The error they talk about in the ending was that the Yasakani clan was tricked by Orochi into beleving the Kusanagi clan killed one of their own. That's what started the blood feud between them. That's when the Yasakani accepted Orochi's blood, turning their flames purple. They changed their name from Yasakani to Yagami (8 Gods, as in the 8 heads of the serpent Orochi). The girl that appears after Kyo, Iori and Chizuru defeat Orochi is Yuki, Kyo's girlfriend. She says, "I'll be waiting for you, Kyo." After the Orochi battle, Chizuru helps an injured and exhausted Iori, but Kyo is no where to be found. He was captures by NESTS, the main antagonists for KOF 99, 2000 and 2001. I thought Leona killed her own family due to Goenitz awakening her Orochi blood that her father, Gaidel, tried to protect her from. He ended up dying by Leona's hands, along with the rest of her village when she first lost herself to the Riot of the Blood. Then Hiedern found her and adopted her.
Yep plus as a precursor to the '96 tournament Goentiz hospitalised Kyo in a fight which was why he recognised him during the ending and why Kyo gained more moves from '95 since he created them in the interest of taking Goentiz down.
96/97 Fun Fact Lore: We discover about the followers of Orochi called "The Hakesshu" The eight heads of Orochi. Each one blessed with an element. Wind, Earth, Lightning, Fire, Light, Darkness, Death, Water and Matter. And each one capable of The Riot Of The Blood, a state where they gave up there sanity in exchange for strength. They were responsible for the resurrection of Orochi 1800 years ago. But thanks to the Sacred Treasures Clans, Orochi was defeated. In present time the Hakkeshu are conformed for the Next characters: First the extreme followers of Orochi, The Four Heavenly Kings: Goenitz, Yashiro, Shermie and Chris. Each one blessed with the power of the power of Wind, Earth, Lightning and fire respectively. The others are Mature and Vice, blessed with power of Light and Darkness. Besides they want the resurrection of Orochi as well, the duo doesn't follow Goenitz 100%, both follow Rugal with the idea of turn him into a Hakesshu and give him the blessed of the matter, but in the end Rugal couldn't handle that power. The next one is Yamazaki with the blessing of Dead, besides he knows is a Hakesshu, he don't follow Goenitz and he don't want to resurrect Orochi. But thanks to his sadistics instincts, he can control his blessing. The next one is Leona with the blessing of water. She is a descended of the original Hakesshu of Water, Gaidel, her father. Besides Gaidel was a Hakesshu, he rejected his heritage and start a family in a hidden village. Goenitz find the village and try to convince Gaiden to return to the Hakesshu, but he refuses, Goenitz leaves but not without give a smile to Leona and tell Gaidel "Orochi don't forgive the traitors". That night, Leona start to get sick and start to coff blood, this was a sign of The Riot Of The Blood, Leona awaken with a sadistic desire and start to kill the people of the village, in the process she also kill his parents. Goenitz return to the village after the incident and he put his hand over his head and make her forget what happen. After this she walk in the jungle and was find by Heidern who was there to know what happen to the village. One day, she demonstrates a high ability climbing a tree, so Heidern take her like his own daughter and train her.
It sucks that they never gave Leona some kind of water ability, but I guess that would mean that she accepts the powers of the orochi wich I doubt she would want to.
Always lov3d how each new member of the Ikari Warriors were greatly affected by the main villian/organisation of the game they appeared in. Heidern & Rugal, Leona & Goentiz, Whip & NESTS.
@@PandamoniumBruu The power of matter can only be granted by Orochi. Rugal wanted that power but it couldn't handle since he wasn't a follower of Orochi. The only person who use the element of Matter in the games is Orochi himself.
So in the end: Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru defeated the resurrected Orochi and same humanity. However, it seems that Kyo was missing in the aftermath leaving Iori to search for his rival. It won't be until 2 years later till we find out in the NESTS Saga.
Here is a small trivia about the final fate of the New Faces Team in 97. In the japanese version of KOF 97, it is revealed that Yashiro, Shermie and Chris didn't die, instead their souls ended sealed with Orochi's. The japanese version have dialogues that were missing in the western release.
@@harlannguyen4048 Blame Oda for that, he actually never have worked for any KOF game during the days of the original SNK staff. He have made many retcons in the story. For example, he said that the Orochi Team were dead. Another retcon is about Tizoc's change of personality to make him a comic relief character. Also, the retcon about Vanessa's backstory. Her original story is that she was never married during the events of the NESTS saga.
Also, his duplicate (Mizuchi) in 'NeoGeo Battle Coliseum' is a thousand times stronger (when fought as a boss, he's relatively balanced as a playable character) than the original Orochi, despite the fact that the latter is a god, and the former is an artificial human (or a modified human, as the game never fully explains how Mizuchi was created).
This is because of his dumb AI that only remember his attack after you hit him a couple times. His abilities are one of the most broken in the series. Full screen super, lightning pillar that is a souped up version of Goenitz's wind pillar with faster start up, absolute priority projectile that multi hit that can combo to his high damaging lightning pillar and full screen super, a countermoves that will counter you even though you run or jump towards it without attack, zero delay dodging and infinite combo light kick. Had SNK programmed him as aggressive as Goenitz in 96, Orochi pretty much is unbeatable.
@@naruteoh123 Also the rom he was playing must have also have a glitched AI on top of the sound ones. I remember the Orochi team putting a much more decent fight. Chris in particular just stood there doing nothing and got destroyed in 10 seconds.
For the record, everyone in chat was saying there was no Team Sacred Treasures in 96... Everyone that made fun of us went silent after Max played the true ending, no one said anything. Just wanted to say that.
@@rubemevangelista3868 She is, you can access her with codes tho, that's how you get the real ending. Or, you could play one of the ports of the game with her unlocked from the get go.
"I think there is an extreme amount of anime influence in King of Fighters" I think 95% of all fighting games have extreme amounts of anime influence (even Mortal Kombat has 2 main characters fuse into 1 stronger character)
More like japanese Myth (The Orochi and Susano-o myth). As far as i remember, there's an anime that has tha same starting point myth as KOF Orochi saga and that is Blue Seed.
