The King of Fighters '97

From Sega Retro

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KingOfFighters97 title.png

The King of Fighters '97
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: SNK
Developer:
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
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Saturn
JP
¥5,8005,800 T-3120G
Sega Rating: All Ages
Sega Saturn
JP
(RAM Pack)
¥7,8007,800 T-3121G
Sega Rating: All Ages
Non-Sega versions

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.

Story

Gameplay

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Character select

Modes

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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, and the game keeps track of each player's wins and losses.
  • Single Play: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and then fights one-on-one matches against one character from six randomly selected teams, 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, and the game keeps track of each player's wins and losses.
  • Survivor: A single-player mode where the player chooses a character and then 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). 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, Left and Right should be reversed.

P Any punch button
 LP  Light punch
 HP  Hard punch
K Any kick button
 LK  Light kick
 HK  Hard kick

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 Z for knockdown attacks, C for evasive rolls, L to power up or for a support attack, and R for taunting.

Shujinkou Team

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King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Kyo Kusanagi.gif




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). He has a nightmare in which he sees Goenitz, a member of the Hakkesshu, trying to revive Orochi, and he reassembles the team to defeat him.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
114 Shiki: Aragami Down Down-right Right  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 Down Down-right Right P or an elbow smash (127 Shiki: Yano Sabi) with Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P. The follow-up move can be followed up with a downward punch (Ge Shiki: Migiri Ugachi) with P or a side kick (125 Shiki: Nanase) with K.
115 Shiki: Dokugami Down Down-right Right  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 Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P or a jumping attack (402 Shiki: Batsu Yomi) with Right+P.
100 Shiki Oni Yaki Right Down Down-right P 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 .
910 Shiki Nue Tumi Down Down-left Left P Kyo launches his opponent into the air with an uppercut.
75 Shiki Kai Down Down-right Right K 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 K again.
202 Shiki Koto Tsuki You Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K 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.
R.E.D. Kick Left Down Down-left K Kyo rolls through the air with a kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Ge Shiki Naraku Otoshi Down+ HP  in midair Kyo clasps his hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Ge Shiki Gou Fu You Right+ LK  Kyo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
88 Shiki Down-right+ HK  Kyo kicks twice while crouched. The second hit knocks the opponent away.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Ura 108 Shiki Orochi Nagi Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.
Saishuu Kessen Ougi "Mu Shiki" Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Kyo ignites his hand and throws a burst of fire onto the ground. He runs through the fire, setting himself ablaze, and performs several rapid punches.
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King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Benimaru Nikaido.gif




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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Raijin Ken Down Down-right Right P Benimaru jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist, which hits up to three times and knocks down the opponent on impact. He punches straight ahead with  LP  or at an upward angle with  HP . This move can be performed in midair (which is done at a downward angle regardless of the button used).
Iai Geri Down Down-right Right K Benimaru does a rapid knee strike. If the player presses Down Up+K during the move, Benimaru follows up with a hopping side kick, then an backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over.
Shinku Kakate Goma Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Benimaru stands on one hand and spins his body around, kicking with both hands, knocking his opponent far back on impact.
Super Inazuma Kick Right Down Down-right K Benimaru backflips into the air with an electrically charged kick that knocks his opponent over.
Handou Sandan Geri Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Benimaru hops forward with a roundhouse kick, a spinning heel kick, then an electrically charged backflip kick.
Benimaru Coleda Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right P (close) Benimaru grabs and electrocutes his opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Spinning Knee Drop Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP  in midair (close) Benimaru grabs and knees his opponent to the ground.
Flying Drill Down+ HK  in midair Benimaru dive kicks diagonally downwards while spinning like a drill.
Jackknife Kick Right+ LK  Benimaru skips forward with a front kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Raikou Ken Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Benimaru pulls his fist back to charge it, then jabs in front of him with an electrically charged fist that explodes in an orb of lightning, hitting multiple times.
Electro Trigger Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P (close) Benimaru grabs and shocks his opponent with bolts of lightning, then throws them.
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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Goro Daimon.gif




Goro Daimon
A former Olympic gold medalist judoka who has geokinetic abilities.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Jirai Shin Right Down Down-right  LP 
Right Down Down-right  HP  (fake)
Daimon lifts his hands above his head, then claps them down, shaking the ground and knocking over opponents not in the air.
Tenchi Gaeshi Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right P (close) Daimon picks up and slams his opponent against the ground, then picks them back up and throws them through the air.
Uru Nage Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right K (close) Daimon runs to the other side of his opponent, then grabs the opponent and falls backward with a slam.
Kumo Tsukami Nage Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  LP  (close) Daimon grabs an airborne opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Kiri Kabu Gaeshi Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HP  (close) Daimon grabs a grounded opponent, then slams them against the ground.
Chou Ousoto Gari Right Down Down-right K (close) Daimon grabs and trips his opponent.
Chou Ukemi Down Down-left Left K Daimon rolls forwards. He rolls farther when the move is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Takra Tsubushi Right+ LP  Daimon pulls his hand back, then smashes his fist down, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Zuju Barai Down-right+ HP  Daimon punches into the air with his back hand.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P (close) Daimon grabs and trips his opponent, then picks up and slams them back and forth three times before throwing them high into the air.
Arashi Noyama: Nekko Meki Left Down-left Down Down-right Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K (close) Daimon grabs his opponent, then jumps backward toward the ground with a slam. This can be followed up by another slam (Arashi Noyama: Zuko Kiri Kabu Gaeshi) by pressing Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K (in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around) near the end of the move. This can be followed by a final explosive slam (Arashi Noyama: Bukko Meki Ura Nage) by pressing Right Down Down-right K (again in the opposite direction since Daimon turned around again) near the end of the follow-up move.

