity.
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Blue Mary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A freelance agent who is hired by Billy Kane, unknowingly working in the service of the criminal boss Geese Howard. She is a love interest of Terry Bogard, and she fights with grappling techniques, with a particular emphasis on flying jointlocks.
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Billy Kane | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The right-hand man of Geese Howard, who organizes the team under orders from Geese in order to investigate the power of Orochi.
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Single-Entry Fighters
For the first time in the series (aside from boss characters), the game contains two characters who are not members of any team.
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Iori Yagami | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The last heir to the Yagami clan (formerly known as the Yasakani Clan), one of the three clans that sealed away Orochi, and the rival of Kyo. His clan possesses the Yasakani Jewel (八尺瓊曲玉), and his family crest is the crescent moon, which he wears on the back of his jacket. Having beat up his team members at the end of The King of Fighters '95 and murdered Mature and Vice at the end of The King of Fighters '96, Iori now fights without a team. He has been suffering from mysterious headaches and hallucinations recently.
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Shingo Yabuki | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kyo Kusanagi's biggest fan, who has imitated his style of dress and his fighting moves. Though he cannot control fire like Kyo can and often messes up or forgets moves (and must consult his notepad), he is good-natured and indefatigable. His moves uniquely have a chance of landing a "Critical Hit" that does extra damage.
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Bosses
Sub-bosses
After defeating six teams in the tournament, the player faces one of the sub-bosses.
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Orochi Iori |
| Iori when he is under the effects of the Riot of the Blood, also called Insane Iori with the Blood of Orochi Under the Night of the Moon (ツキノヨルオロチノチニクルフイオリ). He possesses the power of Orochi because of the blood pact his clan made hundreds of years prior. He uses the same moves as normal Iori but moves faster. | |
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Orochi Leona |
| Leona when she is under the effects of the Riot of the Blood, also called Insane Leona with the Blood of Orochi Awakened Within the Darkness (ヤミノナカオロチノチニメザメルレオナ). She is revealed to be a descendant of Orochi, whose memory was wiped by Goenitz. She is faced instead of Orochi Iori if the player is using a team with Iori on it. She uses the same moves as normal Leona but moves faster. |
Awakened Orochi Team
After defeating Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona, the New Faces Team realizes that they are members of the Hakkesshu and three of the four Heavenly Kings of Orochi (along with Goenitz). The power of Orochi awakens within them, and they challenge the player's team. The team's members are meant to be a dark reflection on the members of the Shujinkou Team.
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Orochi Yashiro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The true form of Yashiro. He was designed to be a darker counterpart to Goro Daimon and fights with a similar grappling style.
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Orochi Shermie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The true form of Shermie. She is meant to be a darker counterpart to Benimaru Nikaido and possesses similar electrokinetic abilities.
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Orochi Chris | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The true form of Chris. He was designed to be a darker counterpart to Kyo Kusanagi and can control fire like him.
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Final boss
After defeating the Awakened Orochi Team, Yashiro and Shermie sacrifice themselves to complete the ritual and use Chris as a vessel to resurrect Orochi.
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Orochi |
| A powerful being that is dedicated to protecting Gaia. It is resurrected by the Hakkesshu in the body of Chris. |
Hidden
An alternate version of Kyo can be selected by holding START when selecting Kyo in any mode.
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EX Kyo Kusanagi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This is a special alternative version of Kyo that uses his moveset from The King of Fighters '94.
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Special Edit Teams
Special Edit Teams are hidden teams that have their own endings, which the player can form by selecting certain characters. As in The King of Fighters '96, the canonical ending for the game is only seen by finishing the game with the Three Sacred Treasures team. In this ending, Kyo and Iori sacrifice themselves to destroy Orochi.
Three teams were selected by the editors of three Japanese magazines (the same magazines that held polls to determine the members of the '97 Special Team).
| Team | Characters | ||
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| Three Sacred Treasures Team | Kyo Kusanagi | Iori Yagami | Chizuru Kagura |
| Kusanagi Team | Kyo Kusanagi | Shingo Yabuki | Any character besides bosses/hidden characters, Iori Yagami, or Benimaru Nikaido |
| SNK Heroes Team | Kyo Kusanagi | Terry Bogard | Ryo Sakazaki |
| Ego Team | Kim Kaphwan | Benimaru Nikaido | Joe Higashi |
| Classic Women Fighters Team | King | Mai Shiranui | Yuri Sakazaki |
| Classic Heroes Team | Athena Asamiya | Ralf Jones | Clark Still |
| Famitsu Team | Ryuji Yamazaki | Chang Koehan | Choi Bounge |
| Gamest Team | Terry Bogard | Blue Mary | Joe Higashi |
| Neo Geo Freak Team | Kyo Kusanagi | Mai Shiranui | Billy Kane |
Stages
This is the first entry of the series where stages are chosen randomly rather than associated with teams.
Bali, Indonesia
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Nishinomiya, Japan
Seoul, South Korea
New York State, USA
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Altar of Orochi's Heavenly Kings 1
The Altar of Orochi's Heavenly Kings 2
The Altar of Orochi's Heavenly Kings 3
The Altar of Orochi
History
Legacy
This was the last entry in the series to be released on the Saturn. The sequel, The King of Fighters '98, was ported to the Sega Dreamcast as The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999.