Max, there is a hidden fight in KOF 97. You must finish the game by defeating Orochi with the Japan team, specifically with Kyo and wait for the cutscene to pass until Iori comes out. Then the battle will begin to see the full ending.
Yeah I've come to view Goentiz as one of my favourite FG villians overall, I just love how integrated he was into other characters stories effecting them to the present and his guise of being a priest juxtaposing how villainous he was. Plus "Koko desu ka?"
My favorite part about KOF 96 is that on the Neo Geo CD port, you can actually check out the info of the characters. All of them are fully voice acted and there's even a little message from the voice actor of the character you've selected
The fact that Max went from struggling with 94 and 95 for hours to crunching through 96 and 97 all at once shows how crisp and polished KOF gets from this point onwards.
Putting aside the mechanics are more rewarding in 96 and 97 (and they dialed down on the AI input reading you), he played the first game in what in 1994 was considered as normal difficulty, so he was getting bodied. I'm sure he could easily beat the games in normal again, but at the cost of a lil more frustration so why bother.
Lowered difficulty, and he specifically decided to pick up the pace so he can finish this legacy as quickly as possible. As seen in the latest stream (99, 2000), he's actually enjoying the games less and less with each one, and his favorite was 95. So yeah, the faster pace is not really because he's liking them more or anything lmao.
I'll never understand the adoration the Chinese fanbase has for this game. KOF '97 Global Match exists solely because of them. It's a very flawed game and '98 turned it completely obsolete gameplay-wise since everybody came back and then some, doubly so with '98 UM.
@@dbgodlr4731 Not when SNK dedicates time and effort to remaking one of the least appealing KOFs when they could be giving this treatment to a better NeoGeo game, or maybe even fixing XIII's netcode, all because the Chinese market is so big and there's huge profit to be made in remaking a subpar game they have a hardon for, for whatever reason.
1:04:11 OMG, Ripley can walk now?!? They grow up so fast. Soon she'll be doing some tatsus for sure. I'm so glad you're checking this series again, Max. I'm totally loving it.
Yeah same as KOF 97 Japan team win the tournament and fight Orochi Iori while Clark And Ralf fight Orochi Leona after that it was Kyo Iori Chizuru Who fight Team Orochi and defeat/Seal Orochi himself
'97 is weird when it comes to the music, it was purposely designed to only have music for certain characters. Usually just the leaders of certain teams: Terry, Athena, Kyo, etc. The only full team that has their own individual themes are the "97 Special Team" (Blue Mary, Yamazaki, and Billy). They were going for more ambient music in this one to simulate a tournament atmosphere.
My main complain about this game is the soundtrack or lack of it. It's the weakest. I only really enjoy 2 tracks (Still Green and Rhythmic Hallucination). I get what SNK were trying to do, to make it feel like a real tournament but KOF had a fundation already with all the previous games having catchy music, the music for Korea Team in KOF 94 is a good example that they can make great/catchy tracks without being rock. The lack of music of KOF 97 make it feel incomplete. My theory is that the game was rushed in development. KOF 2001 tried to be different with the music (like KOF 97). You can say everything about the OST of 2001 but at least all tracks were catchier. That's why I prefer listening to all the OST of 2001 over 97.
I always preferred the Pop-Rock/Fresh Prince-style BGM from KOF '94, the J-Pop, J-Rock, and Tribal Folk genres that SNK keeps adding to most KOF games only fits better in Fatal Fury and Garou.
Fun fact: Kyo and Iori were originally supposed to die in this KOF 97 ending (the canon ending) as a heroic sacrifice but this idea was scrapped right away.
There is a reason why in many of the stages in KOF 97 there is only ambient sound and some incidental music. The goal there was to focus on the main characters of the conclusion of the Orochi Saga: Kyo, Iori, and the CYS team (both versions). But they also recorded the tracks for the new team (Blue Mary, Billy, and Yamazaki) because they were chosen by vote by KOF fans in Japan.
I find the lack of music in most stages in '97 totally unnerving , but I think it was intentional, due to the game's story theme. The atmospheric sounds really make it feel like the game is builing you up to something sinister and apocalyptic. Freaking brilliant! This is perhaps the most "cinematic" stuff you could get in the arcades back then.
Hey Max, I love your retrospective vids, for real. It takes me back to when I was emulating neogeo games without a clue wtf KOF really was. Super nostalgic, I love it, I really hope KOF XV is good and to see lots of videos from you on it!
For reference, these games were out around the same time as Alpha 2, Virtua Fighter 2, Tekken 2, and while they don't matter to the Japanese, Killer Instinct and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Yep. You are right. Too bad SNK had to bring them back for the NESTS Saga. The stort of that saga could still work without them. Iori's role in the NESTS saga was just be there...(lame)
Man I still remember being a kid spending hours playing kof 97 just to see the true ending just to learn that kyo and iori die. It was. Such a wtf moment and couldn't stop crying my eyes out
97 Fun fact Lore: So for those who don't know The Yagami Clan use to be called the Yasakani Clan who use to hold the red flames and they are use to be part of the group of clans called "The Sacred Treasures" clans who also was conformed by The Yata Clan(where Chizuru Kagura came from) and The Kusanagi Clan. The three protect the three saint treasures who can defeat the devil Orochi. Every time Orochi was trying to resurrect, the clans destroy it. One day, one of the Yasakani Clans was convinced for one of the followers of Orochi to try to resurrect the demon serpent, so the Yasakani kill the rest of the clan and helped to kidnap and sacrifice 8 maidens to resurrect Orochi. Besides one maiden succeed to escape, Orochi appears anyway thanks to all the evil energy cause for sacrificing all the Yasakani Clan, so Yata and Kusanagi Clans go to help but it was to late, Orochi was a force of destruction. The Yasakani, ashamed for what he did, he sacrifices himself to stop Orochi, consume him, since them the Yasakani clan start to hold the purple flames and live cursed with the Orochi Power make them to live for a short period of time. With the time the Yasakani clan change the name to Yagami. The reason why Iori want to defeat Kyo is because of the Orochi power inside him.
