Get ready to REV your way to glory
By Paul Hunter
After more than 20 years away, SNK has revived its Fatal Fury series with City of the Wolves, the long-awaited sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Developed and published by SNK Corporation, this new entry stands out by doing something rare in modern fighting games—it asks you to take a more measured approach. While many of today’s fighters put the spotlight on flashy combos and constant rushdowns, City of the Wolves pushes you to think before throwing hands.
The game builds on the history of its franchise but doesn’t expect you to know it. If you’ve never touched Fatal Fury or even heard of South Town, that’s totally fine. The core focus here isn’t about catching up on lore—it’s about getting into the fight and learning what makes each match-up tick.
With its bold visual style, creative roster, and smart mechanics, this one is a throwback in all the right ways. There's an retro-gameplay mindset baked into its design, one that favours calculated play just as much as aggression.
Still, stepping into City of the Wolves might be easier said than done. Can this old-school approach speak to today’s crowd, or is it only for the long-time fans? Let's take a closer look!
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves includes a story mode called Episodes of South Town, which gives you a structured way to experience each character’s journey. It doesn’t aim to be cinematic or over-the-top. Instead, it acts more like a walkthrough of South Town’s roster, offering small glimpses into each fighter’s motives and personal history. You choose a character, work through a chain of matches, and get short narrative breaks between fights. These moments usually appear as brief dialogue scenes—they’re simple, direct, and serve their purpose.
If you’re someone who enjoys fighting game lore, there’s something here to latch onto. It touches on the events of Garou: Mark of the Wolves, but not in a way that alienates newcomers. You’ll likely recognize returning faces like Rock Howard and Hotaru, but their stories are easy enough to follow without any homework. Backgrounds are hinted at, not explained in full, which keeps things moving at a steady pace.
What stands out is how Episodes of South Town doubles as a light progression system. As you work through matches, you earn XP, levelling up your characters to take on harder opponents. It’s not a deep RPG layer or anything close, but it's a satisfying structure for those playing solo.
The downside is that the mode can be repetitive. A good chunk of your time is spent fighting generic opponents, which bogs things down. The writing also has some rough edges—particularly in the English localization. You’ll spot a few odd grammar choices and awkward lines here and there. It’s nothing game-breaking, but noticeable enough to take you out of the moment.
Despite that, it’s clear the focus wasn’t on making a cinematic story. The game wants you to learn the ropes while picking up small character moments along the way. That works well if you’re someone who likes piecing things together. And for those grinding their way through online matches, it’s nice to know that Episodes of South Town gives you a few bonuses just for playing the game.
It won’t replace a full-fledged campaign, but it’s still a lot of fun. It’s there to offer context, build some atmosphere, and maybe give you a reason to try out someone new. That’s enough to make it worth spending time with—even if only completing a few characters' campaigns.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves doesn't follow the current trend of making fighting games faster and flashier—encourages deliberate action, and it’s better for it. Instead of prioritizing offence at all costs, it rewards smart defence and precise timing. This gives the game a different rhythm from titles like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8. You’re not just looking for an opening to mash out a combo—you’re reading your opponent, waiting for the right moment to block, parry, or punish.
This slower pace means each match is more purposeful. One misread can cost you, but so can mindless aggression. The game’s S.P.G. system—a gauge that highlights a specific part of your health bar—creates openings for momentum swings, making you think more critically about when to go in or hold back. When your health enters the S.P.G. zone, you'll receive a few benefits, noticeably 10% increase in attack and the ability to use your Hidden Gear super move.
Each combatant is built around a clear identity. Dong Hwan is quick and slippery, Kevin hits like a truck, and Hotaru mixes graceful movement with strong setups. Even guest characters like Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci bring fresh ideas. Ronaldo’s tricky spacing and setplay are surprisingly demanding, while Ganacci is more about flair and movement, constantly taunting and flipping through the air. He’s not the strongest, but he might be the most entertaining.
Match balance is impressive, too. No one character feels like a guaranteed win or loss. After testing out most of the roster, a personal favourite became Vox Reaper—hard-hitting, a bit slow, but incredibly satisfying once you figure out his timing. Learning to block and counter instead of just rushing in changed the way I approached each round. It felt like I was being trained to think ahead, not just react.
If there’s a downside, it’s that the game doesn’t go easy on newcomers. Standard combos require precise execution, and training tools are barebones. A simplified control option exists, but it’s so limited that it comes across as a separate game entirely. You’re better off diving into the deep end and figuring things out as you go, especially if you’re using an arcade stick. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was clearly built for veterans, but when it clicks, the payoff is worth it.
Multiplayer is where Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers the most energy. The game’s balance, variety, and deliberate pace make it a strong fit for competitive play, and the online experience reflects that focus. Matchmaking is quick, netcode is solid, and fights usually are as responsive as local matches—even when facing someone across the world.
Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or jumping into casual lobbies, the structure is easy to navigate. There are options for rematches, spectating, and setting up private rooms with friends. It’s straightforward, but it covers everything you need without clutter. Match replays and stat tracking are included as well, helping you improve between sessions.
