The King of Fighters '97
Three-on-three, the finale of the Orochi saga, and the biggest crowd in the arcade.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1997
- Manufacturer
- SNK
- Players
- 2 players at once
- Genres
- Fighting games
- Decade
- '90s arcade games
If your local arcade had a Neo Geo in the late 90s, there's a good chance KOF '97 was in it. It was the cabinet for never-ending grudge matches: winner stays on, loser gets back in line with another quarter, and there was always a crowd calling out every combo. For a whole generation of fighting game fans, especially in Latin America, it was the fighting game.
It isn't in the UsuArcade arcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you're ready to build your team again, give it your vote.
History
SNK released it in 1997 for the Neo Geo. It wraps up the Orochi saga that began in KOF '95, with the story centered on Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami and Chizuru Kagura facing the power of Orochi.
It was one of the most-played entries in the series, and in a lot of countries its popularity lasted for years; people still run tournaments for it today.
How to play
You pick three fighters for your team and battle the other team relay-style: when one goes down, the next steps in. Before the fight you pick a mode: Advanced, with rolling dodges, a power gauge that stocks up in levels and super moves that spend it; or Extra, inspired by the earlier games, with a gauge you charge by holding buttons and in-place dodges.
Every fighter has special moves and desperation moves done with joystick motions. Single-player mode ends with the bosses of the Orochi saga, and some hidden characters are unlocked with codes that spread by word of mouth at the arcade.
Fun facts
- It closes out the Orochi saga that started in KOF '95.
- You can choose between the Advanced and Extra play modes.
- It includes alternate versions of some characters, unlocked with codes on the select screen.
In the arcade
The King of Fighters '97 is coming soon to UsuArcade. It's on the arcade wishlist and you can vote for it with the “I want to play it” button; the most-wanted games get added first.
Until then, the arcade has Street Fighter II for one-on-one grudge matches, plus other Neo Geo classics to play co-op, like Metal Slug 2 and Shock Troopers. Free in your browser, with chat, spectators and arcade high scores.
Once The King of Fighters '97 lands in the arcade, you'll be able to play it online two-player, each on your own phone or PC, in the same game.
FAQ
Can I play The King of Fighters '97 on UsuArcade?
Not yet. It's on the wishlist and you can vote for it with “I want to play it.”
What year did KOF '97 come out?
1997, from SNK, on the Neo Geo.
How many players is KOF '97?
Two players at the same time, each with a team of three fighters.
What's the difference between Advanced and Extra mode?
Advanced stocks multiple levels of power gauge and has rolling dodges; Extra is modeled on the earlier games, with a gauge you charge by holding buttons.
What similar games are in the arcade?
Street Fighter II, Metal Slug 2 and Shock Troopers are already free to play on UsuArcade.
