The flames of rivalry have been rekindled, the echoes of clashing fists still linger in the air, and the legendary tournament is once again underway. The year is 1997, and SNK’s iconic ‘The King of Fighters’ series is back in the spotlight, thanks to the re-release of ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’. This fan-favorite fighter, which first captivated audiences nearly three decades ago, promises to deliver the same unbridled excitement, tactical depth, and nostalgic charm that have made it a beloved classic among gamers. But does this retro re-release still pack the punch to take down the competition, or is it a relic of a bygone era? Let’s find out in our review of ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’.
A Legendary Fighter Returns
Two decades after its initial release, SNK’s iconic fighting game ’97 still holds up as one of the best in the series, and its ACA NEOGEO re-release brings it back to life in style. With a roster of 35 characters at players’ disposal, the game offers incredible diversity and replayability. Among the iconic cast are fan favorites like Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Athena Asamiya – each with their unique fighting styles and abilities.
One of the key aspects that set ’97 apart from other fighters is its unique gameplay mechanics. These include features like Evade and Counter, which allow players to exploit their opponents’ mistakes and turn the tide of battle in their favor. The game also includes several modes to test players’ skills, including a Versus mode and Challenge mode.
Combat Mechanics Hold Up Surprisingly Well
The fighting system’s foundation, built upon the Advanced Mode and Extra Mode, still feels robust and engaging. This dichotomy adds a layer of strategy, making players choose between the simplicity of Extra Mode and the intricacies of Advanced Mode.
Key gameplay mechanics:
- • Simple button layout with four main attack buttons
- • Canceling mechanics to extend and link combos
- • Command normals to enhance the players’ moveset
| Gameplay Mechanics Comparison | Advanced Mode | Extra Mode |
|———————————–|—————|————|
| Combo Potential | Higher | Lower |
| Button Layout | Less Simple | More Simple|
| Strategic Depth | Higher | Lower |
Charming Retro Graphics
One of the most striking features of ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’ is its charming visuals, which have been beautifully preserved in this re-release. The game’s pixelated characters and backgrounds still look fantastic, with vibrant colors and detailed designs that evoke the spirit of a bygone era. The various stages, from the bustling streets of South Town to the ancient ruins of a mysterious temple, are equally impressive, with animations that bring the environments to life.
Players will also be treated to a variety of visual effects, including character portraits and health bars, that add to the overall retro charm of the game. These are perfectly complemented by the game’s fight FX and backgrounds. For a more detailed idea of what you can expect, here’s a small summary of the art and design features in the game:
| Visual Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Pixel Art | Precise pixel art designs with plenty of details |
| Backgrounds | Vibrant and lively backgrounds that are visually stunning |
| FX Animations | From basic punches to elaborate special moves, they all have animations |
‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’ is a stunning example of retro visual design, offering players a beautiful and nostalgic fighting game experience. Here are some key styles featured in the game’s graphics:
- 16-Bit Style – A blast from the past, remember classic 16-bit games?
- Crisp Lines and Details – Feel like you are watching a film straight from an arcade
Iconic Soundtrack and Voice Acting
The auditory experience of ‘The King of Fighters ’97’ is undeniably nostalgic and an integral part of its lasting appeal. Composed by Yasuo Yamate and Haruo How, the exhilarating soundtrack perfectly complements the high-energy gameplay, transporting players back to an era of unbridled enthusiasm and fervent head-to-head competition. Each expertly crafted stage theme and opponent jingle raises the stakes, amplifying tension as well as elation in equal measure.
The voice acting in ‘The King of Fighters ’97’ has become iconic, imbuing an unparalleled charm into every intense encounter. Opponents exclaim battle cries, grunts, and growls as they unleash a flurry of distinctive special moves and combos. The characteristic phrases “Duo Lon: Hung…Gar…Kuo!” and “Yashiro: Sagaribi!” provide insight into the personalities of each individual fighter. As shown below, listed are some of the most notable vocal cues that have endured in the public consciousness.
| Name | Battle Cry | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Geese Howard | Hehe… | Leans into the ground before starting the fight |
| Yashiro Nanakase | Sagaribi! | Yashiro puts his arms around Saisyu Kusanagi and Chris, symbolizing an abnormally powerful move |
| Asher | Nothin’ But… | Asher gets his fight music started after transforming into a werewolf |
- Listening to music which changes the tone to calm after the fight is thrilling, like Chris and Yashiro.
- Moments like these contribute to what most classic fighting games lack: keeping it well-rounded if desired for more character voices after an actual tournament fight gets difficult.
Smooth Modern Performance
Fast-paced fights have never looked this good, with frames running smoothly and transitions that are almost seamless. The graphics might seem retro, but they’ve aged remarkably well. This is partly due to the effort put into maintaining the nostalgia while also modernizing the visuals to run smoothly on today’s hardware.