Production credits
- Producer: T・Nishiyama
- Chief Director: Toyohisa.Tanabe
- Sub Director: Haruo.Tomita, Tomoko, Namaan-Hiroto, T.Hosokawa, K."Yanya"Hikida
- System Editor: K・Mac・Nagashima
- Front Designer: 8Shiro-7Kase, C.Yamasaki, Wormhead Hagi, Mina Kawai, Shio Shio Shio, M.Asakura, Miho Uematsu, Akiko Yukawa, S.Yamamoto, Mitsuru Kawasaki, Hiroto Kittaka, T.I-no-u-e, 44Oka, Aska Tahara
- Back Designer: Sahori, Pal Co.,Ltd., Manoru, Kusunoki, Takamori.Souzi, K, M.Yokoyama, Raishi, Kanamaru
- Special Effect: T Shin, Mika Nishida, Isomura, ・・・・・・・M・・・・・・・・, Kohrin
- Program: S.Fujinuki, Cyber.Kondo, Souta Ichino
- Sound: Sha-V, Shimizm, Jojouha-Kitapy, Yamapy-1, Tate-Norio, Ackey, Kyo-Chan, Zoe, Marimo
- Voice: Masahiro Nonaka, Monster Maetsuka, Masaki Usui, Satoshi Hashimoto, Keiichi Nanba, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Koichi Mantaro, Kaori Horie, Masae Yumi, Yoshinori Shima, Yukina Kurisu, Eiji Yano, Toshikazu Nishimura, Akiko Saito, Akoya Sogi, Harumi Ikoma, Hiroyuki Arita, Makoto Awane, Hazuki Nishikawa, Rio Ogata, Kouji Ishii, Atushi Yamanishi, Kunihiko Yasui, Takehito Koyasu, Tomoko Kojima
- Adjuster: Kiyoshi Asai, Tubolin-Sawa, Nwo-Melon
- Bug Checker: Anne, Y.Gushiken?, Sanpo, Y.Kabashima, Hanyao, Tomo Chan
- Special Thanks to: Hiroyuki Kawano, Y・Inui, Team Galapagos, Kamio.Tomonori, H.Aoyama, Tohru.Nakanishi, (株)アスキー 週間ファミ通, (株)新声社 ゲーメスト, (株)芸文社 月刊ネオジオフリーク
- SNK Consumer Staff: H.Miyakami, T.Hata, Y.Gushiken, Y.Kabashita
- Yumekobo Staff: Shinichi Furuoka, Hidemitsu Hosono, Mitsuo Akaike, Kazutoshi Inoue, Masayuki Fukushima, Masato Hayashi, Daisuke Nakada, Masahiro Kohiyama, Hirotaka Inokuchi, Takehiro Okayasu, Takashi Awashima, Minoru Aritaka, Takayuki Katsuta, Yukiyoshi Asai, Hiroshi Udagawa, Satoshi Doiguchi, Manabu Suzuki, Takeshige Kojima
- TUG Staff: T.Hayashi, Amo "Elen", M.Kurokawa, M.Horikoshi, Y.Suzuki
- And All SNK Staff
- Produced by: SNK
Magazine articles
- Main article: The King of Fighters '97/Magazine articles.
Physical scans
| Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
 |
84 |
|---|---|
| Based on 11 reviews | |
| Saturn, JP |
|---|
  Cover
|
 Spinecard  Disc  Manual |
| Saturn, JP (1MB RAM Pack) |
|---|
   Cover
|
Technical information
- Main article: The King of Fighters '97/Technical information.
References
- ↑ http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/TUG
- ↑ http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Yumekobo
- ↑ File:KoF97 Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software_l.html#tab04 (Wayback Machine: 2019-12-07 02:59)
- ↑ File:KOF97 Saturn JP SSEnding.pdf
- ↑ Ação Games, "Junho 1998" (BR; 1998-xx-xx), page 11
- ↑ Consoles +, "Mai 1998" (FR; 1998-0x-xx), page 103
- ↑ Famitsu, "1998-04-03" (JP; 1998-03-20), page 1
- ↑ Joypad, "Mai 1998" (FR; 1998-xx-xx), page 84
- ↑ MAN!AC, "06/98" (DE; 1998-05-06), page 60
- ↑ Saturn Fan, "1998 No. 6" (JP; 1998-03-13), page 151
- ↑ Saturn Fan, "1998 No. 10" (JP; 1998-05-15), page 116
- ↑ SuperGamePower, "Maio 1998" (BR; 1998-xx-xx), page 26
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "July 1998" (UK; 1998-06-17), page 64
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1998-10 (1998-04-03)" (JP; 1998-03-20), page 194
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 11
| The King of Fighters games for Sega systems or published by Sega | |
|---|---|
|
The King of Fighters '95 (1996) | The King of Fighters '96 (1996) | The King of Fighters '96 + '95: Gentei KOF Double Pack (?) | The King of Fighters '97 (1998) | The King of Fighters Best Collection (1998) |
 |
The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999 (1999) | The King of Fighters: Evolution (2000) | The King of Fighters 2000 (2002) | The King of Fighters 2001 (2002) | The King of Fighters 2002 (2003) |
 |
The King of Fighters Neowave (2004) | The King of Fighters XI (2005) |
 |
The King of Fighters XIV (2016) |
| Unlicensed The King of Fighters games for Sega systems | |
| King of Fighters 98' (1998) | The King of Fighters '99 (1999) | |
| Related games | |
| Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 (2000) | Capcom vs. SNK Millennium Fight 2000 Pro (2000) | Capcom vs. SNK 2 Millionaire Fighting 2001 (2001) | NeoGeo Battle Coliseum (2005) | SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy (2018) | |