One of the most satisfying parts of playing online is watching different playstyles unfold. Some people try to steamroll with pressure, while others wait, bait, and punish. Because defence is such a core part of the gameplay, fights feel more varied and less like a race to land the first big combo. You can tell who’s thinking a few steps ahead, which makes close matches especially tense.
During one weekend session, I ran into a Salvatore Ganacci main who turned every match into a chaotic show. He swam through the air, taunted mid-round, and somehow still managed to win more than he lost. It was wild, but it showed how much personality and creativity online matches can bring out.
Multiplayer isn’t just functional—it’s the heart of the game. Fatal Fury doesn’t hold your hand, but time and effort does pay off. The more you play, the more you start to recognize patterns and learn counter-strategies. It builds a kind of mental muscle memory that only gets sharper with practice. For longtime fans of the genre, it offers exactly the kind of challenge that keeps you coming back.
The presentation of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is stunning—striking the perfect balance between modern flair and classic fighting game style. While the visuals don’t aim to match the level of high-budget productions like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8, the game’s aesthetic has a distinct charm that makes it stand out. The character designs are bold and memorable, with the roster showcasing a personality through their movements and fighting styles. The cell-shaded art style contributes to a clean, crisp look that emphasizes clarity during intense moments without overwhelming the action.
Animations are fluid, with attacks and counters landing with satisfying impact. The “crunch” of each hit is delivered not only through sound but also through the visual feedback of the character's body reacting to the blows. It’s effective in making each strike impactful. The special moves, while not as extravagant as in some other fighting games, are still a joy to execute, and watching the screen light up with a well-timed combo or finishing move is always rewarding.
The game's environments are equally well-crafted, with stages that look unique but never distracting. There’s a nice mix of variety, from urban cityscapes to more natural settings, each offering their own vibe without stealing attention from the core action. The backgrounds are alive with movement, adding character to each match without pulling focus from the combat.
The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a blend of energetic tracks that keep the action flowing without becoming repetitive. It complements the gameplay and adds to the game’s identity, creating an atmosphere that’s both intense and enjoyable. Even if it’s not trying to push any graphical boundaries, the game’s presentation succeeds in delivering a cohesive, well-crafted experience that feels true to its roots while still looking fresh for a modern audience.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: SNK Corporation
Publisher: SNK Corporation
Genre: Fighting
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
After more than 20 years away, SNK has revived its Fatal Fury series with City of the Wolves, the long-awaited sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Developed and published by SNK Corporation, this new entry stands out by doing something rare in modern fighting games—it asks you to take a more measured approach. While many of today’s fighters put the spotlight on flashy combos and constant rushdowns, City of the Wolves pushes you to think before throwing hands.
The game builds on the history of its franchise but doesn’t expect you to know it. If you’ve never touched Fatal Fury or even heard of South Town, that’s totally fine. The core focus here isn’t about catching up on lore—it’s about getting into the fight and learning what makes each match-up tick.
With its bold visual style, creative roster, and smart mechanics, this one is a throwback in all the right ways. There's an retro-gameplay mindset baked into its design, one that favours calculated play just as much as aggression.
Still, stepping into City of the Wolves might be easier said than done. Can this old-school approach speak to today’s crowd, or is it only for the long-time fans? Let's take a closer look!
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves includes a story mode called Episodes of South Town, which gives you a structured way to experience each character’s journey. It doesn’t aim to be cinematic or over-the-top. Instead, it acts more like a walkthrough of South Town’s roster, offering small glimpses into each fighter’s motives and personal history. You choose a character, work through a chain of matches, and get short narrative breaks between fights. These moments usually appear as brief dialogue scenes—they’re simple, direct, and serve their purpose.
If you’re someone who enjoys fighting game lore, there’s something here to latch onto. It touches on the events of Garou: Mark of the Wolves, but not in a way that alienates newcomers. You’ll likely recognize returning faces like Rock Howard and Hotaru, but their stories are easy enough to follow without any homework. Backgrounds are hinted at, not explained in full, which keeps things moving at a steady pace.
What stands out is how Episodes of South Town doubles as a light progression system. As you work through matches, you earn XP, levelling up your characters to take on harder opponents. It’s not a deep RPG layer or anything close, but it's a satisfying structure for those playing solo.
The downside is that the mode can be repetitive. A good chunk of your time is spent fighting generic opponents, which bogs things down. The writing also has some rough edges—particularly in the English localization. You’ll spot a few odd grammar choices and awkward lines here and there. It’s nothing game-breaking, but noticeable enough to take you out of the moment.
Despite that, it’s clear the focus wasn’t on making a cinematic story. The game wants you to learn the ropes while picking up small character moments along the way. That works well if you’re someone who likes piecing things together. And for those grinding their way through online matches, it’s nice to know that Episodes of South Town gives you a few bonuses just for playing the game.