Max, I don't know if you will see this, but thank you for introducing me back into fighting games! The one-two punch of you introducing me to KOF and Sakurai adding Terry into SSBU really did it. I play these games constantly now and I'm very hyped for KOF XV. Also, you introduced me to Guilty Gear, so thank you for that! Hope you have a good day Max, and be prepared for bosses that are the true definition of "SNK boss battle" in the KOF Legacy!
This is where I got on the KOF train in the arcades. I poured in a alot of tokens in 97 machine and purchased the iconic KOF97 banner from my arcade for my room. I wish I had kept it.
*(Warning a lot of text)* KOF 97 is one of the glitches games in the series, especially when Kyo does his Supers. Resulting in the infamous *Task Over* The reason why SNK created the *Task Over* is because their arcade machines used the *MVS* system, by the 90's it was already obsolete technology being widely surpassed by Capcom's *CPS-2* system. That's why SNK fighting games in the 90s slowed down during gameplay. When they were developing Metal Slug 1, the MVS couldn't handle the game, even going as far as *burned out!* Instead of creating a new and more powerful system, SNK decided to *patch* the MVS and create *Task Over,* the machine would freeze the game when it could no longer support the game working correctly as was seen a lot in *KOF97,* and that was the first step in SNK's downfall. If you want more information, I recommend you watch the video made by *Segredos Dos Games,* it is in Portuguese but you can activate subtitles in English
Love these games especially '97 (aside from lacking a lot it the music department which 96 made up for) from the expansion of the lore, to some gameplay advances and additions to the roster. Controversial opinion but I like Goentiz as a character almost on the same level as Rugal. Glad Max found some enjoyment from them despite like '95 better and even liking, even if it was a more joking manner, the Orochi Saga so far. Shame he's not having as much fun with the NESTS Saga but I hope he finds enjoyment out of the Ash Saga.
One aspect that I liked about Goenitz is that, despite all of his atrocities, he seems to genuinely believe that he's saving the world by resurrecting Orochi (in contrast to Rugal and other villains, who openly treasure their evil heart). Which leads to a 'Villain Has A Point' scenario in '96, where Goenitz points out to Kim that all of his attempts to reform Chang and Choi have failed (which is proven correct in their team ending), and SVC Chaos has him show disgust when Tessa states that she wants to protect humanity for her research, rather than out of genuine care. Also, his planet-sized ego is very amusing (especially when he, without a hint of irony, calls Chizuru "sanctimonious" in Japan Team's ending, and when he loses his composure in the Three Sacred Treasures ending).
I definitely like Goenitz on the same level as Rugal, I just like Rugal a bit more cause his moves look cooler even though Goenitz appearance looks better overall. The Ash saga is a bit weird, the closure is fantastic though but aside from that, I think Mukai and Magaki are going to completely destroy any kind of fun he could have lmao
The kecak rhythms in KOF97's Bali stage is all I need!! 😎 I got so many winstreaks on that stage...it hypes me up in a calming sort of way. Andy/King/Mai was my squad! The arranged tunes in '96 are amazing as well (especially team AOF's). Some of the most beautiful stages too!
I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I always liked how 97 grounded the game by not having a huge soundtrack. Most of what you hear is what's happening in the stage itself. To me, this made stages with music actually stand out. Rival themes and boss themes really meant something here.
@@danielantonino3580 I can't tell if you're agreeing or not, although funny. Anyway. I like the parade music and the sound of the crowd cheering instead of music sometimes (Not to say that I dislike music ESPECIALLY this era of KoF) Like I said. I like how it gave it a more grounded approach and real meaning to the music when it dropped.
Silence is absolutely underrated in art, especially games. Games always feel the need to fill it in with music, but sometimes silence will improve the experience. I don't think this is one of those cases.
Here's where I jumped into the series. I remember skipping school and going to the arcade to play KOF '97. I was completely obsessed with it, and with the Orochi transformations. Was also playing lots of MvC.
Goro continuing his deep and well written dialogue of just standing there existing in the cutscenes doing nothing. Lmfao. HOW IS THIS THE CANNON TEAM WITH ONLY 2 PEOPLE TALKING 😭🤣
So glad you are playing KOF(King of Fighters) Games I'm starting to know more and more History of Kof series especially the Orochi part because the only game I had was King of Fighters 98
‘96 was always my personal favorite. The speed feels just right and the soundtrack is fantastic. The Yagami and Boss teams are awesome. It’s cool how each fighter on the boss team their own music. Game just has a badass vibe throughout.
Me after finishing all 6 matches and subbosses in KOF '96: Wow, that was fun! Had a good time all the way through! Definitely one of the best ga- SNK BOSS - GOENITZ: "Hello, do you have some time to talk about our lord and savior Orochi-san??" In '97, SNK BOSS - OROCHI: "MY POWA IS ABSOLUTE, GO BACK TO NOTHINGNESS!!" Also '96 Arranged Sound Trax is something else! Made me favor SNK music over Capcom for the better last year.
I remember that sometimes when Goenitz felt like it, he would Koko Desu ka the whole damn match and the Super as soon as you rolled trough it. Mf is one tough boss that deserves a DLC for KOF XV
I feel like they gave a lot of love to Kof 96, the distinctive ost, the obvious sprite polish, the art, the beautiful stages and their cool intros, the intro of the tower stage with the aerostat is crazy.
I've been playing this franchise since 94, but it was 96 that grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go. It was the one that set the standard for not just the series, but SNK games as a whole. Yeah, Art of Fighting was the first game to have super moves, but 96, was the first one to have SDMs. The music was top notch (Fairy, Trash Head, and Mr. Big's theme STAY in the rotation!), Kyo and Iori became even greater apart in their movesets, and Goenitz... Everything about him is infuriating as it is elegant. True story: I was playing my boss with the stipulation that I would get written up for playing on the job, but if I won, I could keep playing. Iori was my last character, and I was low on health. My boss was not. My super meter was full, and I figured if I could grab him with it, I could at least demotivate him. Instead, of hitting the Maiden Masher, I snatched his Mai out of the air and began pounding her into the ground. As the screen went white with my victory, we both looked at each other having never seen a super death move before. Amazingly enough, my boss was indeed deflated. So much so that he reneged on the bet, and demanded I get back to work. "Koko desu ka?" indeed.
