Review of “City of the Wolves”

The long-awaited revival of the Fatal Fury series brings us Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, a game that’s been brewing in anticipation since 1999. For fans who cherished the intricate mechanics of earlier Fatal Frame titles, this release feels like a well-earned update, while fresh eyes may discover a unique combat experience that sets itself apart in the crowded fighting game arena, though it may be somewhat lacking in content.

It’s important to recognize that Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves isn’t trying to echo the grandeur of Tekken 8 or Street Fighter 6 with their sleek alternate modes, cinematic cutscenes, or dazzling graphics. Instead, this game is aimed squarely at individuals who live for the thrill of a good fight, offering mechanics that reward quick reflexes and strategic mastery, much like classic arcade hits. A distinctive feature of this title is its focus on skills that are not tied to specific characters, helping players feel like experts as they delve into the fighter roster. With gratifying elements like Just Defense, REV Blows, and counters, fans who invest the time to master its intricacies will find a deeply rewarding experience.

While this game seems poised for a vibrant multiplayer existence thanks to its complex combat system, its single-player offerings may come across as somewhat dated. The absence of engaging narratives or diverse game modes could leave more casual players feeling a bit disappointed, especially when lined up against heavyweights like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. Your enjoyment of City of the Wolves will depend largely on meeting your own expectations. If you know what you’re signing up for, it might just end up being your top fighting game of the year.

Crafting a modern fighting game is no small feat. Developers often juggle the needs of competitive purists with those of casual gamers who want a fun, social experience. Navigating this balance, SNK excels in City of the Wolves, marrying technical depth with accessible enjoyment.

Exploring the move lists for each character is refreshingly straightforward; there’s no need to memorize extensive, convoluted combos. Compared to games like Tekken, where mastery can take months, this might seem like dumbing down. However, City of the Wolves retains its depth despite its straightforward approach. There’s value in its simplicity, where learning a new fighter involves adapting general combat tactics to different character styles, making it feel akin to navigating action-infused scenarios rather than typical fighting game fare. Think of playing a character like Tizoc as wielding a slow, powerful greatsword, while Hokutomaru is akin to wielding a nimble rapier—they use similar inputs but require different approaches based on their attributes.

The heart of City of the Wolves lies in its robust combat mechanics; mastering techniques such as REV Guard, which helps maintain your defensive space while on guard, is crucial. This gives the game a sense of elegance, allowing you to switch characters with ease and enhancing experimenting as a fun endeavor rather than a daunting task.

Executing these mechanics is immensely gratifying. Combine perfect blocks, counters, backsteps, Throw Techs, and REV Blows in fast-paced succession, and you’ll soon feel like a seasoned pro. The precise hitboxes ensure that last-second moves deliver a thrilling sense of victory. New features like the REV Gauge and S.P.G. remain game-changers, making battles unpredictable yet balanced.

This combat framework’s accessibility stands out due to the streamlined character-specific moves and specials. While flashy attacks may still require skill, their simplicity helps welcome newcomers to the series. The introduction of the Smart Style feature aids accessibility but raises questions. Similar to Tekken 8’s Special Style, it simplifies controls for high-impact moves. However, given that City of the Wolves’ controls are user-friendly already, Smart Style might occasionally feel like it oversimplifies gameplay, sometimes making you feel like an observer rather than a player.

On the single-player front, City of the Wolves opts for a traditional arcade mode and the imaginative Episodes of South Town. Here’s where players engage in nonlinear battles through the cityscape of the Fatal Fury universe, enhancing their characters’ abilities as they progress. These RPG-style enhancements are the highlight, adding character development and variety, though the narrative could have delved deeper. The promise of exploration feels more like flipping through menus than actual navigation, which, while not crucial in a fighting game, seems misleading in this context.

Despite these single-player limitations, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers an exhilarating experience. It may not boast the cinematic graphics or varied modes of its competitors, but its core mechanics and engaging fighting system more than make up for it. SNK has revitalized this classic series for contemporary audiences, laying the groundwork for future installments to build upon its clear strengths.

Set to launch on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a promising addition to any fighting game collection. A PS5 download code was provided to Game Rant for this review.