Why doesnt anyone ever mention KOF97???

This is the only KOF i own (excluding DC evolution), and it never seems to be spoken of.

Is it the forgotten KOF, or is it because it is particularly mediocre as far as pre 2000 KOF's go??

The loading Sucks on the CD version, and the soundtrack is nothing to write home about compared to other KOF's.

Any takers?

KoF'97 is somewhat undiscussed because '98 came out and blew everyone the fuck away. '97 is remembered for having perhaps the best story, some great BG's, but a really weak/sparse selection of music, and overall lackluster presentation. It does deserve credit for sporting the first appearance of ADV mode though.

If you are one of those who play fighters just for story though, it's well worth picking up.
As far as versus play though, it's permanently stuck in '98's big, badass shadow.

True, i forgot to mention any of that Orochi malarkey, the background at that stage is paticullarly sw000n worthy, and eOrochi Iori fight is cool.

Other than that : lacklusture.

The weak soundtrack is what 97 really fall downs on. By no means a bad game, but looks sad next to 98.