The boss versions of Chris/Shermie/Yashiro have "dark" versions of Kyo/Benimaru/Daimon's movesets, which is why they play so differently to the original Chris/Shermie/Yashiro
I remember playing this game on arcade. Then emulators. There was a website with classic games OST named Galbadia Hotel, it had almost all KOF OST, including the arranged ones. Man good days
To get the whole picture of the lore you literally have to beat each game with the different canon teams and assemble a huge puzzle lol i miss those days.
Yeah, it can be done... HOWEVER it depends on the fact that if one of your teamates have sync with your current character, don't expect Kyo save Iori for example (angry faces appear when you pick the order if you hold a specific button... I cant remember which button), or the entire '97 special team save each other, but you can expect Blue Mary help Terry for example (in this case during order select, you can see a happy face, meaning that the support is guaranted and you get in Advanced mode to keep your current filled and unfilled gauge when your character loses the round and switch to the next, if the face is neutral, you keep filled gauges in Advanced mode but lose the unfilled one, and also there's 50/50 chance that your teamates save you or not in those situations when you do the command), that stuff was revamped in '98 UM to have everyone save anyone in that situation regardless of how the character sync is with the current active member.
Thanks to that glitch in the SNK NEO GEO OS (Operating System) in KoF '96, we came to know of the striker assist in the NESTS saga (KoF '99 - 2001), you're welcome......
The Kof 96 canonical ending is Kyo, Iori and Chizuru. But it is harder to get, since you have to unlock Chizuru and the way is different in each version of the game.
The error they talk about in the ending was that the Yasakani clan was tricked by Orochi into beleving the Kusanagi clan killed one of their own. That's what started the blood feud between them. That's when the Yasakani accepted Orochi's blood, turning their flames purple. They changed their name from Yasakani to Yagami (8 Gods, as in the 8 heads of the serpent Orochi).
The girl that appears after Kyo, Iori and Chizuru defeat Orochi is Yuki, Kyo's girlfriend. She says, "I'll be waiting for you, Kyo."
After the Orochi battle, Chizuru helps an injured and exhausted Iori, but Kyo is no where to be found. He was captures by NESTS, the main antagonists for KOF 99, 2000 and 2001.
I thought Leona killed her own family due to Goenitz awakening her Orochi blood that her father, Gaidel, tried to protect her from. He ended up dying by Leona's hands, along with the rest of her village when she first lost herself to the Riot of the Blood. Then Hiedern found her and adopted her.
I think that Goentiz is Leona’s biological father.
Nah I don't think so 😐
@@AsherX9 He is not.
@@AsherX9 He is not.
Yep plus as a precursor to the '96 tournament Goentiz hospitalised Kyo in a fight which was why he recognised him during the ending and why Kyo gained more moves from '95 since he created them in the interest of taking Goentiz down.
Sucks that Iori doesn't say "Gnarly! Let's do it dudes!" this time around...
Yeah. Im sad. Iori is no longer the Florida Man of Fighting Games.
96/97 Fun Fact Lore: We discover about the followers of Orochi called "The Hakesshu" The eight heads of Orochi. Each one blessed with an element. Wind, Earth, Lightning, Fire, Light, Darkness, Death, Water and Matter. And each one capable of The Riot Of The Blood, a state where they gave up there sanity in exchange for strength.
They were responsible for the resurrection of Orochi 1800 years ago. But thanks to the Sacred Treasures Clans, Orochi was defeated.
In present time the Hakkeshu are conformed for the Next characters:
First the extreme followers of Orochi, The Four Heavenly Kings: Goenitz, Yashiro, Shermie and Chris. Each one blessed with the power of the power of Wind, Earth, Lightning and fire respectively.
The others are Mature and Vice, blessed with power of Light and Darkness. Besides they want the resurrection of Orochi as well, the duo doesn't follow Goenitz 100%, both follow Rugal with the idea of turn him into a Hakesshu and give him the blessed of the matter, but in the end Rugal couldn't handle that power.
The next one is Yamazaki with the blessing of Dead, besides he knows is a Hakesshu, he don't follow Goenitz and he don't want to resurrect Orochi. But thanks to his sadistics instincts, he can control his blessing.
The next one is Leona with the blessing of water. She is a descended of the original Hakesshu of Water, Gaidel, her father. Besides Gaidel was a Hakesshu, he rejected his heritage and start a family in a hidden village. Goenitz find the village and try to convince Gaiden to return to the Hakesshu, but he refuses, Goenitz leaves but not without give a smile to Leona and tell Gaidel "Orochi don't forgive the traitors". That night, Leona start to get sick and start to coff blood, this was a sign of The Riot Of The Blood, Leona awaken with a sadistic desire and start to kill the people of the village, in the process she also kill his parents. Goenitz return to the village after the incident and he put his hand over his head and make her forget what happen. After this she walk in the jungle and was find by Heidern who was there to know what happen to the village. One day, she demonstrates a high ability climbing a tree, so Heidern take her like his own daughter and train her.
It sucks that they never gave Leona some kind of water ability, but I guess that would mean that she accepts the powers of the orochi wich I doubt she would want to.
Always lov3d how each new member of the Ikari Warriors were greatly affected by the main villian/organisation of the game they appeared in. Heidern & Rugal, Leona & Goentiz, Whip & NESTS.
So... who is the Hakesshu of matter?
@@PandamoniumBruu The power of matter can only be granted by Orochi. Rugal wanted that power but it couldn't handle since he wasn't a follower of Orochi. The only person who use the element of Matter in the games is Orochi himself.
@@Mua_di but what abou Mukai that literally creates giant pillars out of nowhere or even Magaki. Weren’t they Orochi related as well?
So in the end: Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru defeated the resurrected Orochi and same humanity. However, it seems that Kyo was missing in the aftermath leaving Iori to search for his rival. It won't be until 2 years later till we find out in the NESTS Saga.
Here is a small trivia about the final fate of the New Faces Team in 97.
