Fatal Fury City of the Wolves: The Ultimate Fighting Game

SNK is bringing back one of its most beloved fighting game franchises with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This game is the long-anticipated sequel of Garou: Mark of the Wolves (1999) and also marks a big reboot of the Fatal Fury series after over two decades. The title is located in the most infamous South Town, thus, we will see new characters, fewer bugs, and better visuals, but the games will still honor the tradition of the Fatal Fury City of the Wolves and King of Fighters (KOF) universes.

Scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, City of the Wolves is generating massive hype among fans of classic fighting games.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Fatal Fury City of the Wolves, including its gameplay mechanics, character roster, development history, graphics, online features, and more.

Gameplay Mechanics – A Perfect Blend of Classic and Modern Fighting Styles

City of the Wolves is a battle-driven RPG with an intense and captivating combat system, which is a solid game as a result. SNK has put a lot of effort into practically perfecting the playing mechanics, thus making the game suitable for newcomers while offering the rich and difficult game elements that hardcore fighting game players adore.

Returning Features from Garou: Mark of the Wolves

T.O.P. System (Now S.P.G.) – The original Tactical Offense Position (T.O.P.) system from Mark of the Wolves has been revamped and renamed Selective Potential Gear (S.P.G.). Players can now strategically activate their power-up at a chosen portion of their health bar, allowing for different playstyles.

Just Defense – A rewarding defensive mechanic that grants health recovery when a player blocks an attack at the last moment. This encourages risk-reward gameplay, as skilled players can turn defense into an advantage.

New Gameplay Innovations in City of the Wolves

REV System – Revolutionizing Combat
A brand-new mechanic, the REV System, introduces multiple advanced fighting techniques that add a new layer of strategy to the game:

• Rev Arts – Powerful special moves that consume the REV gauge.
• Rev Blow – A devastating strike that breaks the opponent’s guard.
• Rev Accel – A high-speed technique that extends combos.
• Rev Guard – A defensive option that absorbs attacks, helping players counter aggressive opponents.

Overheat State – A Risk-Reward System

If players overuse the REV gauge, their character enters Overheat Mode, temporarily disabling their REV abilities. This prevents spam tactics and forces players to use their moves wisely.

Dual Control Styles for All Skill Levels

SNK has introduced two control schemes to cater to both veteran players and newcomers:

• Arcade Style – A traditional six-button control system designed for experienced fighting game players.
• Smart Style – A simplified auto-combo system, making special moves easier to execute for beginners.

Single-Player Experience – Episodes of South Town Mode

A unique feature in City of the Wolves is Episodes of South Town, a story-driven, single-player RPG-style mode. Players will earn experience points (EXP), unlock character backstories, and explore narrative-driven fights.

Character Roster – New Fighters and Returning Icons

The game features a mix of returning veterans and new challengers, making the roster one of the most exciting aspects of Fatal Fury City of the Wolves.

Confirmed Characters So Far

Terry Bogard – The legendary “Hungry Wolf,” SNK’s poster boy and one of the most iconic fighting game characters of all time.

• Rock Howard – The son of Geese Howard, raised by Terry, returning as a central character in the story.
• Andy Bogard – A disciplined martial artist and Terry’s younger brother.
• Joe Higashi – A Muay Thai expert, known for his speed and powerful kicks.
• Mai Shiranui – The fast and deadly kunoichi, famous for her agility and deceptive attacks.

B. Jenet – the Leader of the Lillien Knights, a Stylish and Tricky Fighter.

Tizoc (Griffon Mask) – A powerful pro wrestler with grappling techniques.
Kim Dong Hwan – A flashy fighter with electrifying moves.
Kim Jae Hoon – A more disciplined martial artist compared to his brother.
New Characters – SNK has hinted at brand-new fighters who will bring fresh playstyles to the game.

The roster is expected to expand further, with DLC characters planned post-launch.

Graphics and Visuals – A Stunning 2D Fighting Experience
Built on Unreal Engine, Fatal Fury City of the Wolves delivers stunning hand-drawn animations, dynamic backgrounds, and cinematic special moves. The game embraces a modern 2D art style, blending fluid animation with detailed, expressive characters.

South Town’s Gritty Streets – The game’s environments reflect the dark and violent world of Fatal Fury.Enhanced Effects – Modern lighting, particle effects, and smooth character animations create a next-gen feel.
Cinematic Supers – Ultimate attacks feature dynamic camera angles and explosive animations.

Multiplayer and Online Features

A key aspect of any modern fighting game is its online experience, and SNK is making sure City of the Wolves is tournament-ready.

Rollback Netcode – Ensures lag-free online matches, making the game suitable for competitive play.
Ranked & Casual Matches – Compete globally in leaderboard-based matches or enjoy friendly bouts with friends.
Training Mode – Master your skills with frame data analysis and combo practice tools.
Spectator Mode – Watch live matches and analyze top-tier gameplay strategies.

Development History – A Sequel 26 Years in the Making

The development of Fatal Fury City of the Wolves has been a long and eventful journey:

• 2005 – SNK teased a Mark of the Wolves sequel, claiming it was 70% complete, but the project was ultimately shelved.
• 2022 – At EVO 2022, SNK made a surprise announcement that a new Fatal Fury game was in development.
• 2023 – During EVO 2023, the official title Fatal Fury City of the Wolves was revealed, along with early gameplay footage.
• 2024 – SNK confirmed the April 2025 release date, showcasing new mechanics, characters, and online features.

Conclusion – The Return of a Fighting Game Classic

Fatal Fury City of the Wolves is shaping up to be a massive comeback for the series, bringing together the best elements of past Fatal Fury games with modern fighting game mechanics.

With an incredible character roster, exciting new gameplay features, and smooth online multiplayer, this game is set to be one of SNK’s biggest releases in years.

Are you excited to jump back into South Town’s brutal fighting scene? Which character are you most hyped for? Let us know in the comments!