I've stated one million times that I have an unhealthy bias towards the Japan team and Iori Yagami. How fitting that it should be Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi, leader of the Japan team, should end KoF 97 as the heroes and were always the main characters of the KoF 94-97 series. In this game, many claimed Iori was overpowered and Kyo was the Auto-guard cheese character, but I disagree. Iori was not at all overpowered, although his combos were blistering and damaging. His moves were not powerful, yet when comboed become instruments of death. I'll rank my five favourite characters in KoF 97 in order of 1 to 3
[Iori
Yagami]
Possibly everyone's favourite, but for such obvious reasons. At first glance he was the ultimate Ryu/Ken clone, combining a fireball and uppercut motions that became cheese. But it wasn't these two moves that were the most important aspect of Iori's arsenal. It was huge amounts of normal combo attacks. His famous double-slash, cross-up "hook" kick, and the annoying stab shin kick. All these moves helped make Iori the greatest character ever to grace KoF. His pure speed and aggressive "rolling" style (Short forward roll and lengthy backwards roll) helped him keep ahead of the opponent. But the two greatest gifts that SNK gave Iori were his 3-Part [127 Shiki: Aoi Hana] and his infamous KuzuKaze. Both were indispensable and made Iori near invincible. His Aoi Hana was a three part punch move. He slide punched the opponent on the first hit, lifted them on the 2nd and hammered them down with the 3rd blow. His KuzuKaze, or Scum Gale gripped the opponent's head and thrust them to the opposite side. He then proceeded to rush the opponent. Iori, the dark horse vigilante of the game, became it's most famous character and one of the most feared. Dark, quiet and lonely, Iori lived alone and lived for one purpose: to kill Kyo Kusanagi. Surreal in nature, Iori was a legend amongst the KoF world. Iori wields the painful and agonising Orochi flames, tainted purple due to his blood ties with the evil Orochi.
[Kyo
Kusanagi]
The hero of the KoF series, Kyo was much more a stronger fighter than anyone believed. The 19 year old teenager was the last of the remaining Kusanagi clan members. An ancient clan, dating back 1800 years into Feudal Japan, the Kusanagi's were the most powerful of the martial arts clans. Ever wishing to end the battle between him and his eternal enemy, Iori Yagami, Kyo battles every KoF with determination and pride. What makes Kyo such a fantastic character to use is his aggressive moves and speed. Purely a combo character, Kyo relies on his new method of "fire-fists', the new style of Kyo. Punishing the opponents with fists of fire and devastating kicks such as his famous R.E.D [Rainbow Energy Dynamite] Kick, Kyo became and retains the title of world's best fighter. A character hated and feared by human challengers, Kyo's main ally and nemesis is his auto-guard feature. This feature allows Kyo to cancel out an opponent's move and continue with his own moves. Dubbed by many as cheese moves, these were Kyo's greatest asset. It allowed him to attack constantly, his moves never in fear of retaliation. His 104 Shiki: Ara Gami and 100 Shiki: Oni Yaki were his prized moves and helped him become a favourite amongst combo specialists. Wielding his ancient crimson flames, Kyo continues to be the driving force in KoF.
[Benimaru Nikaido]
The second fiddle of the Japan Team, Benimaru is truly one of the most feared fighters in the game. Using a blend of street fighting and a modified version of Muy Thai Kickboxing, Benimaru can decimate any opponent with his speed and electricity charged moves. His speed with kicks and short-ranged punches became famous as they lead into devastating combinations with his trademark Raijinken or Shinkuu KataTeGoma. Devastating moves, they cleared the opponent and knocked them to the ground. Another favorite amongst pro-Benimaru users was the intensely annoying, Benimaru Koreeda. An electrocution move, Benimaru gripped his foe by the head and proceeds to shock the opponent with his electrical energy. Wielding his electricity, he destroyed many in the KoF tournament, only to fall short to one man. Kyo Kusanagi. His team captain and good friend, Benimaru has never been able to swallow the fact that he was always second fiddle to the stronger and more powerful Kyo. Benimaru lives in Kyo's shadow, forever unable to let his talent and ability be shown.