In the japanese version of KOF 97, it is revealed that Yashiro, Shermie and Chris didn't die, instead their souls ended sealed with Orochi's.
The japanese version have dialogues that were missing in the western release.
@@meganinten0078 Given how they came back due to the events of KOF14, they might as well have died at the end of '97.
@@harlannguyen4048 and that could also explain how Vice and Mature were able randomly come back to life in KOF 13
@@harlannguyen4048 Blame Oda for that, he actually never have worked for any KOF game during the days of the original SNK staff.
He have made many retcons in the story.
For example, he said that the Orochi Team were dead.
Another retcon is about Tizoc's change of personality to make him a comic relief character.
Also, the retcon about Vanessa's backstory. Her original story is that she was never married during the events of the NESTS saga.
Kinda ironic that Orochi is one of the easiest bosses to beat when he's supposed to be the strongest villain in the lore lol.
Also, his duplicate (Mizuchi) in 'NeoGeo Battle Coliseum' is a thousand times stronger (when fought as a boss, he's relatively balanced as a playable character) than the original Orochi, despite the fact that the latter is a god, and the former is an artificial human (or a modified human, as the game never fully explains how Mizuchi was created).
I guess they ran out of ideas 😆
This is because of his dumb AI that only remember his attack after you hit him a couple times. His abilities are one of the most broken in the series. Full screen super, lightning pillar that is a souped up version of Goenitz's wind pillar with faster start up, absolute priority projectile that multi hit that can combo to his high damaging lightning pillar and full screen super, a countermoves that will counter you even though you run or jump towards it without attack, zero delay dodging and infinite combo light kick.
Had SNK programmed him as aggressive as Goenitz in 96, Orochi pretty much is unbeatable.
Definitely had the potential to be the worst with his moveset but they dropped the ball with his A.I. for better or for worse.
@@naruteoh123 Also the rom he was playing must have also have a glitched AI on top of the sound ones.
I remember the Orochi team putting a much more decent fight. Chris in particular just stood there doing nothing and got destroyed in 10 seconds.
For the record, everyone in chat was saying there was no Team Sacred Treasures in 96... Everyone that made fun of us went silent after Max played the true ending, no one said anything. Just wanted to say that.
of course they would disappear, lmao
I wasn't there but I definitely would be one of them. How the hell do you get it though, is Chizuru a secret character?
@@rubemevangelista3868 She is, you can access her with codes tho, that's how you get the real ending. Or, you could play one of the ports of the game with her unlocked from the get go.
@@matheusmartins1716 Any idea how to unlock her in 96?
Can't wait to see the turmoil over the Canon team he should play for 2003, XI and XIII.
"I think there is an extreme amount of anime influence in King of Fighters"
I think 95% of all fighting games have extreme amounts of anime influence (even Mortal Kombat has 2 main characters fuse into 1 stronger character)
More like japanese Myth (The Orochi and Susano-o myth). As far as i remember, there's an anime that has tha same starting point myth as KOF Orochi saga and that is Blue Seed.
@@omakase6 link??
1:04:11 Ripley walks in, confident she can defeat the Orochi herself. And she totally could!
1:01:58 This was actually a really cool round, looks almost choreographed with all the back and forth lol
The fight even ended on the last second of the match. So anime it hurts XD
Max, there is a hidden fight in KOF 97. You must finish the game by defeating Orochi with the Japan team, specifically with Kyo and wait for the cutscene to pass until Iori comes out. Then the battle will begin to see the full ending.
96' has some of the best tracks, Fairy is just timeless. Also Goenitz is one of the best bosses in the series.
I think musically, is the best KOF, even though I like 97 more, cause of songs like "Bloody" and "Still Green"
@@MagodoCaos1 My personal favorite OST is 99, but 96 comes a close second, there are so many memorable tracks.
Yeah I've come to view Goentiz as one of my favourite FG villians overall, I just love how integrated he was into other characters stories effecting them to the present and his guise of being a priest juxtaposing how villainous he was. Plus "Koko desu ka?"
@First Plays Indeed. I've played most of this on the Playstation, so I only had the arrange versions
I'd say what I think about Goenitz but RUclips won't let me.😒
My favorite part about KOF 96 is that on the Neo Geo CD port, you can actually check out the info of the characters. All of them are fully voice acted and there's even a little message from the voice actor of the character you've selected
The best part is Geese voice actor Kong Kuwata singing in English
@@igotmysaucestraight Kong Kuwata’s got the voice of an angel I stg
A deep voiced angel
This man still voices Geese to this day! Man's a legend!
@@MrTheil biblical accurate angel
@@maosama3695 This^
KoF 97 marked my childhood. I played a lot in mall arcades, and as a teenager in bars.
Are we not going to talk about the Athena cosplayer hanging on for dear life at 35:19??? Holy crap, SNK put so much work into their stages.
Yeah, because of their heavy sprites back then, now, they have a lot more fun doing their sprite work in the latter iterations (like XIII, XIV and XV)
The fact that Max went from struggling with 94 and 95 for hours to crunching through 96 and 97 all at once shows how crisp and polished KOF gets from this point onwards.
He lowered difficulty
Putting aside the mechanics are more rewarding in 96 and 97 (and they dialed down on the AI input reading you), he played the first game in what in 1994 was considered as normal difficulty, so he was getting bodied. I'm sure he could easily beat the games in normal again, but at the cost of a lil more frustration so why bother.
The difficulty on 95-97 was put to level 1 thou
@@funkerman7 Yes I saw AI standing like a stupid jerk when the super's come. That might be an easiest level.
Lowered difficulty, and he specifically decided to pick up the pace so he can finish this legacy as quickly as possible. As seen in the latest stream (99, 2000), he's actually enjoying the games less and less with each one, and his favorite was 95. So yeah, the faster pace is not really because he's liking them more or anything lmao.
Fun coincidence that Ripley walks in at 1:04:12 while Max is fighting Daimon, one of the few dads in the cast.
Oh, a double feature? That’s interesting. At least Max gets to see his old “friend” Goenitz again.
