Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Review (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves marks the return of one of the most iconic fighting game franchises, Fatal Fury, after a 26-year hiatus. Following a highly successful open beta, the game has already garnered a lot of excitement, and it’s clear that SNK has been listening to fans. The game combines old-school gameplay with innovative new features. But does City of the Wolves live up to the long wait? Well, let’s dive into the key elements of the game and see what works and what might hold it back from becoming a true powerhouse in the fighting game world.

Familiar Yet Unique

For fans of Fatal Fury or classic 2D fighting games, the mechanics in City of the Wolves will feel very familiar. The game uses the traditional four-button system with light punch, heavy punch, light kick, and heavy kick. However, this game takes a page from the ’90s fighters, avoiding some of the modern features such as neutral skips, drive impacts, and throw loops. Instead, it returns to the basics with a deep focus on strategic, fundamental gameplay.

The absence of quick, universal methods to close the distance between you and your opponent forces players to think carefully about their moves. There’s no rushing through neutral with fast dashes or teleports. It’s all about anticipating your opponent’s moves and reacting accordingly. 

Moreover, each character has a unique way of engaging with the opponent, adding a layer of risk and reward. This makes for a refreshing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more strategic approach to fighting games. Overall, City of the Wolves is a game that will appeal to players who appreciate a more deliberate, calculated style of combat.

All About the Rev Meter

One of the most exciting features of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is the new Rev Meter. For those familiar with Street Fighter 6, this mechanic may seem a bit similar to the Drive Meter, but with an interesting twist. Instead of depleting the meter through actions, players in City of the Wolves are constantly building it up throughout the match. Players can fill the meter by using EX moves, blocking attacks, and landing hits.

However, the game doesn’t just hand you this power. Players must work for it. Overfilling the meter causes you to overheat, which can completely change the course of a match. When you’re overheated, you lose access to any Rev techniques, and your guard gauge depletes with each block. This means that even though players can unleash devastating combos when the Rev Meter is full, you also run the risk of being left vulnerable.

The Rev Meter adds an exciting layer of strategy to the game. Players must decide whether to go all-in with a big combo and risk overheating, or play it safe and save some of the meter for later in the round. This tension between offence and defence adds depth to the game, keeping players engaged and making every match feel like a high-stakes battle.

Rev Blows

Now let’s talk about one of the more controversial mechanics in City of the Wolves –Rev Blows. These powerful, armoured attacks are safe on block and can dish out substantial damage. On paper, they sound like an overpowered move. However, they come with a catch. Players can only use Rev Blows when they have a special buff called Selective Potential Gear (SPG). This buff is only active at certain points during the match, and if your SPG doesn’t align with your opponent’s, defending against Rev Blows can be difficult.

At higher levels of play, players will often cancel their dodge attacks into a faint, resulting in devastating combos. But here’s the issue: the timing for this is tricky, and it’s tough to pull off. This could feel frustrating and unfair for players who are just starting out. The Rev Blow mechanic is powerful, but it does need a little more balance, especially for lower-level players who might find it a bit overwhelming. That said, the core combat system in City of the Wolves remains solid. Players can still opt for easy, reliable combos or more complex ones requiring precise execution. 

A Mix of Veterans and New Faces

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves offers a well-balanced roster of 17 characters. It combines classic fighters with exciting newcomers, providing variety for the series’ new players and long-time fans. Several fan-favourite characters make their return in City of the Wolves. First, we have Terry Bogard, whose iconic moves like the Power Wave and Burn Knuckle are a mainstay in the Fatal Fury universe. Terry’s return will undoubtedly please long-time fans who are looking for a familiar face.

Another popular character is Mai Shiranui. Known for her speed and flashy fan-based attacks, Mai remains a favourite for those who prefer fast and agile characters. Her combination of power and agility makes her a well-rounded choice. Additionally, Hokutomaru is back, bringing his unique ninja abilities. His double jumps, teleportation, and air projectiles make him a versatile fighter with plenty of strategic options. Geese Howard also returns, adding a powerful and intimidating presence to the roster with his devastating attacks and counters.

In addition to the returning characters, there are also exciting new fighters. Preeach is a Muay Thai fighter known for his easy-to-learn combos. Surprisingly, the game also features guest characters like Cristiano Ronaldo. His unique soccer-inspired moves bring something new to the table. Though unexpected, his presence adds a fun twist to the roster.

However, not everyone will be thrilled with the guest characters. While Ronaldo’s soccer-inspired moves and special soccer ball attacks may seem interesting, they feel out of place in the Fatal Fury universe. Ronaldo’s lack of presence in the game’s single-player modes makes his inclusion even more jarring. These guest characters could have been better suited as DLC rather than core members of the roster.

Game Modes

City of the Wolves offers a solid mix of classic and new modes for single-player fans. The arcade mode provides satisfying character moments for those familiar with the Fatal Fury lore. For players who want something more immersive, there’s “Episodes of Southtown. It’s an RPG-inspired mode that lets you play through character stories while levelling up and unlocking new skills. 

That said, the tutorial mode could use some improvement. While it covers the basics, it doesn’t explain more advanced techniques like special move breaking, faints, and defending against Rev Blows. A deeper dive into these mechanics would have been beneficial for players who are new to the series or to fighting games in general.

On the other hand, online play is crucial in today’s fighting game landscape, and City of the Wolves does a solid job here. The rollback netcode works well in most matches, ensuring a smooth experience for the majority of players. However, occasional issues exist, such as input lag and unresponsive button presses. While these problems aren’t frequent, they can still affect gameplay, particularly during moments of heavy delay.

This fighting game offers a variety of match types, including ranked, casual, and room matches. However, the menu and UI could use some work. The room match menu, in particular, is clunky and requires players to use a slow-moving mouse cursor. This can be frustrating and feels out of place in a game that otherwise oozes style. It’s a small issue, but one that could detract from the overall experience. 

Pure Nostalgia

In addition to the revamped gameplay, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves pays homage to the series’ rich musical legacy. The game features a jukebox mode, offering a wide selection of classic tracks from Fatal Fury 1 through Mark of the Wolves, as well as music from the Art of Fighting games. This thoughtful inclusion allows players to enjoy nostalgic tunes while also experiencing new compositions. Whether you’re looking to relive the old-school energy of earlier games or enjoy fresh music, the jukebox mode provides a diverse soundtrack. Notably, it enhances the intensity and excitement of each fight. Fans of the franchise will definitely appreciate this musical tribute, which adds another layer of immersion to this fighting game

Verdict

Overall, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a triumphant return for the series. The game brings a lot of exciting new features while still honouring the franchise’s roots. The roster is diverse, and the inclusion of both old and new characters offers something for everyone. However, the guest characters and the occasionally clunky UI may be a turn-off for some players.

Despite these small flaws, City of the Wolves is a strong contender in the fighting game genre. It’s an excellent alternative for players who are looking for something different from Street Fighter 6 but still want a deeply engaging, strategy-driven combat experience. With a solid launch roster, regular DLC updates, and a robust combat system, this game has the potential to become the definitive Fatal Fury experience. If you’re a fan of traditional 2D fighters or just enjoy a challenging, rewarding fighting game, be sure to check it out.