The Fatal Fury test has arrived on current consoles, and although it wasn’t on my 2025 bingo list, SNK has been preparing for this return over the past three years. Of course, for younger players unfamiliar with the NeoGeo or arcade culture, getting excited about the news might be challenging. However, as a forty-something-year-old who reveres the NeoGeo, often referred to as the Rolls Royce of consoles, I am naturally thrilled. Beyond nostalgia, Fatal Fury is also a franchise that significantly shaped the Versus Fighting genre and earned its own place among enthusiasts. The series made such substantial contributions to the genre that it quickly became a reference point for fans. Development halted in 1999 with the release of Garou: Mark of the Wolves, but thanks to support from Saudi Arabia and the heir’s desire to revive SNK’s former licenses, Fatal Fury is making its return in 2025. To ensure this comeback is of high quality, Yasuyuki Oda has spared no effort, and many veterans have been brought back into the project.
ART OF FURY: THE NEWCOMERS
To enhance the visual impact, SNK chose to use a closer camera angle focusing on the characters. Observing the 17 launch roster characters, they appear large and each strike dealt or received conveys a powerful sensation, intensified by the slightly disorienting shaky-cam effect. This reminds one of the era when Art of Fighting games produced by SNK were prominent, known for their oversized character sprites. Notice the visual effects; they are abundant yet do not affect the frame rate, ensuring fluidity and high speed.
Regarding the roster, Fatal Fury City of the Wolves follows in the footsteps of Mark of the Wolves with nearly the entire 1999 cast, except for some like Freeman, Kim Jae Hoon, and Grant who were absent at that time. However, clues suggest they will eventually join the game as their respective stages are included in the base game. With Fatal Fury City of the Wolves, SNK aims to regain full license rights, as characters such as Mai Shiranui, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi (the latter two will be free DLC) make their return, having been excluded from Garou in 1999 due to a focus on new characters. But in 2025, appealing to nostalgia is more significant than ever, making it necessary for these emblematic characters of the license to participate in the adventure. There are also surprises like Geese Howard appearing in his Nightmare version and Fallen Rock, who can be fought in the ‘Story’ mode. It is highly likely that they will become playable later as recent leaks have confirmed other characters from the Fatal Fury universe, as well as Art of Fighting. Additionally, the ‘Story’ mode includes random character battles featuring 3D replicas of Ralph, K’, and others. However, care must be taken to avoid a King of Fighters-style crossover to prevent redundancy.
GANACCI IS FINE, CR7 IS CANCELED
Of the 17 fighters at launch, only two stand out as guest stars: Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci. Initially appealing to players, they were later rejected by purists who argued that their inclusion was unnecessary and should have been released as DLC post-launch. From a strategic and marketing perspective, SNK’s decision to include them in the base roster maximized sales potential. Surprisingly, Salvatore Ganacci integrates well into Fatal Fury City of the Wolves’ roster, possibly due to his sufficiently eccentric character and detailed work in the story mode. In the lore, he is an acquaintance of Duck King, who is among the upcoming DLC characters after their presence was leaked by data-miners. Beyond this, Ganacci has a carefully crafted move set with animations and attacks inspired by gestures seen in sex clips featuring our DJ, including his sliding gait that might resemble a glitch or lack of developer effort, though it does not.
Essentially, Salvatore Ganacci is validated, while Cristiano Ronaldo is considered less successful. CR7 is indeed an integrated character, but it quickly becomes apparent that he does not ‘fit’ with the rest of the game. The character begins with inconsistent modeling, uninspired attacks, and notably, animations suggesting rushed development. This is unfortunate because there was potential; SNK had previously included sports-themed characters in KOF94 and KOF 98 within the American team roster. Additionally, CR7’s absence from the ‘Story’ mode and his content arriving in a future patch further indicate that his inclusion is somewhat problematic.
The Story Mode warrants discussion, as it is intriguing on paper but poorly executed in the game. While “awful” may be too strong a term, its design harkens back to the 90s style, or what one might call old-school. After selecting a character, players navigate through South Town’s three zones, unlocking and choosing to complete interest points based on their level progress. Higher levels bring more formidable opponents, either in single-character fights or groups of four or five protagonists requiring incapacitation, sometimes with additional handicaps. Encounters are frequently random, often featuring well-known characters created from familiar 3D models. Occasionally, key roster characters appear for conversations to advance the story and deepen lore understanding. SNK could have enhanced this mode with modern staging and narrative techniques instead of relying solely on text dialogues and static images, which were acceptable three decades ago but fall short in today’s standards, especially given competitors’ interactive film offerings. In 2025, SNK still needs to catch up significantly…
A SYSTEM SELLING ‘REV’
Regarding the gameplay of this upcoming Fatal Fury release in early 2025, it is evident that Garou Mark of the Wolves has established a significant legacy. SNK chose not to label this game as Garou 2, possibly due to the title, and aimed to reintroduce the Fatal Fury name to gamers who may have forgotten its substantial contribution to VS Fighting. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the gameplay from Mark of the Wolves has been adapted into a 3D format, or at least a 2.5D one. The characters remain unchanged, their attacks and combos are identical in every aspect, and the overall feel is remarkably similar when experiencing the game. Additionally, the music is taken directly from Garou Mark of the Wolves. Clearly, SNK intends to maintain what made Mark of the Wolves successful and well-known.
