Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

The story mode of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, titled Episodes of South Town, has received some positive feedback from critics who acknowledge its effort to provide character-driven narratives and a sense of progression. For instance, Metro GameCentral highlights that the game features a proper story mode with character motivations and goals, offering more narrative depth than typical fighting games. GameCritics notes that while the narrative isn't the focal point, it includes returning characters and individual character stories, which can be appealing to long-time fans. Cultured Vultures appreciates the enjoyable writing and the development of character relationships, even if the exploration is limited. TheXboxHub and Meristation also commend the mode for enhancing the experience with comic book-style visuals and providing enough detail to satisfy franchise enthusiasts, suggesting that the story has a foundation worth exploring. However, the majority of critics express disappointment with the execution of the story mode, pointing out a lack of depth, engagement, and modern storytelling techniques. Jeuxvideo.com and GAMES.CH both criticize the mode as anecdotal and lacking a cohesive narrative, while GamingTrend and SpazioGames describe it as lifeless, with minimal voice acting, animations, and jarring dialogue. But Why Tho? and Finger Guns highlight the simplistic format of conversations and the absence of cutscenes, which detracts from immersion. GameSpot and Shacknews note the repetitive nature of missions, which undermines the narrative experience, and GameBlast criticizes the mode as slow and unexciting. IGN France and TheSixthAxis also point out that the writing is basic and the story lacks the emotional weight expected from a long-awaited sequel. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Episodes of South Town is a step in the right direction for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, but it falls short in delivering a compelling and immersive narrative. While some praise its character-focused approach and RPG elements, the majority find it lacking in depth, engagement, and modern presentation. IGN Brasil and Game8 note that the story is well-developed but suffers from a lack of animated cutscenes and voice acting, which limits its impact. COGconnected and Push Square criticize the repetitive and basic structure, while Vandal and JeuxActu highlight outdated designs and a lack of progression. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the story mode provides some context and satisfies fans with its return to familiar characters and lore, even if it doesn't fully live up to the expectations set by the series' legacy.

The gameplay of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and depth, with critics highlighting its unique systems and accessibility features. The REV System and S.P.G. (Selective Potential Gear) mechanics are frequently lauded as standout additions, offering strategic depth and dynamic combat. For instance, Push Square and Noisy Pixel emphasized the tactical richness of these systems, while This Is Game and Hobby Consolas noted how the "Smart Style" controls simplify inputs for newcomers without sacrificing complexity. The game’s blend of classic fighting game elements with modern innovations, such as the Just Defense mechanic and character-specific playstyles, was praised for its balance of tradition and creativity. Gameblog.fr and Creative Bloq highlighted the seamless integration of familiar controls with new features, while IGN Brasil called it the "peak of SNK's creativity," celebrating its ability to cater to both veterans and newcomers through diverse mechanics like combo chaining and resource management. The combat itself is described as fluid and engaging, with PlayStation Universe and TierraGamer noting its responsiveness and satisfying animations. Despite its strengths, several critics pointed to accessibility and complexity issues that may hinder newer players. The tutorial was criticized as inadequate or overly simplistic, with Gamer.no and Impulsegamer noting the lack of guidance for mastering the game’s technical systems. Metro GameCentral and SpazioGames warned that the game’s "technical nature" and intricate mechanics, such as the Rev Blows and S.P.G. gauge, could overwhelm beginners. Additionally, GamingTrend and Malditos Nerds expressed concerns about the RPG elements in the story mode, arguing they diluted the pure skill-based focus of traditional fighting games. Some reviewers, like GamingBolt, also critiqued the AI’s input recognition and limited opponent variety, while Critical Hits mentioned unbalanced mechanics in certain systems. These critiques underscore a tension between the game’s ambition to innovate and its challenge in making those innovations approachable for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay being hailed as a strong suit that successfully balances depth and accessibility. While some noted hurdles for newcomers, the majority emphasized its rewarding nature and technical sophistication. IGN Brasil and Game8 praised its "rich and complex fighting experience," while COGconnected and Vandal highlighted its engaging, strategic combat. Even critics who pointed out flaws, such as GamingTrend and Malditos Nerds, acknowledged the game’s strengths in mechanics and design. The combination of the REV System, S.P.G., and accessible controls created a gameplay loop that resonated with both casual and competitive players, cementing City of the Wolves as a standout entry in the Fatal Fury series. As GameBlast and Meristation noted, the game’s technical dynamism and creative systems make it a triumph for fans of the genre.

