Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The King of Fighters ’97 builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessors by introducing two distinct play modes—Extra and Advanced—that cater to both traditionalists and those seeking fresh mechanics. In Extra Mode, the power gauge fills as you block or manually charge, allowing for strategic Super Desperation Moves (SDMs) only when your health is critically low. Conversely, Advanced Mode breaks from convention by filling your gauge through offensive actions, enabling you to unleash SDMs at any time once you’ve amassed two full bars. This dual‐mode system gives players the freedom to tailor their fighting style to match personal preference or matchup demands.

Beyond the gauge mechanics, ’97 emphasizes plot‐driven progression with mid‐boss encounters that vary based on your chosen team. Select the Fatal Fury Outlaw Team and you might face Ryuji Yamazaki before the climax, while an Orochi‐aligned group can shift your path entirely. This branching structure deepens replay value, compelling you to experiment with different team compositions not only for combat synergy but also for story outcomes. The “Edit Team” feature takes this a step further, rewarding creative squad building with unique endings that only surface under specific trio combinations.

The roster expansion in ’97 breathes new life into tournament battles. Returning favorites like Billy Kane share the stage with newcomers such as “Blue” Mary Ryan and Shingo Yabuki, Kyo’s eager pupil. With 29 selectable fighters plus six secret Orochi-related bosses unlocked via cheat code, you have an abundance of styles to master—from Mary’s fast, combination-based offense to Shingo’s homage to Kyo’s moveset. Each character feels distinct, boasting new special moves, command normals, and animations that refresh matchups and keep the combat loop engaging.

Balance remains a high priority, as SNK fine‐tunes hitboxes, damage scaling, and meter gain rates to mitigate runaway victories. Advanced Mode’s rolling dodge and Extra Mode’s sidestep each offer defensive options that reward timing and spatial awareness, preventing matches from becoming one‐sided brawls. Whether you’re chaining combos into SDMs or baiting opponents into counterattacks, the refined engine in The King of Fighters ’97 delivers depth without sacrificing the pick-up-and-play accessibility that defines the series.

Graphics

Visually, The King of Fighters ’97 represents a subtle yet noticeable upgrade over its 1996 predecessor. Character sprites are refined with smoother outlines, richer color palettes, and more fluid animations that bring each fighter to life. Special moves now feature expanded frames and more elaborate effects—fiery SDMs erupt with vibrant bursts, while energy waves leave glowing trails that heighten the impact of every hit.

Background stages have also seen a polish, boasting additional details like animated environmental elements and deeper parallax scrolling that enhance the illusion of depth. From the bustling city streets where neon signs flicker to the ominous Orochi shrine cloaked in mist, each arena feels distinct and immersive. These design touches not only make battles more engaging but also underscore the globe-trotting nature of the tournament.

On the audio front, ’97 introduces upgraded sound samples and more dynamic music tracks. Punches and kicks carry satisfying weight, while the roar of the crowd intensifies during close matches. The soundtrack strikes a balance between high‐octane rock riffs for action‐packed clashes and atmospheric melodies that underscore story sequences. Combined, the improved visuals and audio cues reinforce the arcade authenticity that longtime SNK fans crave.

Even on home console ports, the pixel art retains its crispness, with minimal slowdown during hectic tag‐team exchanges. Whether you’re playing on the original Neo Geo hardware or a modern digital reissue, The King of Fighters ’97 stands as a testament to SNK’s commitment to 2D sprite artistry at its peak.

Story

The narrative of The King of Fighters ’97 dives deeper into the Orochi Saga, weaving a tale of ancient power and human ambition. Unlike previous installments where the plot served merely as a backdrop for fights, ’97 integrates story beats into the gameplay through mid‐boss matchups that vary by team. This design choice ensures that your selection of the New Face Team, the Fatal Fury Outlaw Team, or any of the established trios influences both the fights you face and the lore you uncover.

Character interactions are more pronounced, featuring pre‐battle dialogue exchanges and post‐match epilogues that flesh out personalities. You’ll witness Shingo’s earnest determination to prove himself and Mary’s playful quips as she battles rivals old and new. Even secondary characters enjoy moments in the spotlight, with hidden endings that explore their motivations—available only when specific “Edit Team” lineups are chosen. These secret finales provide tantalizing glimpses into alliances, betrayals, and the greater mysteries of the Orochi bloodline.

While the main story follows the conventional SNK tournament format, the special endings for edited teams act like bonus chapters—rewarding dedicated players with unique vignettes. Want to see what happens when you pair Iori Yagami with Orochi-affiliated warriors? Load that team, clear the roster, and prepare for revelations that tie back to the overarching mythos. This branching narrative structure not only boosts replayability but also invites theorycrafting among fans eager to uncover every secret.

In delivering its tale, The King of Fighters ’97 strikes a satisfying balance between action and exposition. Cinematic stills, character portraits, and concise dialogue ensure that the plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping the focus on the tournament while still offering meaningful context. For newcomers, the story can be enjoyed as a standalone revenge fantasy; for series veterans, it deepens the stakes of the legendary Orochi arc.

Overall Experience

The King of Fighters ’97 stands out as one of the most well-rounded entries in the classic SNK series. Its dual‐mode system caters to purists and experimenters alike, while the roster of 29 fighters—augmented by secret boss characters—provides immense variety. Whether you’re into technical footsies or all-out combo rushes, there’s a playstyle here to suit your taste.

Replay value soars thanks to branching mid‐boss encounters and the promise of special endings for creative team compositions. Casual players will appreciate the pick‐up-and-go fun of standard Arcade mode, while competitive enthusiasts can hone their skills in local versus or training modes, mastering character matchups and advanced tactics. The learning curve is moderate, rewarding practice without alienating newcomers.

Graphically and sonically, ’97 captures the essence of late-’90s arcade flair. The refined sprites, dynamic backgrounds, and punchy soundtrack all contribute to an electrifying atmosphere that still holds up decades later. Whether experienced on original hardware or through digital re-releases, the game maintains its tight performance and visual charm.

Ultimately, The King of Fighters ’97 offers a complete package for fighters at all levels of expertise. Its blend of refined mechanics, branching narrative paths, and ample character diversity ensures that players will return again and again. If you’re searching for a timeless 2D fighter that balances depth with accessibility, this installment remains a high-octane highlight in SNK’s storied catalog.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10