The combat system in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves will center around the REV System, a nod to the gameplay of Garou Mark of the Wolves, incorporating elements unseen in many modern brawlers. The game will feature several precise techniques: REV Arts, REB Blows, REV Guard, and REV Accel, which together form the foundation of its combat system. I can confidently state that the game will be highly technical, offering significant depth and a wide range for player progression. In this iteration of Fatal Fury 2025, players will encounter REV Arts, similar to EX attacks, enhancing the power, speed, and visual impact of certain special moves. Additionally, there are REV Blows, which combine attack and defense in one movement, making them immune to enemy attacks. The REV Blows draw inspiration from Street Fighter 6’s Drive Impact.
There is also the REV Guard, an advanced defensive technique. Players must hold R1 to effectively protect themselves, as it creates more distance between them and their opponent compared to a standard block. However, REV Guard also negates minor damage from certain attacks, such as fireballs that would normally cause harm when blocked. By holding R1, players ‘cancel’ the damage while gradually filling up the REV Meter displayed at the bottom of the screen next to the fighters. This REV Meter is essential as it influences your character’s overall performance.
THE MOST TECHNICAL STICK FIGHTING GAME?
The user is discussing a new fighting game titled “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves,” set for release early in 2025. This game features a combat system known as the REV System, which builds upon the gameplay of Garou Mark of the Wolves from 1999 and incorporates modern elements found in contemporary fighting games.SNK’s reboot of Fatal Fury, “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves,” is scheduled for release on current consoles in 2025 following a three-year development period. It aims to appeal to both nostalgic fans and newcomers by drawing inspiration from its NeoGeo origins and past successes, particularly Garou Mark of the Wolves (1999). The game includes 17 launch characters, with most being returning cast members such as Mai Shiranui, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, along with new additions and potential DLC characters.Visually, “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves” features large character sprites, a more intimate camera angle, and dynamic visual effects that do not compromise frame rate. This style is reminiscent of SNK’s Art of Fighting games. The gameplay centers around the REV System, an advanced combat mechanism that includes REV Arts (EX-like special moves), REB Blows (offensive-defensive attacks), and REV Guard (an enhanced defense method).Two guest characters, Salvatore Ganacci and Cristiano Ronaldo, are part of the base roster but have generated mixed reactions. Salvatore Ganacci was integrated into the game’s lore and mechanics carefully, while Cristiano Ronaldo received criticism for poor design and execution, seemingly rushed to meet market expectations.The “Story” mode is inspired by the 1990s style, allowing players to navigate through South Town zones, encounter random characters, and progress in difficulty through character interactions. Despite its concept’s appeal, this mode is viewed as outdated compared to contemporary interactive narratives due to its text-based dialogues and static images.In summary, “Fatal Fury City of the Wolves” aims to honor its legacy while introducing modern gameplay elements, targeting a highly technical and deep fighting experience for both veteran and new players in the 2025 gaming landscape.
Fatal Fury City of the Wolves is a 2.5D fighting game that incorporates elements from Garou Mark of the Wolves, including the REV System. This system encompasses REV Arts (EX attacks), REV Blows (combining offense and defense into one movement), REV Guard (advanced blocking by holding R1), REV Accel (using multiple REV Arts in succession), and Just Defended (perfectly timed blocking). The game features a REV Meter that increases as you attack, decreases when hit or blocked, and overheats if too full, slowing the character and increasing vulnerability. Known for its technical depth and complexity, Fatal Fury City of the Wolves aims to resonate with both longtime fans and new players alike.
Fatal Fury City of the Wolves is a versus fighting game developed by SNK, scheduled for release in 2025. The game draws significant inspiration from Garou Mark of the Wolves, emphasizing technical gameplay and introducing a unique REV System. This system comprises REV Arts (powerful special moves), REV Blows (attacks that combine offensive and defensive elements), REV Guard (advanced blocking techniques), REV Accel (combining multiple REV Arts for complex strategies), and Just Defended/Hyper Defended (perfectly timed blocks). Additionally, the game includes the T.O.P System, now referred to as SPG (Selective Potential Gear), which enables players to select a specific health zone during a match to enhance their character’s attack capabilities.
Fatal Fury City of the Wolves is a 2.5D versus fighting game developed by SNK, featuring a complex REV System that integrates elements from Garou Mark of the Wolves and contemporary fighting games. The REV System includes REV Arts (EX-like attacks), REV Blows (offensive and defensive moves immune to enemy interruption), REV Guard (advanced blocking techniques), REV Accel (combining multiple REV Arts for diverse combos), Just Defended (perfectly timed blocks), Hyper Defended (more advanced blocking methods), and SPG (Selective Potential Gear, similar to T.O.P System). The game also introduces Guard Cancel and Braking mechanics, adding further complexity. The combat system is highly technical, offering significant depth and progression opportunities.
Fatal Fury City of the Wolves is a 2.5D versus fighting game developed by SNK. It features a complex REV System that combines elements from Garou Mark of the Wolves and modern fighting games. The system includes REV Arts, REB Blows, REV Guard, REV Accel, and Just/Hyper Defended mechanics. The game also incorporates the T.O.P System, now called SPG (Selective Potential Gear), which allows players to select a zone for enhanced attacks when their health reaches a certain threshold. Additional mechanics like Guard Cancel and Braking add further depth to the combat system. The game aims to be highly technical and offer extensive progression opportunities for players.
