Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: Yasuyuki Oda and Laurent Vernézy of SNK Answer Our Questions

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Revisiting Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: SNK’s Modern Take on a Classic Fighting Game

SNK is set to re-release a classic from its renowned fighting series: Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers. Building on the success of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, this fan-favorite title will receive a comprehensive update for its 2025 release, integrating modern features and enhancements while preserving its original appeal. To understand the decision behind this revival and the specifics of the game’s updates, PlayersForLife interviewed series boss Yasuyuki Oda and producer Laurent Vernezy. In this exclusive discussion, they detailed the game’s past, including character design and original development choices, while also outlining SNK’s current goals to engage both longtime fans and new players. Producer Laurent Vernezy highlighted the timing of the updated re-release. When asked by Maxime Chao why Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 is being brought back so soon after Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Vernezy stated, “Since Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is the latest in the series, we wanted to bring back the best bits from the Fatal Fury games. Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 was definitely the one to go for after we released City of the Wolves in April last year.”

The 2025 version of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 will introduce several new features, ensuring accessibility for new players. These include online battles powered by rollback netcode, an enhanced training mode with hitbox display, a Jukebox mode featuring original soundtracks accessible via a new in-game interface, and a Gallery mode showcasing all original game assets. Vernezy added, “There’s plenty more too, just waiting for you to enjoy.” Series boss Yasuyuki Oda also provided insights into the design philosophy of the original games. He noted that SNK consoles at the time typically featured four buttons, which many players found challenging to utilize simultaneously. This led to a simplification of controls in the original Real Bout Fatal Fury 2. Oda further discussed the development of Real Bout Special for PlayStation. He explained, “When we were working on Real Bout Special for PlayStation, we had to tweak graphics. To make it better, we added a new story, some mechanics, a boss, and even a new combat system. We also dropped the line-system graphics to fit all this in.”

Revamped Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 Focuses on Player-vs-Player Combat, Aiming for IP Consolidation and New Generation Introduction in 2025

Regarding the competitive focus of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2, Oda mentioned, “We wanted this title to really focus on player-versus-player combat, so we decided to scrap that sudden loss system you’d find in arcade halls. We probably would’ve kept it for consoles, though.” Maxime Chao also inquired about SNK’s approach to 2D games, observing that many older fans miss the company’s past expertise in the genre. Oda acknowledged the challenge: “It’s tricky. With today’s game resolutions, pixels aren’t as visible anymore. But if we figure out a way around that, I’d be up for trying something new in the future.” Beyond specific game titles, SNK is actively working to consolidate its intellectual property. Oda confirmed that the development teams are currently focused on bringing SNK’s existing licenses back under the company’s direct control. This comprehensive re-release of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers for 2025 aims to honor the series’ legacy while introducing it to a new generation of players.