Review of “City of the Wolves”

After more than two decades, Fatal Fury makes a grand reentry with “City of the Wolves.” While fans of the series longed for its return since 1999, new enthusiasts will find a different kind of thrill that doesn’t quite mirror the usual suspects in the fighting game industry. Although it’s lacking in content variety, the unique gameplay mechanics more than make up for it, especially for fans seeking a fresh challenge.

“City of the Wolves” doesn’t aim to compete with powerhouses like “Tekken 8” or “Street Fighter 6.” It forgoes the fancy trappings of alternate game modes and cinematic cutscenes. Here, it’s all about the pure thrill of fighting. It brings that old arcade magic, rewarding players who dig deep into its mechanics. Focusing on universal techniques rather than character-specific variations, the game encourages you to master skills like Just Defense and REV Blows. The payoff? A feeling of accomplishment when those moves land just right, making every battle feel rewarding.

While the multiplayer is likely to thrive due to the intricate combat, single-player enthusiasts might find it lacking. Without a gripping story or substantial side content, it might fail to captivate a more casual audience, especially when compared to the richer offerings of rivals like “Mortal Kombat.” Set your expectations correctly, and you might discover it to be your top fighting game pick for the year.

Creating a new fighting game is tricky. SNK had a clear vision for “City of the Wolves,” aiming to please both the dedicated and casual player bases. Unlike games that demand extensive combo memorization, the move sets here are straightforward. This approach ensures that players aren’t bogged down by overly complex controls, allowing for a more enjoyable mastery of the game’s mechanics.

The style and mechanics are where the game excels. Players recognize archetypes – think heavy-hitters versus agile fighters – and adapt strategies on the fly. This dynamic transforms battles into experiences more akin to single-player action sequences than traditional fighting. Skills like REV Guard are crucial, promoting a style of play that is both exciting and accessible.

With satisfying control mechanics, “City of the Wolves” offers seamless transitions between different characters. The satisfaction comes from executing expert moves like counters and REV Blows with precision, while new features, like the REV Gauge, add unpredictability and strategy to each match.

Though “City of the Wolves” doesn’t present an elaborate game narrative, it includes an arcade mode and the engaging Episodes of South Town mode. This feature injects a bit of RPG flavor, allowing character progression and skill unlocking, although it doesn’t quite fill the gap that a full-fledged story would. It hints at exploration but largely remains menu-based.

Despite some shortcomings in its single-player offerings, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves triumphs as a fighting game. It may not have the flashy extras seen in other titles, but it focuses on what matters: excellent gameplay. SNK’s latest offering proves that a well-built fighting game can still thrill audiences, setting high hopes for future installments.

For any fighting game enthusiast looking forward to April 24, 2025, you can expect “City of the Wolves” on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Thanks to a PS5 review code from Game Rant, we’ve had an early glimpse into what promises to be a thrilling experience.