Garou Densetsu Team

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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Terry Bogard.gif




Terry Bogard
The protagonist of the Fatal Fury series. He enters the tournament to once again face his nemesis Geese Howard.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Burn Knuckle Down Down-left Left P Terry leaps forward with a burning fist, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps farther when the move is performed with  HP .
Power Wave Down Down-right Right P Terry punches the ground, causing a wave of energy to roll a short distance across the ground. The projectile travels slightly further when the move is performed with  HP .
Power Dunk Right Down Down-right K Terry rises into the air with a knee strike, knocking his opponent over, then smashes downward with a burning fist at the peak of the jump. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Rising Tackle Right Down Down-right P Terry spins into the air while upside down and holding an arm out. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Crack Shoot Down Down-left Left K Terry jumps forward while kicking in a circle. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with  HK .
Power Charge Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Terry charges forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Back Knuckle Right+ LP  Terry steps forward with a backfist.
Rising Upper Down-right+ HP  Terry does an uppercut.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Power Geyser Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Terry punches the ground, causing a geyser of energy to erupt from the ground in front of him.
High Angle Geyser Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right K Terry charges forward with a shoulder ram, then rises into the air with an uppercut and smashes downward with a burning fist.
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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Andy Bogard.gif




Andy Bogard
Terry's brother and a ninja of the Shiranui-ryuu style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Hishou Ken Down Down-left Left P Andy throws a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. The burst is longer when the move is performed with  HP .
Shouryuu Dan Right Down Down-right P Andy jumps into the air while fanning his arms around him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Zan'ei Ken Hold Down-left for 2 seconds, then Right+P Andy charges forward while ramming with his shoulder and knee. If the player presses Down Down-right Right P during the move, Andy follows up with an additional strike that knocks the opponent back.
Kuuhaa Dan Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying feet-first toward his opponent. The move knocks the opponent down when performed with  LK  or hits twice when performed with  HK .
Gen'ei Shiranui Down Down-right Right K 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 with P or a rolling kick with K.
Geki Heki Haisui Shou Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HP  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.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Jou Agito Right+ LK  Andy crouches and stands on a hand, then rolls forward with a kick that can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Chou Reppa Dan Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Andy launches off the ground with his hands, flying at his opponent with a flaming kick.
Hisho Ryusei Ken Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Andy swings his hands around and channels his ki into a concentrated burst.
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Joe Higashi
A Muay Thai kickboxing champion and a good friend of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Hurricane Upper Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone that moves a short distance across the ground. He steps forward and generates a second cyclone when the move is performed with  HP .
Baku Retsu Ken PPPPP Joe punches rapidly while sliding forward slowly. If the player presses Down Down-right Right P during the move, Joe follows up with a downward elbow strike.
Slash Kick Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K 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 .
Tiger Kick Right Down Down-right K Joe rises diagonally upward with a knee strike. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Ougon no Kakato Down Down-left Left K Joe jumps forward while doing a rolling kick that can hit multiple times.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Slide Kick Down-right+ LK  Joe slides forward with a sweep kick.
Low Kick Right+ LK  Joe does a low roundhouse kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Screw Upper Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Joe punches into the air, generating a cyclone, then jumps into the air with an uppercut while generating a tall cyclone that covers the full height of the screen.
Baku Retsu Hurricane Tiger Kakato Down Down-right Right Down Down-left Left P Joe slides forward with salvo of punches, then does two uppercuts that send cyclones flying and a rising knee strike, finishing with a kick in the air.

Ryuuko no Ken Team

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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Ryo Sakazaki.gif




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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Ko Ou Ken Down Down-right Right P Ryo thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with  HP .
Kohou Right Down Down-right P Ryo jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Mouko Raijin Gou Down Down-left Left P Ryo slides forward with an uppercut that can hit multiple times. He slides slightly further when the move is performed with  HP .
Mouko Rai Jin Setsu Down Down-right Right K Ryo leaps forward with a hand chop that knocks down his opponent on impact. He leaps further when the move is performed with  HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Ryo leaps ahead with a flying kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He follows up with an aerial roundhouse when the move is performed with  HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Ken Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HP  (close) Ryo does a combo of three quick punches that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Hyouchuu Wari Right+ LP  Ryo draws his hand back, then steps forward with an hand chop that can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Ryo channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryuuko Ranbu Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Ryo rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Kohou.
Tenchi Haoh Ken Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Ryo performs a straight punch that sends his opponent flying away.
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King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Robert Garcia.gif




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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Ryuu Geki Ken Down Down-right Right P Robert thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryuu Ga Right Down Down-right P Robert jumps into the air while performing an uppercut. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryuu Zan Shou Right Down Down-right K Robert flips backward with a kick. He flips higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Hien Ryuu Jin Kyaku Down Down-left Left K in midair Robert dive kicks diagonally downwards. He travels a longer distance when the move is performed with  HK .
Hien Shippu Kyaku Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Robert leaps ahead with multiple rotating kicks, which knock down his opponent on impact. He kicks two times when the move is performed with  LK  and four times when the move is performed with  HK .
Kyokugen Ryu Ranbu Kyaku Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HK  (close) Robert does a combo of four quick kicks that knock his opponent over.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Ryuu Han Shuu Right+ LK  Robert does a high side kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Haoh Shoukou Ken Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Robert channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryuuko Ranbu Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P (close) Robert rushes forward and unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, then finishes with a Ryuu Ga.
Muei Shippuu Juudan Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right K Robert jumps in the air with a blur of rapid kicks.
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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Yuri Sakazaki.gif




