The fourth game of [[SNK]]'s [[The King of Fighters]] series, and the last of the Orochi arc. This game now allows players to choose between Advanced Mode or Extra Mode. In Advanced Mode, however, players must execute special moves in order to fill up their power gauge.

h4. Characters

h5. Team Japan

* [[Kusanagi Kyou]]
* [[Nikaidou Benimaru]]
* [[Daimon Gorou]]

h5. [[Fatal Fury]] Team

* [[Terry Bogard]]
* [[Andy Bogard]]
* [[Joe Higashi]]

h5. [[Ryuuko no Ken]] Team

* [[Ryou Sakazaki]]
* [[Robert Garcia]]
* [[Yuri Sakazaki]]

h5. [[Ikari (game)|]] Team

* [[Leona Heidern]]
* [[Ralf Jones]]
* [[Clark Still]]

h5. [[Psycho Soldier]] Team

* [[Asamiya Athena]]
* [[Sie Kensou]]
* [[Chin Gentsai]]

h5. Women Fighters Team

* [[King (SNK)|]]
* [[Kagura Chizuru]]
* [[Shiranui Mai]]

h5. Team Korea

* [[Kim Kaphwan]]
* [[Chang Koehan]]
* [[Choi Bounge]]

h5. New Faces Team

* [[Nanakase Yashiro]]
* [[Shermie (kof)|]]
* [[Chris (kof)|]]

h5. Outlaw Team

* [[Yamazaki Ryuuji]]
* [[Blue Mary]]
* [[Billy Kane]]

h5. Solo Entry

* [[Yagami Iori]]
* [[Yabuki Shingo]]

h5. Mid-boss

* [[Orochi Iori]]
* [[Orochi Leona]]

h5. Boss

* [[Orochi Chris]]
* [[Orochi Shermie]]
* [[Orochi Yashiro]]
* [[Orochi (kof)|]]
ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ'97