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After a long hiatus since 1999, the Fatal Fury series finally makes its anticipated comeback with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Fans of the series will appreciate the polished update on its classic mechanics, while newcomers are in for a unique fighting experience, even though it might feel somewhat lacking in content compared to industry giants.
Unlike Tekken 8 or Street Fighter 6, City of the Wolves doesn’t boast elaborate game modes or flashy cutscenes. Instead, it thrives as a purist’s fighting game, reinforcing the kind of skill and strategy that arcade classics demand. The focus here is on universal techniques rather than character-specific moves, allowing players to feel like they belong in the competitive scene. With deeply satisfying systems like Just Defense, REV Blows, and counters, the game rewards those willing to master its fundamentals.
The multiplayer aspect holds promise for a vibrant future given the deceptively rich combat mechanics. However, its single-player offerings feel a bit dated, potentially leaving more casual players underwhelmed, especially compared to other big-name fighters like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. But for those who know what they’re signing up for, City of the Wolves may just be the standout fighting game experience of the year.
Creating a compelling fighting game involves striking a balance between appeasing hardcore players and welcoming casual gamers. SNK manages this with City of the Wolves, seamlessly blending complex technicality with pick-up-and-play fun. The character move lists are refreshingly straightforward, avoiding overwhelming complexity commonly found in games like Tekken. Although some might see this simplicity as a drawback, it effectively encourages exploration across different fighter types, each with their own playstyle nuances.
For die-hard players, mastering universal mechanics rather than memorizing character combos is key. This approach allows for smooth transitions between characters and keeps the gameplay rewarding rather than intimidating. Core mechanics like the REV Guard emphasize smart defensive play, enhancing both strategic depth and player engagement.
The thrill of landing a perfect counter or executing a clutch dodge pays off handsomely, and new features like the REV Gauge add unpredictability to battles, challenging even seasoned players without compromising on fairness. Despite its simplified controls, a feature called Smart Style can sometimes make the gameplay feel too hands-off, akin to similar systems in Tekken 8.
On the single-player front, while there’s no traditional story campaign, players can dive into an arcade mode or explore the more inventive Episodes of South Town. This mode offers an engaging touch with RPG-like character progression and skill upgrades, although its potential is somewhat overshadowed by a lack of interconnected storytelling and meaningful exploration, feeling more like a dressed-up arcade run.
Despite these single-player weaknesses, City of the Wolves shines with its strong foundational elements. Although it might not compete with today’s AAA fighters in terms of visuals or variety, SNK has successfully rekindled the series’ spirit in a modern context, paving the way for future installments that can capitalize on its strengths.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will be available for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on April 24, 2025. This review was conducted with a PS5 code provided by the publisher.