Yuri Sakazaki
The younger sister of Ryo, who fights with an unorthodox take on Kyokugen-ryuu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Ko Ou Ken Down Down-right Right P Yuri thrusts a short-ranged burst of ki energy from his hand, which knocks the opponent back on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with  HP .
Rai'oh Ken Down Down-right Right K Yuri jumps into the air and swings her arms downward with a burst of ki. She jumps higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Kuu Ga Right Down Down-right P Yuri jumps into the air while performing an uppercut, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP . While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a second jumping uppercut (Ura Kuu Ga) with Right Down Down-right P again.
Hien Senpuu Ken Down Down-left Left P Yuri leaps forward with a flying punch that knocks her opponent over. She leaps farther when the move is performed with  HP .
Hien Senpuu Kyaku Down Down-left Left K Yuri jumps into the air and rotates on an axis while kicking her leg out, which knocks down her opponent on impact. She jumps higher and farther when the move is performed with  HK .
Hyaku Retsu Binta Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Yuri rushes forward and grabs her opponent, then slaps them repeatedly.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Tsubame Otoshi Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP / HK  in midair (close) Yuri grabs and slams her opponent to the ground.
En Yoku Right+ LK  Yuri throws herself forward while striking with her rear.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Haoh Shokou Ken Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Yuri channels and throws a large fireball from both hands. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Hien Hou'ou Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Yuri dashes forward, then runs up her opponent with a series of stomps.
Hien Rekkou Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right K Yuri advances forward with two low jumping uppercuts, then a final, high jumping uppercut.

Ikari Team

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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Leona.gif




Leona
A new recruit to the squad. He was found and adopted by Heidern, who found her after her village was destroyed and her family was murdered by the Hakkesshu. She has lost her memory but resolves to take revenge upon Goenitz.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Baltic Launcher Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+P Leona throws her hands back and generates a large energy sphere in front of her that can hit her opponent multiple times. She hovers in the air and the sphere moves forward a short distance when the move is performed with  HP .
Moon Slasher Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+P Leona slashes the air around her in a circle, which knocks down her opponent on impact.
Grand Saber Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+K Leona runs forward while low to the ground, then slashes with her hand, knocking the opponent over on impact. While the move is being performed, it can be followed up by a somersault kick (Gliding Buster) with Right+ HK .
I-Slasher Down Down-left Left P Leona flips backwards, landing in a crouched position, then throws a crescent-shaped projectile that returns to her like a boomerang. Leona cannot perform another action until the projectile returns to her. The projectile travels further when the move is performed with  HP .
X-Calibur Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+K Leona flips into the air, then slashes her hands in an X pattern on the way down.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Critical Dive Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP / HK  in midair (close) Leona mounts her opponent like a surfboard, then kicks them away.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
V-Slasher Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P in midair Leona dives down with a hand chop, then cuts back into the air, forming a V-shaped explosion.
Gravity Storm Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Leona pulls her leg back, then swings it high up, turns around, and swings her leg back, rolling into a cartwheel and launching her opponent into the air. As the opponent is falling, she catches the opponent with two rising punches to the back.
Rebel Spark Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Leona runs to her opponent and stabs them, causing sparks to fly out and then explode.
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King of Fighters 95 Saturn, Sprites, Ralf Jones.gif




Ralf Jones
The protagonist of the Ikari Warriors series. He is a mercenary whose fighting style is based on hard punches.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Vulcan Punch PPPPP Ralf does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with Right while doing this.
Gatling Attack Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+P Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and an uppercut. He slides further when the move is performed with  HP .
Kyukoka Bakudan Punch Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+P or
Down Down-right Right P in midair
Ralf jumps in the air, then drops down with an explosive dive punch.
Ralf Kick Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+K Ralf leaps through the air with a dropkick that knocks his opponent back. He leaps further when the move is performed with  HK .
Super Argentine Back Breaker Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K (close) Ralf tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Bari Bari Vulcan Punch Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Ralf slides forward with an elbow strike, a spinning backhand, and a series of rapid explosive punches, then finishes with an uppercut.
Unamori Vulcan Punch Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Ralf runs forward and pushes down his opponent, then pummels them with a series of explosive punches.
Galactica Phantom Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Ralf pulls his arm back and winds up for a powerful, unblockable punch.
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King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Clark Still.gif




Clark Still
Ralf's best friend and a former spy before joining the Ikari Warriors. He fights with a wrestling-based fighting style.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Vulcan Punch PPPPP Clark does a series of rapid upward punches that toss his opponent back. He can move forward with Right while doing this.
Napalm Stretch Right Down Down-right P Clark jumps into the air and catches an airborne opponent, then grabs them and rolls to the ground with a slam. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing Down Down-right Right P after he hits the ground with the opponent.
Rolling Cradler Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Clark runs forward, then grabs the opponent and rolls backward with them, finishing with a slam. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing Down Down-right Right P after he slams the opponent.
Frankensteiner Right Down Down-right K (close) Clark grabs his opponent by the neck with his legs and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing Down Down-right Right P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Super Argentine Back Breaker Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K (close) Clark tosses his opponent high into the air, then catches them with a backbreaker and slams them to the ground. He can follow up the move with an elbow drop by pressing Down Down-right Right P after he turns around and throws the opponent.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Death Lake Driver Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP / HK  in midair (close) Clark grabs and throws his opponent to the ground.
Stomp Kick Right+ LK  Clark stomps his leg forward.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Ultra Argentine Back Breaker Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P (close) Clark tosses his opponent high into the air and catches them with a backbreaker three times, then slams the opponent into the ground.
Running Three Left Down-left Down Down-right Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K (close) Clark grabs his opponent, turns around, points ahead, and runs to the end of the stage while carrying and then slamming the opponent.

