The "New Faces Team"—Chris, Shermie, and Yashiro—are introduced as the primary sub-bosses who are eventually revealed to be Orochi’s followers.
The game boasts an expansive roster, including fan favorites and powerful hidden characters:
The game centers on the climax of a centuries-old war against , a divine being seeking to "cleanse" humanity to restore nature's balance.
(KOF '97) is often remembered by fans as the emotional high point of SNK’s golden era, serving as the dramatic conclusion to the legendary Orochi Saga . Released in arcades on July 28, 1997, it remains one of the most played and discussed titles in the franchise’s history. The Final Battle: Story & Lore
The story deepens the iconic rivalry between Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami , whose clans were once allies before a blood pact with Orochi turned them into bitter enemies.
The game culminates in a desperate battle where Kyo and Iori must put aside their hatred to seal Orochi away once more, leading to some of the most memorable cutscenes in 2D fighting history. Gameplay: Innovation and Choice
KOF '97 introduced a revolutionary selection system between two distinct playstyles, allowing players to choose how they wanted to fight: