The climax of the Orochi saga
One of the lesser-referenced entries of SNK’s classicKing of Fightersseries is now available to download on Switch, as Hamster re-releaseKing of Fighters ’97on the Nintendo console.
KoF ’97is the climax of a story arc that began proper inKoF ’96, concerning some sacred treasures and the powers of moody protagonists Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami, just kiss already, guys. Brought together by the mysterious Chizuru, our heroes must face off against Orochi, an ancient evil brought back to life and given cream chinos.
KoF ’97features the debut of fashionista Shermie and her cohorts Yashiro and Chris. Making their crossover from theFatal Furyseries are fan favourites Yamazaki and Blue Mary. The standard 3-vs-3 team format returns, business as usual. The Riot of the Blood (Orochi) variants of Iori and Leona also make their creepy debut.
Unfortunately, as the game was swiftly followed up with “Best Of” titleKing of Fighters ’98: The Slugfest, KoF’97faded into the background fast, but is still one of the series most dramatic and best looking titles, with a great cast of characters and some awesome stages.
The King of Fighters ’97is available now on Nintendo Switch, priced at $8. It is also available on PS4 as the recently releasedThe King of Fighters ’97 Global Match.