Athena Team

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Athena Asamiya.gif




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).
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Psycho Ball Down Down-left Left P Athena generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Phoenix Arrow Down Down-left Left P in midair Athena curls into a ball and dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor. She finishes with a sweep kick after landing when the move is performed with  HP .
Psycho Sword Right Down Down-right P Athena rises upward while her hand slices the air with psychic power. She ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP . This move can be performed in midair.
Nu Psycho Reflector Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Athena holds her palms out and generates a shield of psychic power. It knocks back opponents that touch it and also reflects projectiles. She leaps forward before generating the shield when the move is performed with  HK .
Psycho Teleport Down Down-right Right K Athena runs forward at high speed. She can be hit while doing this but can pass through opponents.
Super Psychic Throw Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HP  (close) Athena psychically throws her opponent into the air.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Sankaku Tobi Up-right when jumping onto the edge of the screen Athena can jump off the edges of the screen.
Psychic Shoot Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP / HK  in midair (close) Athena grabs and throws her opponent in midair.
Phoenix Bomb Down+ HK  in midair Athena drops back-first at her opponent. She bounces off her opponent if she hits.
Renkan Tai Right+ LK  Athena hops forward with a high kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Shining Crystal Bit Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Athena hovers in the air and channels psychic energy while orbs revolve around her. The move can be canceled by pressing  LP + HP + LK + HK . If the player presses Down Down-left Left P during the move, Athena points forward and shoots an energy orb across the screen (Crystal Shoot). She throws the orb straight ahead with  LP  or at an upward angle with  HP .
Phoenix Fang Arrow Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P in midair Athena curls into a ball and repeatedly dives diagonally downwards while glowing like a meteor.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Sie Kensou.gif




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).
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Chou Kyuu Dan Down Down-left Left P Kensou generates and throws a ball of psychic energy. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryu Renda Right Down Down-right PPPPP Kensou leans forward on one leg while swinging repeatedly with alternating arms.
Ryuu Ren Ga Chi Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  LP  Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike. If it hits, he follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving forward.
Ryuu Ren Ga Gen Left Down-left Down Down-right Right  HP  Kensou leaps forward with an elbow strike. If it hits, he follows up with a knee strike and a turning kick while moving diagonally up into the air.
Ryuu Sou Geki Down Down-left Left P in midair Kensou dives diagonally downwards with a palm strike that hits multiple times.
Ryuu Gaku Sai Left Down Down-left K Kensou stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Kobokushu Right+ LP  Kensou pulls both arms into the air, then slaps down with both of them.
Kousentai Right+ LK  Kensou hops forward with a turning kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Shinryuu Seiou Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  LK  Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick, then stands on his hands and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Shinryuu Tenbu Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  HK  Kensou leaps forward with a flying kick, followed by a front kick and a turning kick while juggling the opponent into the air, then stands on his hands after landing and propels himself into the air with a split-leg kick.
Sen Ki Hakkei Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P (close) Kensou thrusts his palms out and hits his opponent with an orb of psychic energy.
Niku Man O Kuu Down Down-left Left Down Down-left Left P Kensou eats a meat bun, which restores a small portion of his health.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Chin Gentsai.gif




Chin Gentsai
The master of Athena and Kensou and a master of various styles of kung fu, though he fights primarily with drunken boxing.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Hyoutan Geki Jaku Down Down-left Left  LP  Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him.
Hyoutan Geki Kyou Down Down-left Left  HP  Chin whips a gourd through the air in front of him twice, once high and once low.
Ryuu Rin Hou Rai Right Down Down-right P Chin leaps through the air with a rolling body attack. He stumbles forward with multiple spinning elbow strikes before leaping when the move is performed with  HP .
Suikan Kan Ou Down Down-right Right P Chin leaps forward with a falling body attack.
Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Chin rolls along the ground, then does an upward hand strike that knocks his opponent over.
Bugetsu Sui Down Down-left Left K Chin falls back, flat on the ground, for a duration before standing back up again. While he is in this state, he can fly forward with a kick (Ryuu Ja Hanhou) with Up+ LK , cartwheel backward (Rigyo Hanhou) with Up+ HK , or roll forward with an upward hand strike (Kaiten Tekikuu Totsu Ken) with Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K. Or he can stand back up by pressing  LP + HP + LK + HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Suiho Hyoutan Shuu Right+ LP  Chin falls on his back while swinging his gourd.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Gou Ran Enpou Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Chin takes a drink from his gourd, then breathes a stream of fire. He breathes the stream diagonally upwards with  LP  or straight ahead with  HP .
Gou En Shourai Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Chin takes a drink from his gourd, infusing himself with fire, then stumbles drunkenly forward.

