A girlfriend was also listed more than once, specifically in '95, '99, and 2000. Another minor development to his character was his change of "most valued possession/valued treasure" information. He was particularly pleased to see surprised reactions from female fans to this form during KOF '97's location testing. Series' flagship director, Toyohisa Tanabe, states that the staff was initially reluctant to add this version of Iori to the series' roster-worried about fans' reactions-but did so to add more impact to the Orochi saga's climax. This form of Iori was specifically designed to easily over power other characters. This version of him, officially named "Orochi Iori", is hinted to exist before its debut in The King of Fighters '97 as one of the game's mid bosses. Iori is a berserker due to the Orochi demon blood within him. After observing initial location testing for King of Fighters '95, several staff members predicted that Iori would be popular on his release. Like Kyo, several aspects of Iori, including his surname and abilities, were designed to relate him with the Yamata no Orochi legend, which was the inspiration for the plot. Creators have stated Iori's personality and other aspects to his character "broke the mold for characters in fighting games at that time" commenting on his phrases and moves as unique. A variety of collectibles based on Iori's likeness have been created, including key chains and figurines.Ī main objective planned for The King of Fighters '95 was to properly introduce Iori as Kyo's rival.
Within Gamest's 1997 Heroes Collection, Iori was voted as the staff's first favorite character. Reviewers also noted Iori as one of the best characters from the games, labeling him as a veteran character and praising his appearance as one of the best creations of SNK. Video games reviewers have praised the character as one of the most powerful characters from the series.
Aside from the main series, Iori appears in several other media series such as spin-offs and crossover video games, and comic adaptations of the series. Due to that, Iori sometimes helps him in order to have the opportunity to have a final fight against him. The character harbors hatred against the other clans, but later becomes obsessed to kill their heir Kyo. However, after betraying the Kusanagi clan, the Yagami are cursed by Orochi giving them powers that cause all members to die young. Iori is the heir of the Yagami clan, who wield pyrokinetic powers and sealed the Orochi demon along with the Kusanagi and Yata clans. The designers ended up liking him so much that they take care how his character is developed along the series. He was created specifically to become Kyo's rival as his name and abilities were designed to relate him with the Yamata no Orochi legend. Iori is a central character to the series' plot, and the initial enemy and eventual rival of Kyo Kusanagi. He is an iconic character of the series, and regularly appears on publicity material and merchandise.
Iori Yagami ( 八神 庵 Yagami Iori ?) is a character from the SNK Playmore's The King of Fighters video game series that first appeared in The King of Fighters '95 as the leader of the Rivals Team.