After yesterday's reveal, SNK followed up with a press release revealing the first gameplay details about Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, on top of the new character Preecha.
We learn a bit more about the battle system, including the REV system that makes its debut in the game and the fact that it will have two control schemes as has become trendy in fighting games.
The Arcade Style is more traditional, based "on precise, technical inputs" as fighting game veterans expect. Smart Style will help newcomers perform special moves and combos by using only directional inputs and single buttons.
The REV system that we saw in action yesterday is really interesting, as it's basically the opposite of the usual gauges. You have its offensive toolset available from the beginning of the match (REV Arts, REV Accel, and REV Blows while S.P.G. is active, and more) until the REV motor overheats. This prompts players to balance offense with their heat level.
If you're wondering, the S.P.G. system lets you select a part of your health hard and it activates when you're within it.
That being said, this doesn't mean that the game has abandoned its roots. Classic systems return including Combination Attacks, Just Defense, Braking, Dodge Attacks, and Feints.
We also get the first details about the brand-new character, Preecha, who is revealed to be Joe Higashi's pupil.
Preecha
Voice Actors: Mia Paige (EN), Chika Anzai (JA)
Making her FATAL FURY debut, the scientist Preecha investigates the wonders and miracles of a fascinating principle known as ki (spirit energy). She also happens to be the star pupil of Joe Higashi, the acclaimed Muay Thai champ himself. While her martial arts talent can’t be denied, that’s not to say she’s only in it to win it either; indeed, Preecha fights for academic purposes, not accolades. She hates the pain, but sure is willing to endure it—as long as it furthers her research into unique and perplexing fight styles.
The press release also includes updated descriptions for all the characters revealed so far.
Rock Howard
Voice Actors: Griffin Puatu (EN), Yuma Uchida (JA)
Bio: Born to Geese Howard, raised by Terry Bogard—Rock’s very being is one of mixed emotions and internal conflict. Despite having lived a new life with Terry, one day Rock finds himself facing off against a foe who claims to know about his past—namely his birth mother, and the fact that she is very much alive. Armed with this new information, the troubled youth resolves to find his way through life—and fight on to make that happen.
Terry Bogard
Voice Actors: Michael Schneider (EN), Takashi Kondo (JA)
Bio: South Town’s very own Legendary Hungry Wolf, Terry takes young Rock Howard under his wing, following an epic encounter with archrival and Rock’s father Geese Howard. The two are inseparable—until the events of a fateful tournament compel them to go their separate ways. Terry fights it out on the streets for several years thereafter, but when word of an upcoming martial arts tournament—“KOF”—reaches him, he realizes that another date with destiny awaits…
Hotaru Futuba
Voice Actors: Suzie Yeung (EN), Manaka Iwami (JA)
Bio: Hotaru is a young girl searching far and wide for her older brother, who disappeared when her mother passed away. As luck would have it, she would one day run into someone who looked very much like him, though he denied all knowledge of the matter. But that was then, this is now, and Hotaru still hasn’t given up: determined to fight the mysterious stranger again and convey her true feelings, she sets off into the unknown once more.
Tizoc
Voice Actors: Jalen K. Cassell (EN), Hikaru Hanada (JA)
Bio: An invincible symbol of justice, Tizoc now makes his triumphant return to the ring. Despite hanging up his boots for a time, the joyous cries of the children in his corner spur him into action—and bring him back home. Pledging to lift the spirits of one young fan in particular, he laces up and sets his sights on the squared circle once again. For the mighty Tizoc, one thing’s for sure: this fight will be even more furious than the last.
We already know that the game will be released in 2025, but no platforms have been announced so far. We'll likely hear more at EVO Japan between April 27 and April 29, 2024, since a build of the game will be playable there.
If the old and glorious name Fatal Fury (Garou Densetsu in Japanese) doesn't ring a bell, it's one of the classic fighting games that veteran SNK fans hold near and dear to their hearts. The series has been dormant since Garou: Mark of the Wolves in 1999.
That being said, you may know some of the characters since they have appeared as staples of The King of Fighters.
In other SNK news, the Osaka-based developer recently teased a new Art of Fighting game in development and has announced a partnership with Arika to bring back some of its classic non-fighting franchises.