It won’t replace a full-fledged campaign, but it’s still a lot of fun. It’s there to offer context, build some atmosphere, and maybe give you a reason to try out someone new. That’s enough to make it worth spending time with—even if only completing a few characters' campaigns.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves doesn't follow the current trend of making fighting games faster and flashier—encourages deliberate action, and it’s better for it. Instead of prioritizing offence at all costs, it rewards smart defence and precise timing. This gives the game a different rhythm from titles like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8. You’re not just looking for an opening to mash out a combo—you’re reading your opponent, waiting for the right moment to block, parry, or punish.
This slower pace means each match is more purposeful. One misread can cost you, but so can mindless aggression. The game’s S.P.G. system—a gauge that highlights a specific part of your health bar—creates openings for momentum swings, making you think more critically about when to go in or hold back. When your health enters the S.P.G. zone, you'll receive a few benefits, noticeably 10% increase in attack and the ability to use your Hidden Gear super move.
Each combatant is built around a clear identity. Dong Hwan is quick and slippery, Kevin hits like a truck, and Hotaru mixes graceful movement with strong setups. Even guest characters like Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci bring fresh ideas. Ronaldo’s tricky spacing and setplay are surprisingly demanding, while Ganacci is more about flair and movement, constantly taunting and flipping through the air. He’s not the strongest, but he might be the most entertaining.
Match balance is impressive, too. No one character feels like a guaranteed win or loss. After testing out most of the roster, a personal favourite became Vox Reaper—hard-hitting, a bit slow, but incredibly satisfying once you figure out his timing. Learning to block and counter instead of just rushing in changed the way I approached each round. It felt like I was being trained to think ahead, not just react.
If there’s a downside, it’s that the game doesn’t go easy on newcomers. Standard combos require precise execution, and training tools are barebones. A simplified control option exists, but it’s so limited that it comes across as a separate game entirely. You’re better off diving into the deep end and figuring things out as you go, especially if you’re using an arcade stick. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was clearly built for veterans, but when it clicks, the payoff is worth it.
Multiplayer is where Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers the most energy. The game’s balance, variety, and deliberate pace make it a strong fit for competitive play, and the online experience reflects that focus. Matchmaking is quick, netcode is solid, and fights usually are as responsive as local matches—even when facing someone across the world.
Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or jumping into casual lobbies, the structure is easy to navigate. There are options for rematches, spectating, and setting up private rooms with friends. It’s straightforward, but it covers everything you need without clutter. Match replays and stat tracking are included as well, helping you improve between sessions.
One of the most satisfying parts of playing online is watching different playstyles unfold. Some people try to steamroll with pressure, while others wait, bait, and punish. Because defence is such a core part of the gameplay, fights feel more varied and less like a race to land the first big combo. You can tell who’s thinking a few steps ahead, which makes close matches especially tense.
During one weekend session, I ran into a Salvatore Ganacci main who turned every match into a chaotic show. He swam through the air, taunted mid-round, and somehow still managed to win more than he lost. It was wild, but it showed how much personality and creativity online matches can bring out.
Multiplayer isn’t just functional—it’s the heart of the game. Fatal Fury doesn’t hold your hand, but time and effort does pay off. The more you play, the more you start to recognize patterns and learn counter-strategies. It builds a kind of mental muscle memory that only gets sharper with practice. For longtime fans of the genre, it offers exactly the kind of challenge that keeps you coming back.
The presentation of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is stunning—striking the perfect balance between modern flair and classic fighting game style. While the visuals don’t aim to match the level of high-budget productions like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8, the game’s aesthetic has a distinct charm that makes it stand out. The character designs are bold and memorable, with the roster showcasing a personality through their movements and fighting styles. The cell-shaded art style contributes to a clean, crisp look that emphasizes clarity during intense moments without overwhelming the action.
Animations are fluid, with attacks and counters landing with satisfying impact. The “crunch” of each hit is delivered not only through sound but also through the visual feedback of the character's body reacting to the blows. It’s effective in making each strike impactful. The special moves, while not as extravagant as in some other fighting games, are still a joy to execute, and watching the screen light up with a well-timed combo or finishing move is always rewarding.
The game's environments are equally well-crafted, with stages that look unique but never distracting. There’s a nice mix of variety, from urban cityscapes to more natural settings, each offering their own vibe without stealing attention from the core action. The backgrounds are alive with movement, adding character to each match without pulling focus from the combat.
The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a blend of energetic tracks that keep the action flowing without becoming repetitive. It complements the gameplay and adds to the game’s identity, creating an atmosphere that’s both intense and enjoyable. Even if it’s not trying to push any graphical boundaries, the game’s presentation succeeds in delivering a cohesive, well-crafted experience that feels true to its roots while still looking fresh for a modern audience.
The Verdict
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a standout for seasoned fighting game fans, offering a unique defense-focused gameplay style that benefits strategic thinking and patience. While its Episodes of South Town mode provides glimpses into character stories, the game’s steep learning curve may challenge newcomers due to limited training tools and demanding mechanics. Despite this, the game excels in its visuals, fluid animations, and solid multiplayer, creating a satisfying experience for those willing to invest time. All in all, it delivers a rewarding, thoughtful fighting game for those looking for more than just flashy combos.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves details
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: SNK Corporation
Publisher: SNK Corporation
Genre: Fighting
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.