SNK’s iconic fighting game series Fatal Fury makes its triumphant return with City of the Wolves, launching in April 2025. This latest installment masterfully bridges classic gameplay mechanics with modern innovations, offering both veteran players and newcomers a refined fighting experience set in the gritty streets of South Town.
The game’s cornerstone innovation lies in its revolutionary Rev System, which fundamentally transforms the traditional fighting mechanics. This system introduces multiple offensive options including Rev Arts, Rev Blow, Rev Accel, and Rev Guard, each contributing to a dynamic Rev Gauge that requires strategic management throughout matches. When the gauge reaches capacity, players enter an Overheat state, temporarily limiting their access to these powerful abilities.
Building upon its predecessor’s foundation, City of the Wolves retains and enhances the beloved T.O.P. system, now evolved into the Selective Potential Gear (S.P.G.) system. The game also features an improved “Just Defense” mechanic, complemented by a new “Hyper Defense” variation specifically designed to counter complex multi-hit combinations.
The roster features 17 diverse fighters, balancing returning fan favorites with new additions. However, the inclusion of two real-life guest characters has generated controversy due to their connections to sportswashing activities associated with the Saudi Arabian government, adding a complex layer to the game’s reception.
Accessibility remains a key focus, with the game offering dual control schemes. The traditional “Arcade Style” caters to fighting game veterans, while the “Smart Style” system provides a more approachable entry point for newcomers, though with some limitations on advanced techniques.
Despite its achievements in gameplay mechanics, the game shows some limitations in its peripheral features. The user interface and netcode performance fall short of contemporary standards established by competitors like Guilty Gear Strive. The tutorial system’s minimalist approach may present challenges for new players learning the game’s intricacies.
Visually, City of the Wolves excels with its distinctive art direction, combining the series’ classical aesthetic with modern graphical flourishes. The game’s presentation features vibrant, detailed environments that bring South Town to life, enhanced by dynamic super move animations and striking visual effects.
This revival represents a significant milestone in the evolution of 2D fighting games, successfully modernizing the Fatal Fury franchise while maintaining its core identity. Despite minor technical limitations and controversial elements, the game stands as a testament to SNK’s continuing influence in the fighting game genre, potentially setting new standards for future fighting game developments.
Source: IGN