Shin Josei Kakutouka Team

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Chizuru Kagura.gif




Chizuru Kagura
The heiress of the Yata clan, one of the three clans to seal away Orochi. She hosts the tournament in order to bring the descendants of the three clans together in order to prevent Orochi from being revived by the Hakkesshu. Her clan possesses the Yata Mirror (八汰鏡). 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.
Move list
Name Command Description
108 Katsu Tamayura no Shitsune Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Chizuru swipes an arm down, creating an energy orb that knocks down her opponent on impact. She twirls forward a short distance when the move is performed with  HP .
100 Katso Tenjin no Kotowari Right Down Down-right P Chizuru creates a mirror image that spins upward with her arms outstretched.
202 Katsu Otsu Shiki Choumon no Isshin Down Down-right Right P or K Chizuru creates a mirror image that leaps forward with an open-handed strike. She leaps farther when the move is performed with  HP  or  HK . She takes the place of the mirror image after the move is complete when the move is performed with K.
212 Katsu Shinsoku no Noroti Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P or K Chizuru creates a mirror image that runs forward and hits her opponent with an upward palm strike when it is performed with P, which knocks the opponent back, or a lateral palm swipe when it is performed with K, which knocks the opponent down. It can be followed up by a jumping strike with Down Down-left Left P or by a downward palm strike with Down Down-left Left K. She takes the place of the mirror image after the move is complete when the move is performed with  HP  or  HK .
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Ichimen Ikatsu San Rai no Fui Jin Down Down-left Left Down Down-left Left K Chizuru creates a mirror image that twirls forward with her arms outstretched.
Ichimen 85 Katsu Reigi no Ishizue Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Chizuru slides forward with a low strike. If it hits, the opponent glows and cannot perform special moves for a duration.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Mai Shiranui.gif




Mai Shiranui
A kunoichi who practices her family's own martial art, Shiranui-ryuu Ninjutsu.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Ka Chou Sen Down Down-right Right P Mai throws her folding fan at her opponent. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
Ryuu En Bu Down Down-left Left P Mai twirls around, whipping her opponent with the sash around her waist, which is set alight and knocks her opponent over on impact.
Hishou Ryuu'en Jin Right Down Down-right K 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 .
Hissatsu Shinobi Bachi Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Mai performs a cartwheel, then drops to the ground with an elbow strike. The move travels more distance when it is performed with  HK .
Musasabi no Mai (Chijou) Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+P Mai jumps to the back edge of the screen. She can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing Up-right instead of Up. If the player continues to hold P after performing the move, Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with  HP  (for the first button press).
Musasabi no Mai (Kuuchuu) Down Down-left Left P in midair Mai dives diagonally downward with her arms spread out. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with  HP .
Hakuro no Mai Right Down Down-right P Mai twirls forward while swinging her fans around her.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Sankaku Tobi Up-right when jumping onto the edge of the screen Mai can jump off the edges of the screen.
Yume Zakura Left+ HP / HK , Right+ HP / HK , or Down+ HP / HK  in midair (close) Mai grabs and stomps her opponent to the ground.
Benitsuru no Mai Down-right+ LK  Mai slides forward with a low kick, then rolls back with a high kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Chou Hissatu Shinobibachi Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Mai does a cartwheel kick, then flies through the air with an elbow strike while flames radiate from her body.
Hou'ou no Mai Down Down-left Left Down Down-left Left P Mai flips into the air, then spins downward in a ball while tailed by the sash around her waist, which is set alight.
Sui Chou no Mai Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Mai throws three folding fans at her opponent.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, King.gif




King
A bar owner who fights with her own kick-heavy take on Muay Thai.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Venom Strike Down Down-right Right K King performs a jumping kick, lobbing a fireball through the air. The projectile moves faster and further when the move is performed with  HK .
Double Strike Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right K King performs two jumping kicks in quick succession, lobbing two fireballs through the air. The projectiles move faster and further when the move is performed with  HK . The second projectile always travels the full width of the screen.
Trap Shot Right Down Down-right K King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a barrage of fast kicks.
Tornado Kick Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K King climbs into the air with multiple rotating kicks. She kicks more times when the move is performed with  HK .
Mirage Kick Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K King runs forward, then hits her opponent with alternating high and low kicks.
Surprise Rose Right Down Down-right P King rolls into the air, then comes down with a stomping kick that can hit multiple times. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with  HP .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Slide Kick Down-right+ HK  King slides forward with a sweep kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Illusion Dance Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K King does a backflip, then performs a series of rapid kicks, ending with a somersault kick and two leaping kicks.
Silent Flash Down Down-left Left Down Down-left Left K King performs a somersault kick. If it hits, she follows up with a knee strike, then flies upward with an upside-down kick that launches her opponent into the air.

Kim Team

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Kim Kaphwan.gif




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.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Han Getsu Zan Down Down-left Left K Kim rolls forward with a somersaulting crescent kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. The move covers a wider arc when it is performed with  HK .
Kuusa Jin Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+P Kim spins diagonally upward while kicking. He ascends higher and hits an additional time when the move is performed with  HP .
Hien Zan Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+K 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 (Ten Sou Zan) by pressing Down+ HK .
Hishou Kyaku Down Down-right Right K in midair Kim dives diagonally downward while stomping repeatedly.
Ryuusei Ranku Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+K Kim slides forward with a sweep kick, then jumps in the air and performs an axe kick. He slides further when the move is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Neri Chagi Right+ LK  Kim lifts his leg high and comes down with an axe kick, which hits up to two times and can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Dora Yup Chagi Right+ LP  Kim hops forward with a turnaround kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Hou'ou Kyaku Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Kim performs a series of rapid kicks, then finishes with a backflip kick. This move can be performed in midair.
Hou'ou Tenbu Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K in midair Kim dives diagonally downward with a stomp, then flips in circles while kicking, ending with a heel kick in midair.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Chang Koehan.gif




