One of the saga's best episodes, excellent Saturn port with generous extras. The Orochi story reaches its climax, the roster is exceptional. Graphics among the best in the genre on Saturn. Versus fighting reference on the console.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Description
SNK versus fighting game concluding the Orochi trilogy with two distinct combat modes. Published by SNK, released in Japan in 1998. Advanced mode and Extra mode with different gameplay feel, conclusion of the Orochi saga with iconic characters and revelations, super and hidden super moves, story and versus modes. The fourth and last King of Fighters on Saturn.
King of Fighters '97, The review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Hand-drawn high-resolution sprites of exceptional finesse: SNK brings fighting pixel art to a peak of refinement. The silky animation and detailed backgrounds overflow with life and character. This graphic virtuosity, sleek and warm, illustrates the peak of hand-drawn 2D.
An anthology of the early King of Fighters, the compilation gathers energetic themes blending rock, funk and jazz, the sonic signature of the SNK studio. Each team has its standout track, from the famous "Esaka" to frenzied saxophones, galvanising the clashes. This retro musical generosity delights fans of nervy fighting.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Two play styles to choose from, a plot that climaxes and a sharpened balance: this entry closes the Orochi saga with mastery. Choosing between Advanced and Extra modes radically changes your approach to fights and rewards mastery. The legendary roster and the dramatic intensity make it a 2D versus peak, still celebrated and played with fervour by enthusiasts.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Choosing between two gauge modes transforms how you approach the fight and opens a playground for experimentation you find hard to leave. Tuning your trio, refining a combo and then taking on the next round sets up a gripping learning loop. Getting to grips with it demands discipline, but this celebrated balance remains a versus benchmark still sought after today.
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Concluding the Orochi trilogy with its two fighting modes, this entry pushes the mastery of teams and styles to a higher refinement. Learning every fighter, juggling Advanced and Extra and endlessly facing others renew the versus. That technical depth, a peak of the arc, founds a longevity combat fans cultivate.
Technical info
💾0,45 GB📅26/03/1998
Published by SNK
King of Fighters '97, The (Saturn) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Japanese Sample variant of KOF '97 on Saturn, distributed by SNK in March 1998, a promotional or pre press version outside the strict retail channel, identified by Sample disc markings and dedicated labelling. That editorial quirk makes the object one of the hardest Saturn KOFs to authenticate on the secondary market. The SNK Sample run was extremely limited, the jewel case often lacks the standard obi, and a Sample identified copy with period documentation reaches headline figures at specialised KOF sales.
Better with friends
An adored peak of the team tournament, offering two play styles and a dream cast for three-on-three bouts of exemplary clarity. The competition is straight and deep, carried by the joy of watching your favorite fighters go at it. Rich in modes and polish, it remains a staple of versus nights among devotees, ready to restart without end.
Is King of Fighters '97, The still worth playing in 2026?
A conclusion of the Orochi saga by SNK, The King of Fighters 97 offers the narrative climax of the saga with final confrontation against Orochi and Advanced/Extra mode system for different play styles. The sublime art direction, strategic depth and epic conclusion make it an absolute peak of the Orochi trilogy. The Saturn conversion with RAM is exemplary. For anyone following the Orochi saga or fond of KOF, an absolutely essential recommendation today still without the slightest hesitation truly here indeed.