You mean GoeNuts
@@superlight1999 yea
“It eats super”
@@superlight1999 Goenads
KoF 97 still has one of my favourite openings for a fighter ever
An hour and 17 minutes of Max trying to make sense of the plot of KOF from the perspective of the game itself? I am in for a treat tonight!
Man 97's opening is a good nostalgic back in my days in China, and I still like it
I'll never understand the adoration the Chinese fanbase has for this game. KOF '97 Global Match exists solely because of them. It's a very flawed game and '98 turned it completely obsolete gameplay-wise since everybody came back and then some, doubly so with '98 UM.
@@hppvitor It's a good thing though, I still see some kids who were 6 years old and they played all snk games, especially 97.
@@dbgodlr4731 Not when SNK dedicates time and effort to remaking one of the least appealing KOFs when they could be giving this treatment to a better NeoGeo game, or maybe even fixing XIII's netcode, all because the Chinese market is so big and there's huge profit to be made in remaking a subpar game they have a hardon for, for whatever reason.
1:04:30 is the best moment in the stream
1:04:11 OMG, Ripley can walk now?!? They grow up so fast. Soon she'll be doing some tatsus for sure. I'm so glad you're checking this series again, Max. I'm totally loving it.
The canon story of kof 96, Japan Team won the tournament, but once Goenitz appears Kyo, Iori and Kagura team up to beat him.
Yeah same as KOF 97 Japan team win the tournament and fight Orochi Iori while Clark And Ralf fight Orochi Leona after that it was Kyo Iori Chizuru Who fight Team Orochi and defeat/Seal Orochi himself
Man the announcer of kof 96 is really nostalgic. I remember hearing it many time in some fighting flash games.
My hometown still has a ‘96 machine at our bowling alley. Amazing game.
1:02:00 Coolest round Max's Iori vs Kyo
'97 is weird when it comes to the music, it was purposely designed to only have music for certain characters. Usually just the leaders of certain teams: Terry, Athena, Kyo, etc. The only full team that has their own individual themes are the "97 Special Team" (Blue Mary, Yamazaki, and Billy). They were going for more ambient music in this one to simulate a tournament atmosphere.
My main complain about this game is the soundtrack or lack of it.
It's the weakest.
I only really enjoy 2 tracks (Still Green and Rhythmic Hallucination).
I get what SNK were trying to do, to make it feel like a real tournament but KOF had a fundation already with all the previous games having catchy music, the music for Korea Team in KOF 94 is a good example that they can make great/catchy tracks without being rock.
The lack of music of KOF 97 make it feel incomplete.
My theory is that the game was rushed in development.
KOF 2001 tried to be different with the music (like KOF 97).
You can say everything about the OST of 2001 but at least all tracks were catchier.
That's why I prefer listening to all the OST of 2001 over 97.
@@meganinten0078 that’s cap bc 97 got the best Iori theme
@@SimplyDad I respect your opinion.
Music is a very subjective topic
I much prefer the OST of 94, 96, 99, 2001, 2002, XI, XIII and XV over 97
Not to mention that Terry, Blue Mary and Billy's themes in 97 are taken from Real Bout Fatal Fury's OST
I always preferred the Pop-Rock/Fresh Prince-style BGM from KOF '94,
the J-Pop, J-Rock, and Tribal Folk genres that SNK keeps adding to most KOF games only fits better in Fatal Fury and Garou.
Fun fact: Kyo and Iori were originally supposed to die in this KOF 97 ending (the canon ending) as a heroic sacrifice but this idea was scrapped right away.
BODY GA is so memorable, sometimes I forget that Kyo didn't always have it.
It's surprising how Max gravitated towards Benimaru, given how much his air loops in later games look like Zero in UMVC3.
'96 is my favorite KoF game. I am fully willing to accept most of them are better, but this one is special to me.
I feel the same way about '97.
The Orochi Leona and Iori were very good executed in 97.
Thanks God they didn't do the evil Ryu thing
Thank God SNK didn't do shit like that......
There is a reason why in many of the stages in KOF 97 there is only ambient sound and some incidental music. The goal there was to focus on the main characters of the conclusion of the Orochi Saga: Kyo, Iori, and the CYS team (both versions). But they also recorded the tracks for the new team (Blue Mary, Billy, and Yamazaki) because they were chosen by vote by KOF fans in Japan.
I find the lack of music in most stages in '97 totally unnerving , but I think it was intentional, due to the game's story theme. The atmospheric sounds really make it feel like the game is builing you up to something sinister and apocalyptic. Freaking brilliant! This is perhaps the most "cinematic" stuff you could get in the arcades back then.
Damn, Max was so happy with the KOF legacy, good times.
That happiness will soon fade away.
@@passing2010 _"A wild Igniz appears"_
@@djpegao Lovable Igniz
Hey Max, I love your retrospective vids, for real. It takes me back to when I was emulating neogeo games without a clue wtf KOF really was. Super nostalgic, I love it, I really hope KOF XV is good and to see lots of videos from you on it!
For reference, these games were out around the same time as Alpha 2, Virtua Fighter 2, Tekken 2, and while they don't matter to the Japanese, Killer Instinct and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Love how it's canon that krauser only came to kof 96 because his teammates were mr big and geese 🤣
Wish he was in KOF XV
@@spiralgodking9877 Hmmm I don't know
Music in KOF is underrated, at least the 90s tracks.
I love how he yells "ULTRAAAAA" for any move with more than 5 hits.
It was said that, originally, Kyo and Iori died at the end of Orochi saga, so this ending is like that, both of them dying.
Yep.
You are right.
Too bad SNK had to bring them back for the NESTS Saga.
The stort of that saga could still work without them.
Iori's role in the NESTS saga was just be there...(lame)
Man I still remember being a kid spending hours playing kof 97 just to see the true ending just to learn that kyo and iori die. It was. Such a wtf moment and couldn't stop crying my eyes out
97 Fun fact Lore: So for those who don't know The Yagami Clan use to be called the Yasakani Clan who use to hold the red flames and they are use to be part of the group of clans called "The Sacred Treasures" clans who also was conformed by The Yata Clan(where Chizuru Kagura came from) and The Kusanagi Clan. The three protect the three saint treasures who can defeat the devil Orochi. Every time Orochi was trying to resurrect, the clans destroy it.