The reviews for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves consistently praise its vibrant, stylized visual design, particularly its comic book-inspired aesthetic and dynamic presentation. Critics like GameSpot and Cultured Vultures highlight the game’s striking American-comic-themed art, vivid colors, and impressive visual effects that enhance gameplay. IGN Brasil and Jeuxvideo.com note that the graphics represent the best in SNK’s history, with expressive characters and environments that elevate the fighting game experience. The cel-shaded 2.5D approach, as described by Generación Xbox and Jeuxvideo.com, creates a cohesive and nostalgic yet modern look, while TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern commend the pseudo-3D character designs and dynamic backdrops. Game8 and GamingBolt emphasize the game’s unique blend of 2D and 3D elements, calling it the best-looking 3D fighting game from SNK, with vibrant animations and special effects that add flair. Overall, the art direction is seen as a strong evolution for the series, with many critics appreciating its bold, colorful identity. However, several critics point out technical and stylistic shortcomings that prevent the game from competing with top-tier fighting games. GameCritics and Generación Xbox note that while the stylized comic book aesthetic is a step up from previous entries, it lacks the visual opulence of competitors. But Why Tho? criticizes the "plastic" character models and underwhelming visual effects, while Gamer.no and IGN France argue the graphics feel outdated compared to titles like Guilty Gear -Strive-. Issues with texture detail, inconsistent background quality, and lack of refinement are recurring complaints. Jeuxvideo.com and Gamepressure mention that textures are not extremely detailed, and Hobby Consolas and IGN Deutschland highlight the game’s lower detail levels and static story mode visuals. Additionally, 4P.de and Push Square critique cluttered menus and UI elements that detract from the overall experience, suggesting the presentation, while visually appealing, falls short of modern standards. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers a visually distinctive and stylish experience that honors the series’ legacy while embracing modern techniques. While COGconnected and Creative Bloq praise the comic book-inspired design as "stunning" and "visually appealing," many acknowledge it as a niche choice that prioritizes artistic identity over technical polish. MeuPlayStation and PSX Brasil celebrate the game as SNK’s best graphical effort yet, though SpazioGames and Vandal note it still lags behind industry leaders. The game’s strengths lie in its bold, cohesive art direction and nostalgic charm, even if it doesn’t fully match the technical sophistication of competitors. Ultimately, critics agree that while not flawless, the visual design is a significant step forward for the franchise, offering a unique and engaging aesthetic that resonates with fans of the series and fans of stylized 2D/3D fighting games alike.

The sound design and music of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves received generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with several highlighting its diversity, nostalgia, and customization options. GameSpot praised the inclusion of Salvatore Ganacci’s contributions, noting their unique touch, while Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation emphasized the excellent soundtrack, calling it one of the game’s best aspects. The jukebox feature was a recurring highlight, with critics like Generación Xbox, Jeuxvideo.com, and Game8 commending its ability to let players switch between tracks from previous games and customize audio settings. Atomix and Impulsegamer specifically lauded the music for its strong composition, blending new tracks with nostalgic themes from the series, and the inclusion of varied genres like jazz, blues, and rock, as noted by Hobby Consolas and Oyungezer. Additionally, GameBlast and Shacknews praised the robust, epic soundtracks and the presence of original compositions that enhance the fighting experience, reinforcing the game’s atmospheric appeal. However, some critics expressed reservations about the music’s impact and consistency. But Why Tho? criticized the sound design as lacking, pointing to flat and uninspired voice acting that failed to match the game’s expected energy. TheSixthAxis and Gamepressure similarly found the soundtrack monotonous or mismatched to the game’s vibe, with the latter noting that Salvatore Ganacci’s tracks, while present, did not align with the game’s atmosphere. PlayStation Universe also remarked that the music, while a mix of rock and jazz, “fails to stand out,” and that voice acting quality varied, with some characters sounding outdated. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack offers variety, its execution and cohesion were not universally praised, and some elements—like voice acting—fell short of expectations, creating a mixed impression of the audio elements. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans toward appreciation for the game’s musical and sound design choices, particularly its nostalgic appeal and player customization. The jukebox feature, mentioned by multiple outlets such as Jeuxvideo.com, Game8, and Shacknews, was seen as a standout element that catered to fans of the series. While some found the soundtrack repetitive or inconsistent, others celebrated its diversity and the inclusion of recognizable artists like Ganacci and the franchise’s legacy tracks. The positive reception of the music’s variety and the ability to tailor the audio experience outweighed the negatives for many, though the lack of depth in certain critiques and inconsistencies in voice acting left room for improvement. Overall, the audio elements were viewed as a significant strength, even if not without flaws.

