The last time we saw a new addition to the Fatal Fury series was way back in 1999, so the launch of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has been eagerly anticipated. For fans of the distinct and complex features of earlier Fatal Frame games, City of the Wolves is a delightful modernization that stays true to its roots. It offers newcomers a fresh combat experience that stands out from other popular fighting games, even if it comes up a bit short in terms of content variety.
Now, don’t expect City of the Wolves to be like Tekken 8 or Street Fighter 6. It doesn’t boast the slick alternative game modes, cinematic cutscenes, or flashy graphics that those games do. Instead, it’s a true fighting game aimed at fans of the genre, with mechanics that cherish quick reflexes and skill mastery, reminiscent of the best arcade classics. The game’s focus on universal techniques rather than those specific to characters allows even novices to feel like they’re advancing as they try out different fighters. The game features satisfying mechanics like Just Defense, REV Blows, and counters, making the learning curve immensely rewarding for those willing to invest the time in mastering it.
City of the Wolves may find lasting success in its multiplayer elements due to the strategic depth of its mechanics, although its single-player options can feel a bit outdated. The game is thin on engaging storylines or rich alternative game modes, which might leave casual players wanting more, especially when comparing it to heavyweights like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. How much you enjoy City of the Wolves largely depends on your initial expectations. If you know what you’re getting into, it could easily be one of the top fighting games you experience this year.
Making a modern fighting game that pleases everyone is no easy feat. Developers often juggle catering to hardcore competitive players and those who just want to enjoy some laid-back fun with friends. City of the Wolves strikes a rare balance here, mixing complex action with simple, fun gameplay that pleases both groups.
The game streamlines character move sets, making it easier to pick up and learn compared to the lengthy combo lists found in games like Tekken. For those expecting intricate character-specific combos, this might seem like a simplification, but City of the Wolves finds depth through its broader combat mechanics. It’s less about the flashy combos and more about the subtleties of different fighting styles, whether you prefer the power of a heavyweight or the agility of an acrobat.
This approach makes City of the Wolves feel at times like a single-player action game rather than a traditional fighting game. It’s akin to comparing a slow, powerful weapon to something quick and precise; your choice of character defines the core fighting experience more than complex button inputs. Mastering the game’s universal skills, like REV Guard for maintaining distance, is crucial—allowing players to easily switch between different fighters. It’s this expertise, rather than memorizing character moves, that determines success and makes experimentation rewarding.
These mechanics are immensely satisfying to execute. When you nail down perfect blocks, execute well-timed counters, or strategically use REV Blows, there’s a genuine thrill that mirrors the excitement of high-stakes gameplay. The introduction of features like the REV Gauge and S.P.G. adds unpredictability without sacrificing strategy, keeping battles fresh and engaging.
For newcomers, City of the Wolves’ accessible combat design is welcoming. While flashy moves aren’t always easy to master, the basic actions are straightforward and inviting. Smart Style, a feature echoing Tekken 8’s Special Style, allows players to perform complex actions with less effort. However, in a game with naturally simple controls, it sometimes feels overly reductive, like the game is partially auto-playing when it’s activated.
Moving over to the single-player side, City of the Wolves doesn’t really offer a traditional campaign. Instead, it features a standard arcade mode and the more inventive Episodes of South Town mode. The latter is set in the iconic Fatal Fury city, providing a nonlinear string of battles as players take on different characters, leveling them up. As characters develop, they gain both basic stat increases and unique skills, from straightforward enhancements to more strategic perks. These skills stay unlocked for all characters, adding a layer of customization to your playstyle.
Yet, Episodes of South Town can feel like a bloated arcade mode with extra flair. The separate campaigns don’t connect in a meaningful way, which is a bit of a missed opportunity for a deeper narrative. Although the game suggests exploration of South Town in EOST, it’s primarily about menu navigation rather than true adventuring, leaving some expectations unfulfilled. While it’s understandable that a fighting game wouldn’t focus on exploration, presenting EOST as a more exploratory experience creates misleading expectations.
Despite its single-player limitations, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves shines overall. It lacks some of the cinematic flair and diverse modes found in other titles, but it excels in its core gameplay. SNK has successfully ushered this dormant series into modern gaming, and we can only hope future installments will continue to build on the strengths of City of the Wolves.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is set to launch on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on April 24, 2025, and we had the pleasure of diving into the PS5 version for this review.
