Introduction

Get ready to put your gloves on, sharpen those reflexes, and embrace the noise of pixels colliding! After a 26-year hiatus—yes, you read that right, that’s older than some of the console generations—SNK is finally reviving the iconic 'Fatal Fury' series with 'City of the Wolves'.

Gameplay

The combat is nothing short of exhilarating. Picture this: a 2D fighting arena that feels as cramped and intense as a sweaty mosh pit at a punk rock concert. Retaining the beloved mechanics from "Mark of the Wolves", the game introduces the 'Selective Potential Gear' (S.P.G.) system, previously known as T.O.P. (Tip of the Pyramid, or as I like to call it, 'Throwing Out Punches'). Players can harness their hyper skills to unleash incredibly flashy super attacks, leading to boasting rights in the friend circle. Let's break down some spicy gameplay elements. The combat system includes 'Rev' abilities, where you can perform moves like the 'Rev Arts' to enhance regular attacks (because basic is for amateurs), and 'Rev Blow', which is perfect for when you're feeling cornered and just want some space. Want to keep the combos flowing like a well-poured soda from the fridge? That's where the 'Rev Accel' comes into play. And don't you dare underestimate 'Rev Guard'! It pushes opponents away—think of it as your personal security detail against those pesky button mashers. Speaking of button mashers, the game caters to us fine gamers by offering two control schemes: 'Arcade Style' for traditionalists and 'Smart Style' for the newbies. The latter is like an Instagram filter that makes your gameplay easier, letting you do combos with just a snack-sized button press. And if you want to add a hint of nostalgia, dive into the 'Episodes of South Town' mode that offers RPG mechanics and character customization options like a new set of threads or colors. Each victory not only leads to glory but sweetens the pot of experience points too—you've got to love if XP could be converted to actual cash, right?

Graphics

Graphically, 'City of the Wolves' is looking sleek! Built on Unreal Engine 4, the visuals beam more than a kid on Christmas morning. Colors pop like popcorn in a microwave, and the character designs are crisp and vivid, proving that SNK wasn’t just snoozing on a beach for 26 years. The 2.5D visuals lend themselves well to the action-packed gameplay, and as you unleash that epic gear attack, you might just find yourself saluting the developers for the eye candy on screen. The backgrounds? Oh honey, they are as rich and detailed as a five-star meal served at a fine restaurant—each frame looks like a postcard inviting you right into South Town’s chaos. Let’s hope they’re not just the calm before the storm, though.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves' is set to bring the pain back to our screens in 2025, and I, for one, am excited! With a plethora of characters, intricate mechanics, and visuals that would make even Capcom shed a tear, this game is holding the promise of spectacular brawls that will keep gamers invested. Sure, some may point out it’s a little late to the revival party, and the guest characters from Capcom’s 'Street Fighter' series are like the friend nobody wanted who shows up uninvited, but that only spices up the showdown! So, if you're a fighting game aficionado or just looking for a new title to sink your teeth into, mark your calendars and start training those fingers because 'Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves' is sure to be nothing short of an explosive return.

See Latest Prices for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on PS5 on Amazon