The Orochi Saga's last chapter: three-on-three Neo Geo fighting with a roster of 35, finally off the arcade cabinet.
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The King of Fighters '97 Global Match is a free arcade game released under Commercial · DRM-free purchase. It runs on Windows, needs about 282 MB of disk space, and requires no account, payment or trial. On a computer, the fastest route is the PlayBound Launcher. On a phone or tablet, use the official store or site instead.
Choose how to install
Install your purchased copy with the PlayBound Launcher.
Buy the game on GOG (https://www.gog.com/en/game/the_king_of_fighters_97_global_match) for a DRM-free offline installer, or on Steam (app 702120) if you prefer. PlayBound cannot download a paid game for you.
Windows
Download the GOG offline installer from your library, run it and follow the prompts. Leave at least 300 MB free; the developer's published minimum is 200 MB. If you bought it on Steam, install it from your Steam library instead.
Windows
In PlayBound, open the game and choose Locate, then point it at the install folder (or the Steam library copy). PlayBound finds the executable and adds it to your library so launching applies a controller profile.
On first launch, open the options to bind your pad or keyboard, then choose Advanced or Extra mode before your first match; the two modes change how the power gauge works.
Recommended first-time setup and configuration steps when launching The King of Fighters '97 Global Match.
Plug in your controller before launching and bind buttons in the options menu; fighting games are miserable on default keyboard layouts.
Play a practice match to pick three fighters you like — order matters, because the third fighter on your team is the anchor.
How to join and navigate multiplayer lobbies and servers in The King of Fighters '97 Global Match.
Local versus: plug a second controller in and pick versus mode, or sit two people at one keyboard.
Online play on the Steam build goes through Steam's matchmaking, not PlayBound servers. The GOG listing does not describe online play, so check before you buy if that matters to you.
To play a friend in another house, start a PlayBound screen-sharing party so they can take the second controller remotely.
Minimum
Windows Vista or later (the GOG page lists Windows 10) · Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz dual-core · onboard graphics with 256 MB of video memory · DirectX 9.0 · DirectSound audio card · 200 MB free disk space. RAM is not published. Windows only.
Recommended
Not published by SNK or Code Mystics on either GOG or Steam.
No. It is a paid game: $5.99 on GOG and $9.99 on Steam at the time we checked. The GOG version is DRM-free.
Around 282 MB according to a Deku Deals listing for the PC/PS4 versions; we could not confirm a GOG installer figure. The publisher's stated minimum is 200 MB of free space, so leave at least 300 MB.
Windows Vista or later, a dual-core Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, onboard graphics with 256 MB of video memory, DirectX 9.0 and DirectSound. RAM and a recommended tier are not published.
The Steam page lists online PvP and Remote Play Together. The GOG page does not describe online play, and PlayBound does not host it, so online matches use Steam's own matchmaking.
Yes, the GOG page lists controller support. Fighting games are best played on a pad or stick, and PlayBound can apply a controller profile once you locate the install.
They change how the power gauge works and so how a team plays. Pick one before the match; try both in practice.
No. It is Windows only. Steam Deck is rated Playable.
Yes. The King of Fighters '97 Global Match supports up to 2 players. Its multiplayer runs through the game's own online service or menus, so PlayBound Connect parties and PlayBound dedicated servers are not available for it. It also supports local split-screen or couch co-op. There is no subscription and no paid multiplayer tier.