One day, one of the Yasakani Clans was convinced for one of the followers of Orochi to try to resurrect the demon serpent, so the Yasakani kill the rest of the clan and helped to kidnap and sacrifice 8 maidens to resurrect Orochi. Besides one maiden succeed to escape, Orochi appears anyway thanks to all the evil energy cause for sacrificing all the Yasakani Clan, so Yata and Kusanagi Clans go to help but it was to late, Orochi was a force of destruction. The Yasakani, ashamed for what he did, he sacrifices himself to stop Orochi, consume him, since them the Yasakani clan start to hold the purple flames and live cursed with the Orochi Power make them to live for a short period of time. With the time the Yasakani clan change the name to Yagami. The reason why Iori want to defeat Kyo is because of the Orochi power inside him.
I just realized that max doesn't know that in Kof you can combo command grabs after C. Daimon and Clark are killing machines in these games
96 soundtrack is seared in my brain.
Kof 97 is the game I played the most in arcades.. The nostalgia
"You can get up by yourself." -Wolfgang Krauser, 1996
Max, I don't know if you will see this, but thank you for introducing me back into fighting games! The one-two punch of you introducing me to KOF and Sakurai adding Terry into SSBU really did it. I play these games constantly now and I'm very hyped for KOF XV. Also, you introduced me to Guilty Gear, so thank you for that! Hope you have a good day Max, and be prepared for bosses that are the true definition of "SNK boss battle" in the KOF Legacy!
Daimon and Clark are amazing grapplers. They have these amazing chain throws I remember loving to watch.
This is where I got on the KOF train in the arcades. I poured in a alot of tokens in 97 machine and purchased the iconic KOF97 banner from my arcade for my room. I wish I had kept it.
The music is amazing, from here is where I started to like more the music from KoF
King of fighters is such a great franchise
*(Warning a lot of text)*
KOF 97 is one of the glitches games in the series, especially when Kyo does his Supers.
Resulting in the infamous *Task Over*
The reason why SNK created the *Task Over* is because their arcade machines used the *MVS* system, by the 90's it was already obsolete technology being widely surpassed by Capcom's *CPS-2* system.
That's why SNK fighting games in the 90s slowed down during gameplay.
When they were developing Metal Slug 1, the MVS couldn't handle the game, even going as far as *burned out!*
Instead of creating a new and more powerful system, SNK decided to *patch* the MVS and create *Task Over,* the machine would freeze the game when it could no longer support the game working correctly as was seen a lot in *KOF97,* and that was the first step in SNK's downfall.
If you want more information, I recommend you watch the video made by *Segredos Dos Games,* it is in Portuguese but you can activate subtitles in English
Love these games especially '97 (aside from lacking a lot it the music department which 96 made up for) from the expansion of the lore, to some gameplay advances and additions to the roster. Controversial opinion but I like Goentiz as a character almost on the same level as Rugal.
Glad Max found some enjoyment from them despite like '95 better and even liking, even if it was a more joking manner, the Orochi Saga so far. Shame he's not having as much fun with the NESTS Saga but I hope he finds enjoyment out of the Ash Saga.
One aspect that I liked about Goenitz is that, despite all of his atrocities, he seems to genuinely believe that he's saving the world by resurrecting Orochi (in contrast to Rugal and other villains, who openly treasure their evil heart). Which leads to a 'Villain Has A Point' scenario in '96, where Goenitz points out to Kim that all of his attempts to reform Chang and Choi have failed (which is proven correct in their team ending), and SVC Chaos has him show disgust when Tessa states that she wants to protect humanity for her research, rather than out of genuine care. Also, his planet-sized ego is very amusing (especially when he, without a hint of irony, calls Chizuru "sanctimonious" in Japan Team's ending, and when he loses his composure in the Three Sacred Treasures ending).
I definitely like Goenitz on the same level as Rugal, I just like Rugal a bit more cause his moves look cooler even though Goenitz appearance looks better overall.
The Ash saga is a bit weird, the closure is fantastic though but aside from that, I think Mukai and Magaki are going to completely destroy any kind of fun he could have lmao
The kecak rhythms in KOF97's Bali stage is all I need!! 😎 I got so many winstreaks on that stage...it hypes me up in a calming sort of way. Andy/King/Mai was my squad!
The arranged tunes in '96 are amazing as well (especially team AOF's). Some of the most beautiful stages too!
Thanks for showing love to the KOF games, Max. You're doing a service to this franchise.
I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I always liked how 97 grounded the game by not having a huge soundtrack. Most of what you hear is what's happening in the stage itself. To me, this made stages with music actually stand out. Rival themes and boss themes really meant something here.
I mean, yeah. You go without food for a few days and the next meal will definitely stand out, too.
@@danielantonino3580 I can't tell if you're agreeing or not, although funny.
Anyway. I like the parade music and the sound of the crowd cheering instead of music sometimes (Not to say that I dislike music ESPECIALLY this era of KoF)
Like I said. I like how it gave it a more grounded approach and real meaning to the music when it dropped.
Silence is absolutely underrated in art, especially games. Games always feel the need to fill it in with music, but sometimes silence will improve the experience. I don't think this is one of those cases.
The chat's utter confusion for '96's lore team was amusing, lol.
Here's where I jumped into the series. I remember skipping school and going to the arcade to play KOF '97. I was completely obsessed with it, and with the Orochi transformations. Was also playing lots of MvC.
DOUBLE FEATURE EPISODE!? NICELY NICE!!
And dam the STAGES look phenomenal on theses games!!
You got to love Max's dramatic reading
Almost every time Max compliments Benimaru, Benimaru thanks Max.
I just want to say that I am enjoying this legacy so much, your videos have entertained me a lot XDD
I love this saga.
OVER 1 HOUR? What a treat!
Goro continuing his deep and well written dialogue of just standing there existing in the cutscenes doing nothing.
Lmfao. HOW IS THIS THE CANNON TEAM WITH ONLY 2 PEOPLE TALKING 😭🤣
I guess he’s the big mostly silent, hangs in the back, straight guy trope
KOF 97' is always gonna be my fav arcade game. Remember wasting a lot of quarters are the video store playing it.
