In the history of fighting games, there are a number of “sleepers” that have been big hits with fans. This includes Garou: Mark of the Wolves, a Neo-Geo brawler that serves as a chapter of the Fatal Fury saga. The game has gained serious traction over the years, eventually seeing a re-release and attention on the competitive circuit. So, of course, that prompted SNK to return with a long-awaited sequel – Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
The game features a slew of returning favorites, as well as some new fighters and some, uh, interesting additions. But it gives them a lot to do within the arena, including a fun story mode that continues Garou’s story arc. And how.
But the fighting is the thing here. And I’m happy to report that SNK has poured a lot of heart into the controls. This feels like a terrific brawler, particularly with the REV system and the ability to use gear in the right places. Of course, you also have a helpful power gauge, which lets you unleash devastating attacks. Oh, and did I mention the online features? I will.
Some of the characters are a bit gimmicky (Renaldo? Renaldo?!), and the presentation isn’t as detailed as, say, Street Fighter 6. But if you can overlook certain wrinkles, City of the Wolves serves as a great entry in the franchise. And, hey, the more notable fighting games we get on the market, the better.
Get REV’d Up With Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Like Garou before it, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves leans on its dynamic fighting style.
As I mentioned, the REV system is, um, REVolutionary? Well, cool anyway. It allows you to set up special attacks in just the right spot to turn the tide of the match. You can also utilize two attack buttons instead of one to spruce things up. In certain spots, this can make all the difference.
The use of SPG – Selective Potential Gear – actually helps as well, as you can utilize certain moves depending on what you have. This adds a nice layer of strategy to Fatal Fury, without overcomplicating.
This – combined with the classic Garou play style – really makes City of the Wolves feel spectacular. Your moves come off powerfully, and the defensive techniques are rather cool as well. And you have a wide array of returning characters (Mai!) in the fold, along with newcomers like the rad Preecha. That said, some “guest” characters are questionable. Like…soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo? I’m guessing he was added to boost sales numbers. Not the worst thing, it’s just a different kind of tactic.
The game features some good options, including an RPG-style Episodes of South Town mode where you can delve more into the story. It could’ve used more animated sequences (my guess is the budget was small), but it’s well done for what it is. Of course, you can take on others as well, train against dedicated AI bots, and then hop online. The rollback netcode works as needed, so you’ll have no trouble finding competition.
Overall, Fatal Fury doesn’t offer an abundant amount of content, and some of it will make you scratch your head. (Who’s this Salvatore guy again?) But there’s enough here to please die-hard Garou fans, and the door is wide open for newcomers. That’s just the kind of fighting experience we’re here for.
Looking Like a Winner
Even with a somewhat limited budget, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is still a good looking game. The animations are done incredibly well, and the backdrops look awesome. Not to mention Mai’s new leather get-up is really something. I hope she keeps it for future fighting games.
Again, it’s hard to miss the notable lack of cinemas in certain spots, going with more of a comic book-style approach. But it’s not the worst thing, and it keeps the storytelling moving forward with just the right amount of momentum.
The game’s sound effects deliver as needed, with lots of great hit noises. (Yes, hit noises are a thing. WHAP!) But the soundtrack is the key to success here, with awesome beats left and right. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find yourself hunting down tunes on YouTube after you’re done. There are some favorites that will grow on you.
We Built This City On Brawling Action
It does have its shortcomings, as well as its oddball additions. And we’ll likely see more of this type as the DLC comes out over the next few months. But Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves impresses nevertheless. Its fighting remains pure and innovative, its soundtrack is rockin’, and there’s more than enough good looks to it. Plus its online play is sure to attract a solid fighting crowd.
It may not stand shoulder to shoulder with the all-time greats, but Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is definitely making the racket it needs to. Don’t be shocked if its community grows in imminent ways. (Let’s pit Geese Howard’s fanbase against Ronaldo’s sometime.)
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to SNK for the review code! The game is available now for Xbox, PlayStation and PC!
Need more fighting goodness? Check out our review of Marvel vs. Capcom: Fighting Collection!