Chang Koehan
A very large criminal who fights with a big metal ball attached to a chain.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Tekkyuu Dai Kaiten PPPPP Chang swings his ball by its chain over his head, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He swings the ball for a duration or until the player presses  LP + HP + LK + HK , and he can move with Left or Right while doing this.
Tekkyuu Funsai Geki Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+P Chang flings his ball by its chain in front of him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He slides forward slightly when the move is performed with  HP .
Tekkyu Hien Zan Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+K Chang flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HK .
Dai Hakai Nage Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right  HP  Chang grabs and slams his opponent back and forth multiple times.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Hiki Nige Down-right+ LP  Chang slides along the ground, holding his ball out in front of him.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Tekkyuu Dai Bousou Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Chang charges forward with a series of strikes, then swings his ball by its chain over his head and flips backwards through the air with a kick, falling on his back.
Tekkyu Dai Assatsu Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Chang flies diagonally upward, then falls with a body attack.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Choi Bounge.gif




Choi Bounge
A very small criminal who fights with two clawed hands (resembling the horror movie villain Freddy Krueger).
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Kaiten Hien Zuki Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+P Choi runs forward, then jumps while slashing his claws when he is near his opponent. He jumps higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Tatsumaki Shippuu Zan Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+P Choi spirals upward in a tornado while slashing around him with his claws. He slides forward a short distance and ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Hishou Kuuretsu Zan Hold Down for 2 seconds, then Up+K Choi jumps to the back edge of the screen. He can jump to the front edge of the screen by pressing Up-right instead of Up. If the player continues to hold K after performing the move, Choi immediately does a spinning attack with his claws after hitting the wall. He spins diagonally downwards with  LK  or straight ahead with  HK .
Hishou Kyaku Down Down-right Right K in midair Choi dives diagonally downward, then stomps repeatedly on his opponent.
Senpuu Hien Shitotsu Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+K Choi flies ahead head-first while spinning like a drill with his claws in front of him. He flies faster and further when the move is performed with  HK . He can follow up with another drill spin by holding the D-Pad in any direction while pressing any attack button.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Sankaku Tobi Up-right when jumping onto the edge of the screen Choi can jump off the edges of the screen.
Nidan Giri Right+ LP  Choi rolls forwards, then slashes upwards.
Toorima Geri Right+ LK  Choi somersaults forward with a kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Shin! Chouzetsu Tatsumaki Shinkuu Zan Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Choi spins on one leg, producing a large tornado that covers the full height of the screen. He can move with Left or Right while doing this.
Hou'ou Kyaku Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Choi slides forward with a series of claw slashes, ending with a somersault kick.

New Faces Team

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Yashiro Nanakase.gif




Yashiro Nanakase
Yashiro
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Upper Duel Right Down Down-right P Yashiro swings his fist inward. If it hits, he follows up with a jumping uppercut. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
Sledgehammer Down Down-left Left P Yashiro leaps forward while swinging his fist down to the ground like a hammer. The move knocks down the opponent on impact and can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Missile Might Bash Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Yashiro moves forward while swinging his arms back and forth, finishing with a hit that knocks the opponent back.
Jet Counter Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Yashiro dashes forward with a punch that knocks his opponent back.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Step Side Kick Right+ LK  Yashiro does a side kick.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Million Bash Stream Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Yashiro moves forward while swinging his arms back and forth, finishing with an uppercut that knocks the opponent into the air.
Final Impact Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Yashiro hits with a powerful punch that sends the opponent flying back. Holding P charges the punch to do more damage.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Shermie.gif




Shermie
Shermie
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Shermie Whip Right Down Down-right K Shermie stands on a hand and rolls backward while kicking through the air in a circle. If it connects, she grabs the opponent with her legs for a takedown, followed by a suplex throw.
Axle Spin Kick Down Down-left Left K Shermie does an axle spin through the air, followed by a crescent kick when she lands. She jumps slightly farther when the move is performed with  HK .
Shermie Shoot Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Shermie rushes forward, then does a handstand on top of her opponent and takes them down with her knees. She runs slightly farther when the move is performed with  HK .
Shermie Spiral Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P (close) Shermie does a handstand on top of her opponent, wraps her legs around their head, then spins their body to the ground.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Shermie Stand Right+ LK  Shermie does a front walkover while kicking, which can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Shermie Flash Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P (close) Shermie does a handstand on top of her opponent, then grabs them for a suplex slam.
Shermie Carnival Left Down-left Down Down-right Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P (close) Shermie grabs her opponent and performs three suplexes in alternating directions.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Chris.gif




Chris
Chris
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Slide Touch Down Down-right Right P Chris does an underhand palm strike that knocks the opponent back on impact. A duplicate of him slides forward to perform the strike when the move is performed with  HP .
Glider Stomp Down Down-right Right K in midair Chris zooms downward with a dive kick.
Hunting Air Right Down Down-right K Chris crouches, and a duplicate of him rises into the air with a knee strike and a high kick. The duplicate appears higher (and can pass through his opponent) when the move is performed with  HK .
Shooting Dancer Thrust Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Chris dashes forward, then slides to the ground with a low kick when the move is performed with  LP  or a jumps into the air with a spinning heel kick when the move is performed with  HP .
Shooting Dancer Step Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Chris dashes forward, then leaps into the air and comes down with a stomping kick that can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Spinning Array Right+ LP  Chris lunges forward with a punch that spins his body around.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Chain Slide Touch Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Chris produces multiple advancing duplicates that hold their hands out for palm strikes that knock the opponent back.
Twister Drive Down Down-left Left Down Down-left Left K Chris jumps into the air with multiple backflip kicks.