KoF97 ending sounded like that origin story Kenny came up for his anime character when they made "Anime Saturday" a few years ago.
There's a lot of subtle changes in presentation in each game, for story reasons. 97 and 2000 and the most visible ones.
time over is the most honorable victory
So glad you are playing KOF(King of Fighters) Games I'm starting to know more and more History of Kof series especially the Orochi part because the only game I had was King of Fighters 98
KOF '96... MY FAVORITE KOF. Easily my one of my Top 3 fighting games that I've ever played. (Street Fighter II and Tekken 3).
It doesn't matter how long it has been, 97 is a AMAZING game!
59:32 Max did the Iori Thing💫
Esaka is my favorite KoF music ever. That shit slaps.
96 is always a special for me.
It was my first Kof. It was waifu Leona debut.
1:15:57
Iori: Wah
Takodachis: we have been summoned
‘96 was always my personal favorite. The speed feels just right and the soundtrack is fantastic. The Yagami and Boss teams are awesome. It’s cool how each fighter on the boss team their own music. Game just has a badass vibe throughout.
Me after finishing all 6 matches and subbosses in KOF '96:
Wow, that was fun! Had a good time all the way through! Definitely one of the best ga-
SNK BOSS - GOENITZ: "Hello, do you have some time to talk about our lord and savior Orochi-san??"
In '97,
SNK BOSS - OROCHI: "MY POWA IS ABSOLUTE, GO BACK TO NOTHINGNESS!!"
Also '96 Arranged Sound Trax is something else! Made me favor SNK music over Capcom for the better last year.
I remember that sometimes when Goenitz felt like it, he would Koko Desu ka the whole damn match and the Super as soon as you rolled trough it. Mf is one tough boss that deserves a DLC for KOF XV
I feel like they gave a lot of love to Kof 96, the distinctive ost, the obvious sprite polish, the art, the beautiful stages and their cool intros, the intro of the tower stage with the aerostat is crazy.
I've been playing this franchise since 94, but it was 96 that grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go. It was the one that set the standard for not just the series, but SNK games as a whole. Yeah, Art of Fighting was the first game to have super moves, but 96, was the first one to have SDMs. The music was top notch (Fairy, Trash Head, and Mr. Big's theme STAY in the rotation!), Kyo and Iori became even greater apart in their movesets, and Goenitz... Everything about him is infuriating as it is elegant.
True story: I was playing my boss with the stipulation that I would get written up for playing on the job, but if I won, I could keep playing. Iori was my last character, and I was low on health. My boss was not. My super meter was full, and I figured if I could grab him with it, I could at least demotivate him. Instead, of hitting the Maiden Masher, I snatched his Mai out of the air and began pounding her into the ground. As the screen went white with my victory, we both looked at each other having never seen a super death move before. Amazingly enough, my boss was indeed deflated. So much so that he reneged on the bet, and demanded I get back to work.
"Koko desu ka?" indeed.
Krauser going Brock Lesnar on Max was hilarious
Did you think your inter-company crossover fighting tournament game needed some lore?
Here you go.
43:39 KoF Lore that no one knew of, Max got it🐱
5:22 when you compliment Beninaru at the right time.
The stages never fail to amaze me they had so much life and personality in them back then
Wait 2 KOF games in one gameplay. Nice Max
The boss versions of Chris/Shermie/Yashiro have "dark" versions of Kyo/Benimaru/Daimon's movesets, which is why they play so differently to the original Chris/Shermie/Yashiro
58:20 That was extremely satisfying end and Chizuru's dance after that, is only elevate that expression up.
In KOF '97, if you defeat Orochi with Japan Team Kyo, you get a final one-on-one battle with Iori.
29:59 Team-mates cheering up the Weird grab situation, woah😛
I remember playing this game on arcade. Then emulators. There was a website with classic games OST named Galbadia Hotel, it had almost all KOF OST, including the arranged ones.
Man good days
The debut of Max’s FAVORITE character:
*Chris* 😏
Everybody Hates Chris.
@@meganinten0078 Only accept him for giving us Orochi
@@meganinten0078 At least B. Jenet got rid of Chris by kidnapping him (and, now that Chris has returned, she'll likely do the same in 'KOF XV').
To get the whole picture of the lore you literally have to beat each game with the different canon teams and assemble a huge puzzle lol i miss those days.
Every single song of both these games are BANGERS!!!!
I love the Orochi saga it's so legendary and the characters from it are iconic
I remember in SVC CHAOS when Goenitz just kept spamming that tornado
Did Max ever figure out that your teammates can help you from the background when you're getting choked or kneed by the opponent?
I think Robert did it to him but I don't think it was questioned.
Yeah, it can be done... HOWEVER it depends on the fact that if one of your teamates have sync with your current character, don't expect Kyo save Iori for example (angry faces appear when you pick the order if you hold a specific button... I cant remember which button), or the entire '97 special team save each other, but you can expect Blue Mary help Terry for example (in this case during order select, you can see a happy face, meaning that the support is guaranted and you get in Advanced mode to keep your current filled and unfilled gauge when your character loses the round and switch to the next, if the face is neutral, you keep filled gauges in Advanced mode but lose the unfilled one, and also there's 50/50 chance that your teamates save you or not in those situations when you do the command), that stuff was revamped in '98 UM to have everyone save anyone in that situation regardless of how the character sync is with the current active member.
@@PikangsFutaba very cool never knew that
Thanks to that glitch in the SNK NEO GEO OS (Operating System) in KoF '96, we came to know of the striker assist in the NESTS saga (KoF '99 - 2001), you're welcome......
@@PikangsFutaba I believe it was the start button
Max's narration is top.:D
Seeing these games for the first time has been magical.
To this day kof 96 have one of the best intros ever
The Kof 96 canonical ending is Kyo, Iori and Chizuru. But it is harder to get, since you have to unlock Chizuru and the way is different in each version of the game.
Max: "ATHENA!"
Athena: "Gomen nasai!"
Lmao! WTF
52:32
Interesting enough iori super can go beneath air fireballs until Kof 99