The King of Fighters ’97

The King of Fighters ’97 is one of the most played fighting games of all time, from Latin America to Asia. Three-on-three team battles, two fighting systems, a big roster with Kyo, Iori, Terry, Mai and the New Faces Team, and the final chapter of the Orochi story. It is SNK’s 1997 Neo Geo arcade game, and it plays right here in your browser with no download.

See what came next: The King of Fighters ’98 is the dream match that followed.

How to play

1. Press Play under the title picture and wait a few seconds while the Neo Geo machine starts up.
2. Press Coin (V on a keyboard) to add a credit, then Start (Enter).
3. Choose Advanced (power stocks, run and roll) or Extra (charge your power, side-step).
4. Pick three fighters and their order. The team that knocks out all three of the other side wins.
5. Light punch is Z, light kick X, strong punch C and strong kick A.
6. Fill the power gauge by hitting and blocking, then use it for a super move.

Controls

Computer: arrow keys move, Z light punch, X light kick, C strong punch, A strong kick, V adds a coin and Enter is Start. Move the mouse over the game to show the bar with pause, restart, sound, save state, load state and full screen buttons.

Phone and tablet: the arcade pad appears under the game: the stick, A, B, C, D, Coin and Start.

A USB or Bluetooth gamepad also works.

Cheats

Press the magic wand button next to the full screen button above the game. A small panel opens over the game, and the game waits until you close it. The cheats switch on a few seconds after the machine has started.

• Unlimited energy: your energy bar stays full.
• Super moves always ready: your power gauge stays full, so super moves are always there.
• Infinite time: the round clock never runs out.

Reloading the page turns the cheats off again.

About KOF ’97

SNK released The King of Fighters ’97 for the Neo Geo in 1997. It ends the Orochi saga that began in KOF ’95: the tournament is held to draw out the Orochi clan, and the New Faces Team turn out to be Orochi’s last servants. Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami fight side by side in the final battle. The Advanced and Extra systems introduced here were kept in KOF ’98.

Frequently asked questions

Is KOF ’97 free to play here?

Yes. You can play it free in your browser on Yes This Game, with no download and no sign-up.

What is the difference between Advanced and Extra mode?

Advanced mode fills the power gauge as you attack and stores up to three stocks, and you can run and roll. In Extra mode you charge the gauge yourself or by blocking, you side-step instead of rolling, and super moves work in MAX mode or when your energy bar flashes red.

How many players can play KOF ’97?

The arcade game is for one or two players. Here you play as player 1 against the computer.

Can I play it on my phone?

Yes. On a phone or tablet an on-screen pad appears under the game.

Can I save my progress?

Yes. The bar under the game has save state and load state buttons that keep the game in your browser on this device.