'97 Special Team

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Ryuji Yamazaki.gif




Ryuji Yamazaki
Ryuji
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Sabaki no Aikuchi Right Down Down-right P Ryuji slides forward while slashing with his knife. He slides further when the move is performed with  HP .
Hebi Tsukai Gedan Down Down-left Left  LP  Ryuji charges his arm. When  LP  is released, he performs a fast punch diagonally upwards. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing  HK .
Hebi Tsukai Uwadan Down Down-left Left  HP  Ryuji charges his arm. When  LP  is released, he performs a fast punch diagonally downwards. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing  HK .
Hebi Tsukai Chuudan Down Down-left Left  LK  Ryuji charges his arm. When  LP  is released, he performs a fast punch straight ahead. The longer the button is held, the more damage the punch does if it connects. The move can be canceled by pressing  HK .
Bai Gaeshi Down Down-right Right  HP  Ryuji swings his arm up, which can damage a nearby opponent or grab a projectile out of the air and throw it back toward the caster.
Suna Kake Down Down-right Right  HP  Ryuji does a high kick that kicks up dust from the ground.
Sadomazo Left Down-left Down Down-right Right K Ryuji taunts his opponent. If his opponent attacks him while he is doing this, he counters with a charging punch.
Badukan Pachiki Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right P Ryuji grabs and hits his opponent with an explosive headbutt.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Bussashi Right+ LP  Ryuji punches downward, which hits up to two times and can attack opponents who are crouch-blocking.
Move list (Power moves)
Name Command Description
Guillotine Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Ryuji leaps forward, coming down with a flaming fist. If it connects, he drags his opponent along the ground with it before throwing them into the air.
Yondan Drill Driller Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left (close) Ryuji grabs and throws his opponent into the air, then pummels them with multiple strikes upon landing.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Blue Mary.gif




Blue Mary
Blue Mary
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Spin Fall Down Down-right Right K Mary leaps forward and falls with an axe kick.
Vertical Arrow Right Down Down-right K Mary jumps and kicks diagonally upward. It can be interrupted with a scissor takedown (Mary Snatcher) by pressing Right Down Down-right K again during the move.
Mary Spider Down Down-right Right P Mary flips over her opponent, then takes them down with a neck hold.
Straight Slicer Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+K Mary crouches and slides forward with a sweep kick. She can follow up with a grab, slam, and hold (Mary Crab Clutch) by pressing Down Down-right Right K during the move.
Mary Reverse Facelock Down Down-left Left  LK  Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by an attack from an airborne opponent while doing this, she catches the attack and locks the opponent in a hold.
Mary Head Buster Down Down-left Left  HK  Mary holds a defensive posture. If she is hit by a high or mid attack from a grounded opponent during this, she catches the attack, rolls backward, and throws the opponent high into the air.
Back Drop Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P (close) Mary grabs her opponent and performs a suplex.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Hammer Arc Right+ LP  Mary hops forward while swinging his fists down.
Climbing Arrow Down-right+K Mary does a donkey kick into the air.
Move list (Power moves)
Name Command Description
Mary Typhoon Right Down-right Down Down-left Left Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K (close) Mary climbs onto her opponent's shoulders, grabs their head between her feet, and slams them with her legs.
Mary Splash Rose Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Mary dashes back and forward in front of her opponent, then does a jumping kick and knocks them into the air with multiple hand swipes.
Mary Dynamite Swing Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right K Mary knocks her opponent into the air with a knee strike, grabs them in midair and drives them back to the ground, then grabs them again after they stand up and swings them around multiple times by the neck before letting go.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Billy Kane.gif




Billy Kane
The right-hand man of Geese Howard, who joins the tournament to avenge his master after his defeat at the hands of the Bogard brothers.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
Senpuu Kon  LP  LP  LP  LP  LP  Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him rapidly.
Shuuten Ren Ha Kon  HP  HP  HP  HP  HP  Billy stabs his cudgel in front of him rapidly.
Sansetsu Kon Chuudan Uchi Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Billy whips his cudgel in front of him, and it expands across the screen.
Kyoushuu Hishoukon Right Down Down-right K Billy vaults into the air with his cudgel, then drops back to the ground with a kick.
Ka Ryuu Tsuigeki Kon Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  LK  Billy holds his staff upwards in a defensive stance. If the opponent hits it, Billy responds with a cudgel strike.
Sui Ryuu Tsuigeki Kon Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  HK  Billy holds his staff forwards in a defensive stance. If the opponent hits it, Billy responds with a cudgel strike.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Dai Kaiten Geri Right+ LP  Billy hops forward, striking with his cudgel, then spinning with a kick.
Boukou Tobi Geri Right+ LK  Billy vaults on his cudgel and does a side kick that knocks his opponent over.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Chou Kaen Senpuukon Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Billy twirls his cudgel in front of him while the ends are on fire, creating a circle of flame that rolls forward a short distance. It rolls a longer distance when the move is performed with  HP .
Dai Senpuu Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Billy swings his cudgel in a circle around him as it expands, then swings it down like a bat.

