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The King of Fighters '97

199781/100
FightingArcade
+1
'97's legacy solidified the series' team-based fighting formula, a unique approach that remains its defining characteristic. The ability to select three distinct characters, each with their own move sets and special attacks, and swap them mid-battle offered a level of strategic depth unseen in other fighters at the time. This focus on team composition, combined with a fast-paced combat system and a diverse roster, ensured its longevity in arcades and continues to draw players back to experience its frantic, combo-heavy clashes.

About The King of Fighters '97

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"KOF '96 tournament drew to a close with an incident that occurred right after the tournament's end." The incident itself and the subsequent accident it caused were officially reported as the result of terrorist activity by an unknown group, but the details concerning the identity, motives, and subsequent whereabouts of the terrorists remained a mystery. In spite of this incident, however, the KOF '96 tournament was an overwhelming commercial success. A few months after, the event triggered a fighting craze and various large corporations, expressing interest in the fad, offered to sponsor subsequent tournaments, leading to a demand for an eagerly awaited KOF '97. The fad reached all over the globe and in no time KOF '97 came into being.

Top 3 Alternatives to The King of Fighters '97

1
Rating
Critic & community
85
Match
Recommendation strength
88%

Tekken 8

2024 · Fighting

Like KOF '97, Tekken 8 offers intense, skill-based fighting with a deep roster and complex move sets, but with modern graphics and online features.

Why recommended

  • Core gameplay centers on fast-paced, reflex-driven action with a focus on memorizing and executing complex attack combinations.
  • Criteria — Multiplayer is a central focus, with ranked matches, online tournaments, and casual play modes.
  • The game features a high skill ceiling and requires precise timing and execution, offering a challenging experience for players of all levels.
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2
Rating
Critic & community
80
Match
Recommendation strength
82%

Samurai Shodown's deliberate pace and weapon-based combat mirrors KOF '97's emphasis on precise attacks and reads, but with a more grounded, historical setting.

Why recommended

  • The combat system emphasizes precise strikes and defensive play, rewarding patience and strategic decision-making.
  • Criteria — Multiplayer is a key component, with online ranked matches and local versus modes.
  • Matches are often decided by single, well-timed strikes, creating a challenging and rewarding experience.
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3
Rating
Critic & community
75
Match
Recommendation strength
65%

MultiVersus offers a chaotic, platform-fighter experience, but the core focus on competitive multiplayer and skill-based combat will resonate with KOF '97 fans.

Why recommended

  • The fast-paced combat requires quick reflexes and strategic use of character abilities.
  • Criteria — Multiplayer is the primary focus, with online matches and a variety of modes.
  • The game features a high skill ceiling, with depth in character combos and team-based strategies.
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