The Fatal Fury series holds a special place in the hearts of many fighting game fans, myself included. Back in the day, alongside giants like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, Fatal Fury carved out its own niche with its gritty aesthetics, compelling characters, and unique two-plane fighting system. The battles for South Town, fueled by revenge and ambition, were legendary. It’s been a long hiatus, but the series is finally back, and with FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, it’s arguably better than ever.’
A Fighting Game for Everyone
One of the most impressive aspects of City of the Wolves is its approachability for both fighting game novices and seasoned pros. This is largely thanks to the implementation of two distinct control schemes: Arcade Style and Smart Style. Each approach offers a drastically different way to experience the game, catering to a wide range of skill levels and preferences.
Arcade Style is exactly what it sounds like – a return to the classic control scheme, demanding precise inputs and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. For those looking to delve deep, master intricate combos, and compete at a high level, Arcade Style is the way to go. It’s a system that rewards dedication and provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you slowly but surely master its nuances.
Smart Style, on the other hand, is a game-changer for newcomers and those who simply prefer a more streamlined experience. This simplified control scheme allows players to execute special moves and combos with ease, often with a single button press combined with directional inputs. This opens the door for instant gratification and allows players to focus on strategy and positioning rather than memorizing complex button sequences. It’s perfect for playing against friends who might not be as familiar with fighting games, ensuring everyone can have a blast without feeling overwhelmed. Personally, I had a fantastic time starting with Smart Style. It allowed me to quickly get a feel for the game’s roster, experiment with different characters, and understand the flow of combat. From there, I gradually transitioned to Arcade Style, utilizing the training mode to refine my skills and learn the intricacies of each character’s move list. The seamless transition between these two styles speaks volumes about the game’s thoughtful design.
More Than Just Fights
For me, a crucial aspect of any fighting game is its Arcade Mode. Playing through the story with different characters is how I immerse myself in the game’s lore and connect with the cast. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves doesn’t disappoint. The character stories are surprisingly well-written and engaging. While the fighting aspect rarely directly impacts the narrative, the bite-sized story segments between matches, and especially the endings, are far more compelling than I anticipated. It’s a welcome change of pace from the often-perfunctory storytelling found in other fighting games, and something you should definitely experience.
Episodes of South Town: A Surprisingly Deep Dive
At first glance, the “Episodes of South Town” mode seemed like little more than a collection of random fights. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This RPG-lite mode quickly became my favorite aspect of the game. The mode takes places in different districts of South Town, with each having it’s own missions to beat while also interacting with different members of South Town. It presents players with branching narratives, character interactions, and optional objectives that add a layer of depth and replayability that I didn’t expect. I ended up spending hours trying to 100% each area with different characters, uncovering hidden secrets and completing challenging tasks. It’s a testament to the game’s ability to surprise and delight, and something I plan to continue exploring throughout the summer months.
Conclusion: A Cozy Contender
While it’s difficult to predict how FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves will fare in the highly competitive online and tournament scene, this game has a lot of things going for it. It might not feel as intricately complex or feature as many intricate combo options as games like Street Fighter 6, but FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves possesses something special. The game’s striking visual style, combined with its overall “cozy” fighting feel, makes it incredibly addictive. Its approachability, thanks to the Smart Style control scheme, makes it a perfect entry point for newcomers to the genre, while the depth and challenge of Arcade Style will keep veteran players engaged for hours. If you’re a fan of fighting games, or you’re looking to dive into the genre for the first time, you should give FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves a go. It’s a welcome return for a beloved series, and a fighting game that offers something for everyone.
Leave a Reply