Single-Entry Fighters

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 96 Saturn, Sprites, Iori Yagami.gif




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).
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
108 Shiki Yami Barai Down Down-right Right P Iori throws fiery purple sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
127 Shiki Aoi Hana Down Down-left Left P (up to 3 times) Iori advances with an uppercut. The motion can be repeated up to three times, in which case he follows up with an additional uppercut, then jumps and comes down with a double axe-handle punch.
100 Shiki Oniyaki Right Down Down-right P Iori twirls into the air while surrounded in a streak of purple fire, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
212 Shiki Kototsuki In Right Down-right Down Down-left Left K Iori runs forward and tries to grab his opponent by the head. If he succeeds, he takes the opponent down, then causes an explosion of purple fire.
Kuzukaze Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P (close) Iori grabs and shoves his opponent away.
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Ge Shiki Yumebiki HOLD Right LP   LP  Iori claws with an open hand, then swings it back in a fist.
Ge Shiki Gou Fu In Shinigami Right+ LK  Iori pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Ge Shiki Yuri Ori Left+ LK  in midair Iori kicks behind him.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Kin 1211 Shiki Ya Otome Down Down-right Right Down-right Down Down-left Left P Iori dashes forward and performs a series of hand strikes, ending by grabbing the opponent and creating an explosion of purple fire.
Ura 108 Shiki Ya Sakazuki Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Iori throws fiery purple sparks that slide along the ground, then explode in a pillar of purple fire. If it hits, the opponent is trapped in a stasis effect until knocked out of it. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Shingo Yabuki.gif




Shingo Yabuki
Shingo
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
114 Shiki: Aragami Mikansei Down Down-right Right  LP  Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm.
115 Shiki: Dokugami Mikansei Down Down-right Right  HP  Shingo steps forward with a hook punch using his following arm, then a hook punch with his leading arm that knocks the opponent over.
100 Shiki Oni Yaki Mikansei Right Down Down-right P Shingo does an elbow strike, then twirls into the air while holding his arms out, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends higher when the move is performed with  HP .
101 Shiki Oboro Guruma Mikansei Down Down-left Left K Shingo hops forward with a front kick that knocks his opponent over. When the move is performed with  HK , he follows up with another hop and front kick, then a high jump and an axe kick.
Shingo Kick Left Down Down-left K Shingo does a jumping turnaround kick that knocks his opponent to the ground on impact. The move covers more horizontal distance when it is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Ge Shiki Gou Fu Nage Fukanzen Right+ LK  Shingo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Burning Shingo Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Shingo lunges forward with a hook punch using his following arm, then an uppercut, a downward punch, and a final uppercut that knocks his opponent back.
Ge Shiki Kake Hou Rin Down Down-right Right Down Down-right Right P Shingo steps forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent back.

Bosses

Sub-bosses
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Iori.gif




Orochi Iori
Orochi Iori uses the same moves as normal Iori but moves faster.
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Leona.gif




Orochi Leona
Orochi Leona uses the same moves as normal Leona but moves faster.
Awakened Orochi Team
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Yashiro.gif




Orochi Yashiro
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Shermie.gif




Orochi Shermie
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi Chris.gif




Orochi Chris
Final boss
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Sprites, Orochi.gif




Orochi

Hidden

King of Fighters 97 Saturn, Characters.png
King of Fighters 95 Saturn, Sprites, Kyo Kusanagi.gif




EX Kyo Kusanagi
This is a special alternative version of Kyo that uses his moveset from The King of Fighters '94. He can be selected by holding  START  when selecting Kyo in any mode.
Move list (Special moves)
Name Command Description
108 Shiki Yami Barai Down Down-right Right P Kyo throws fiery red sparks across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HP .
100 Shiki Oni Yaki Right Down Down-right P 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 .
101 Shiki Oboro Guruma Left Down Down-left K Kyo flies through the air with a spinning back kick, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He kicks once when the move is performed with  LK  and three times when the move is performed with  HK .
Move list (Command normals)
Name Command Description
Ge Shiki Naraku Otoshi Down+ HP  in midair Kyo clasps his hands together and swings them down like a hammer.
Ge Shiki Gou Fu You Right+ LK  Kyo pulls his leg up high, then does axe kick that can hit twice. The second hit can hit opponents who are crouch blocking.
88 Shiki Down-right+ HK  Kyo kicks twice while crouched. The second hit trips the opponent.
Move list (Desperation moves)
Name Command Description
Ura 108 Shiki Orochi Nagi Down Down-left Left Down-left Down Down-right Right P Kyo holds a hand into the air and foments a flame while P is held. When the button is released, he swipes his hand down, igniting the air around him, and slides forward while surrounded in flames.

Special Edit Teams

Stages

The game is the first entry of the series where stages are chosen randomly rather than associated with teams.

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[[File:]]

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
Source:
In-game credits
KOF97 Saturn JP SSEnding.pdf
[5]

Magazine articles

Main article: The King of Fighters '97/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Ação Games (BR)
80
[6]
Consoles + (FR) NTSC-J
96
[7]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
65
[8]
Joypad (FR) NTSC-J
80
[9]
MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-J
85
[10]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
80
[11]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
76
[12]
SuperGamePower (BR)
100
[13]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) NTSC-J
93
[14]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
80
[15]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
89
[16]
Sega Saturn
84
Based on
11 reviews

The King of Fighters '97

Saturn, JP
KoF97 Saturn JP Box Back.jpgKoF97 Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
TheKOF97 Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
TheKOF97 Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
The King of Fighters '97 Sat JP Manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, JP (1MB RAM Pack)
KoF97 Saturn JP Box Back 1MB.jpgNospine-small.pngKoF97 Saturn JP Box Front 1MB.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: The King of Fighters '97/Technical information.

References


The King of Fighters '97

KingOfFighters97 title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Technical information


Books: The King of Fighters '97 Perfect Guide Book (1998)

No results



The King of Fighters games for Sega systems or published by Sega
Sega Saturn
The King of Fighters '95 (1996) | The King of Fighters '96 (1996) | The King of Fighters '96 + '95: Gentei KOF Double Pack (No results?) | The King of Fighters '97 (1998) | The King of Fighters Best Collection (1998)
Sega Dreamcast
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)
Arcade
The King of Fighters Neowave (2004) | The King of Fighters XI (2005)
Sony PlayStation 4
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)