Released by SNK in 1997 for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system (and later ported to the Neo Geo AES, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn), The King of Fighters '97 is widely regarded as a masterpiece and the dramatic, explosive conclusion to the series' first major story arc: The Orochi Saga .

The "King of Fighters" tournament this year is a trap. The massive spiritual energy generated by the world's strongest fighters is used to weaken the seal on Orochi. As the tournament progresses, strange events occur: the sky darkens, and certain fighters begin to hear a "bloodthirsty voice."

While KOF '95 and '96 built the lore, '97 delivered the payoff—a chaotic, high-stakes tournament that forever changed the franchise. The narrative picks up directly after KOF '96 , where the final boss, Goenitz, was defeated but revealed to be a servant of the ancient, destructive god Orochi . The sacred treasure trio— Kyo Kusanagi (fire), Iori Yagami (flames of madness), and Chizuru Kagura (mirror/sealing abilities)—are forced into an uneasy alliance.

For fans of fighting game lore, KOF '97 is essential. For competitive players, it remains a beloved, chaotic battleground. And for a generation of players in China and Latin America, it is the King of Fighters. "Orochi... I will never forgive you!" — Iori Yagami (loose translation)