The ACA NEOGEO port does an impressive job in bringing the classic fighter up to speed with modern standards. Here’s a look at the performance you can expect to see:
| Smooth Performance | Runs at 60 FPS, minimal input lag |
| Sharp Graphics | Option to play with original 4:3 aspect ratio or widescreen compatibility |
| Controller Compatibility | Wide range of controller options supported, from classic gamepads to arcade sticks |
The game also allows you to adjust the display settings, including screen filters, to give the game a more nostalgic look if you choose to do so. This flexibility means you can enjoy the game your way – be it a retro throwback or a modern fight fest.
A Perfect Blend of New and Old Features
A delightful convergence of timeless gameplay and modern convenience has turned ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’ into a compelling package. This release sees the return of the Extra Striker, a feature last seen in the original ‘The King of Fighters ’97’ title. The Extra Striker adds an extra twist to the combat system, granting each player access to a unique ” striker” – a designated character with their own set of moves and abilities.
| Feature | Description |
| Mid-bosses | Three challenging mid-bosses with unique abilities and designs |
| Striker system | Players can choose from a selection of Strikers with unique abilities |
| Updated Mechanics | Advanced 1-on-1 fighting mechanics with the ability to perform Super Special Moves |
The original title’s Advanced and Extra modes have been preserved, allowing for a welcome measure of variety and replay value. Newcomers can get accustomed to the gameplay mechanics using the in-game options menu and seasoned players can leap into the fray without needing to adapt to drastic changes.
Classic Characters Still Shine
Timeless Icons
The roster of ’97 still boasts some of the most iconic characters in the series, with the likes of Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Goro Daimon standing out as fan favorites. Each character has their unique set of abilities and special moves, making for a rich and varied gameplay experience. Whether you’re playing as the defensive-minded Athena Asamiya or the high-flying Joe Higashi, you’ll find a fighting style to suit your preferences.
| Fighting Style | Character |
| Projectile-based | Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard |
| Close-range combat | Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia |
| Martial arts | Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan |
Even without the newer mechanics, ’97’s cast still shines with its distinct, memorable personalities, and the gameplay hasn’t aged a day – each character’s moveset remains as fluid and responsive as ever. The game’s balance ensures that every fighter has their strengths and weaknesses, adding a layer of strategy to each match.
Gameplay Modes Galore
For enthusiasts of ‘The King of Fighters,’ the variety of game modes is a breath of fresh air. The game features both Team Play and Single Play modes, providing numerous options to engage with the gameplay. Additionally, there are ranked and casual matches that allow players to interact with others worldwide, further expanding its replay value.
Other notable modes include:
- Advanced Mode with an arrangement similar to those found in later titles of the series.
- Extra Mode which deviates more from traditional KOF gameplay.
- A Practice Mode to hone skills in.
- Color Edit mode for further customization.
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Endless | Battle an endless wave of opposing teams. |
| Survival | Conserve health while making it through the competition. |
The Challenge is Real
Pitting yourself against the strongest fighters in the world can be a daunting task. With ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO,’ you’re in for a serious challenge that’ll push your skills to the limit. The Special Team ’97 mode will put you in the shoes of classic teams, with unique mechanics and abilities for each set. This doesn’t just add variety but also heightens the strategic depth.
The level of difficulty can be punishing at times. Take a look at some of the toughest teams you’ll face:
| Team | Strategy |
| New Hero | Use Kyo’s fireballs to keep opponents at bay, while Ben’s speed helps in close-range combat. |
| New Faces | Yashiro’s fierce combos and Shermie’s aerial attacks can overwhelm opponents. |
| Rivals | Iori and Chae use the flames of Orochi to create complex strategies. |
Are you up for the challenge and ready to take on the ultimate fighter experience?
A Must Play for Fighting Game Enthusiasts
With its unparalleled gameplay and rich storyline, The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO has undoubtedly solidified its position as a must-play title for fighting game enthusiasts.
Although the game has not undergone significant changes in terms of graphics and sound, the essence of the gameplay remains intact, offering an authentic experience for both new and veteran players. The game features an impressive 38-playable-character roster, each with unique abilities and movesets, allowing players to experiment with various combinations to find their ideal playstyle.
| Top Features |
|---|
| Authentic arcade experience |
| 38-playable-character roster |
| Challenging levels and opponents |
- Players can choose from a variety of game modes, including Single Play, Versus, and Caravan Mode.
- The game’s controls are intuitive and responsive, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
- Online multiplayer functionality allows players to compete against others worldwide.
Key Takeaways
And so, the fight is far from over. ‘The King of Fighters ’97 ACA NEOGEO’ brings back the nostalgia and the thrill of the original game, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for both new and veteran fighters. As the curtains close on this review, the next match is just around the corner, waiting to unleash the fierce rivalry and camaraderie that only ‘The King of Fighters’ can provide. Will you answer the challenge and emerge victorious, or will you succumb to the wrath of the opposing team? The choice is yours, but one thing is certain – the fight never truly ends. Game on, and may the best team win.
