Is The King of Fighters '97 Plus an official SNK release?
No. It is an unofficial Neo Geo MVS bootleg based on SNK's 1997 KOF '97. Its modification author is unknown.
The King of Fighters '97 Plus (Arcade Bootleg)
KOF '97 Plus corresponds to kof97pls, an unofficial Neo Geo MVS modification of SNK's 1997 fighter by an unknown author. It keeps three-fighter teams and the ADVANCED and EXTRA modes, places Orochi Iori, Orochi Leona, and the three awakened New Face Team members directly on the character-select grid, and starts ADVANCED battles with three POW stocks. This guide separates it from the original and Plus 2003 while explaining the browser controls and useful opening decisions.
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Overview
This is a bootleg modification of The King of Fighters '97, not an official SNK edition. The exact author and first modification date are undocumented. SNK developed the 1997 parent game; the maker of this Plus build is unknown.
The underlying game retains the original three-fighter elimination format and the Orochi Saga finale. ADVANCED follows the KOF '96-style movement and stock system, while EXTRA draws from KOF '94 and '95 and uses a different dash, evade, and charge system.
The visible Plus changes are deliberately narrow: five Orochi-powered variants appear as extra portrait slots on the normal character-select grid, and ADVANCED begins a battle with three POW stocks. This does not mean unlimited power, faster charging, or a general balance overhaul.
Controls
- W / A / S / D
- Move up, left, down, and right
- J / K
- Use the player panel's mapped B / A action buttons
- U / I
- Use the player panel's mapped Y / X action buttons
- Shift
- Insert a coin
- Enter
- Start the game
Before you play
- The five awakened variants already appear at the bottom of the character grid, so select them normally instead of entering the original game's hidden-character commands.
- ADVANCED starts with three POW stocks in this build. Spend the first stock only when it secures damage or a safe MAX activation instead of emptying the meter at the start of round one.
- Choose the mode before learning defensive habits: A+B rolls forward and Back+A+B rolls backward in ADVANCED, while A+B performs a stationary evade in EXTRA.
Known limitations
- Several unofficial KOF '97 Plus builds circulate. This page covers the kof97pls arcade set, not the separate Plus 2003 build, so claims about a selectable final boss, unlimited power, or other hack-specific changes may not apply.
- The exact modification author and date are undocumented. The page's 1997 release field follows the parent game's arcade lineage, while the preserved Plus title screen carries a 2003 copyright line.
FAQ
What does KOF '97 Plus change from the original arcade game?
The kof97pls build puts Orochi Iori, Orochi Leona, Orochi Yashiro, Orochi Shermie, and Orochi Chris directly on the character grid. ADVANCED battles also start with three POW stocks.
Can I select the final boss Orochi in this Plus version?
The kof97pls character grid adds five awakened variants but not a separate Orochi portrait. The similarly named Plus 2003 bootleg is a different build and adds the final boss.
How do I start and control KOF '97 Plus online?
Press Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start. Use WASD for directions; the player panel maps the four action buttons to J, K, U, and I.
What is the difference between ADVANCED and EXTRA defense?
A+B rolls forward and Back+A+B rolls backward in ADVANCED, while A+B performs a stationary evade in EXTRA. The modes also use different movement and POW systems.