Orochi Iori

Wild Iori, also called Orochi Iori (ツキノヨルオロチノチニクルフイオリ, Tsuki no Yoru Orochi no Chi ni Kurufu Iori), is Iori Yagami during the Riot of the Blood. He was first introduced in The King of Fighters '96 in Iori's ending where he kills Mature and Vice. His first appearance as a fighting game character was in The King of Fighters '97 as a mid-boss. He was specifically designed "to mow down the other characters with relative ease." 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. He was particularly pleased to see female fans' surprised reactions to Wild Iori during KOF '97's location testing.

Story
Due to the pact the Yasakani (Yagami) made with Orochi, all members of the Yasakani blood line are subject to this state, the Riot of the Blood. This happens when someone has part Orochi blood in their veins.

Iori is no exception. The first time he entered this state was before any The King of Fighters tournament, but the first time it's shown in a fighting game was in '96. After Iori and Kyo Kusanagi defeated Leopold Goenitz, Mature and Vice appeared behind Iori and started talking to each other. When everyone left, Iori's blood started to boil and his head started to ache. He entered the Riot of the Blood and before even having time for them to escape, he killed the two assassins.

The next year, near the finals of the '97 tournament, the same symptoms appeared in Iori and he started to spit blood. He entered the state and attacked Team Japan, especially Kyo. He was eventually defeated and, when he snapped out of it he helped fight Orochi. When Orochi was about to lose, he triggered the Riot of the Blood in Iori, in an attempt to make him turn against Kyo and Chizuru Kagura, but this attempt backfired as Iori regained control of his body and attacked Orochi, holding him by his throat, while Kyo delivered the final blow and Chizuru sealed him again.

After Orochi was sealed, Iori's blood was in control until The King of Fighters XI. Due to Orochi's presence released by Those From the Past, Iori entered the Riot of the Blood once again and knocked out Shingo Yabuki and Kyo, before being defeated and having his Magatama stolen by Ash Crimson.

Personality
During this state, Iori becomes a man with an animal like mentality, attacking everyone around him. He can speak only a few words. His breath is also visible during this state.

It is likely that Iori's mannerisms during the Riot of Blood are based on those of the berserk Eva 01 from Neon Genesis Evangelion. When Eva 01 first becomes berserk, it even kills an angel in a manner almost identical to Wild Iori's Maiden Masher.

Powers

 * Slashing Hands - Iori can use his hands as cutting weapons.
 * Pyrokinesis - Due to his Yagami heritage, Iori can control fire. He can create purple fire from thin air, create fire balls, deliver punches of fire, create pillars of fire and put his own body on fire. His fire also has the sacred hability to put enemies in a stasis-like state. He is not immune to other types of fire. He cannot control other fires that he didn't create.

Fighting Style
Wild Iori's style is still reminiscent of Iori's, although he uses more violent moves. He becomes stronger, quicker and deadlier.

Music

 * Control Crisis - The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match
 * Unexpected Fight - SNK vs Capcom: SVC Chaos
 * The Dark Pulsation - SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium, shared with Evil Ryu

Game Appearances

 * The King of Fighters '96 - Gameboy port only; as Iori !
 * The King of Fighters '97
 * SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium
 * Capcom vs SNK
 * The King of Fighters 2000 - As a PS2 Maniac Striker for Benimaru
 * Capcom vs SNK 2
 * SNK vs Capcom: SVC Chaos
 * The King of Fighters 2002 - Xbox and PS2 only
 * The King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match

Similar Characters

 * Iori Yagami
 * Another Iori
 * Miss X