The majority of critics highlight the voice acting in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as a notable strength, particularly praising the availability of both English and Japanese audio options. Generación Xbox and Hobby Consolas specifically recommend the Japanese version for its superior performance by voice actors, while Atomix and Vgames acknowledge the meticulous dubbing and well-executed delivery in both languages. TheXboxHub emphasizes that the voiceovers enhance the game’s comic book-style storytelling, adding depth to character narratives, and Creative Bloq and Vandal note that the vocal work contributes positively to the overall experience. These reviews suggest that the voice acting effectively supports the game’s atmosphere and character development, with some critics highlighting its ability to bring unique personality to each role. However, several reviewers express dissatisfaction with the voice acting, pointing to inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. But Why Tho? criticizes it as "flat and uninterested," which they argue diminishes the game’s excitement, while Finger Guns singles out Ronaldo’s portrayal as "out of place and poorly executed." Game8 and GamingTrend lament the absence of voice acting in the Episodes of South Town mode, calling it a "significant flaw" that makes the narrative feel lifeless. PlayStation Universe adds that the voice work is inconsistent, with some characters sounding dated and reminiscent of 1990s recordings. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally adequate, certain performances fall short of expectations, particularly in specific modes or for particular characters. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s presence and quality in most contexts. While many praise the Japanese dub as a standout feature and acknowledge the effort put into character voices, others point to flaws such as lack of voice acting in key modes, uneven performances, and missed opportunities (e.g., Vgames noting the absence of real-life figures like Cristiano Ronaldo). The game’s voice work is seen as a double-edged sword—enhancing immersion for some but detracting from the experience for others. Despite these contradictions, the majority agree that the voice acting is a meaningful component of the game, even if its execution is not universally flawless.

The technical performance of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves shows strong promise across both PS5 and Xbox Series X, with several critics highlighting its stability and responsiveness. On the PS5, reviewers like Atomix and JeuxActu praised the game’s smooth 60fps performance and lack of reported issues, while COGconnected and Creative Bloq emphasized its robust rollback netcode and cross-platform play as a solid technical foundation. GameBlast and Shacknews noted excellent online functionality, with no lag or glitches during matches, and Noisy Pixel highlighted stable connections and quick matchmaking. For the Xbox Series X, GameCritics and TheXboxHub observed smooth online play with responsive netcode, and Cultured Vultures acknowledged the game’s crossplay potential despite server maintenance concerns. Meristation also commended stable frame rates, though initial achievement system issues were later resolved. These positives suggest the game is technically well-optimized, particularly for its core mechanics and online infrastructure. However, technical challenges persist on both platforms. On the PS5, Gamepressure criticized long loading screens and graphical inconsistencies, while Gameblog.fr and Push Square pointed to slow menu navigation and outdated interfaces. Critical Hits and GamingBolt noted issues with responsiveness in poor connections and awkward UI design, and Hey Poor Player reported significant server problems at launch, including disconnects and latency. For the Xbox Series X, Cultured Vultures and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted server maintenance issues that undermined online stability, while Generación Xbox pointed to poorly cut subtitles as a localization flaw. Metro GameCentral and Jeuxvideo.com also criticized slow, unattractive menus, and Xbox Tavern acknowledged that while netcode was solid, the multiplayer experience required refinement. These issues, though varied, indicate areas where the game’s technical execution fell short of expectations. Overall, critics generally agree that Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers a technically sound experience, particularly in its online play and netcode, which is consistently praised for smoothness and responsiveness. GameSpot and Cultured Vultures acknowledged platform-specific hurdles, such as server activation and maintenance, but these were often framed as temporary or isolated issues. While PS5 reviews emphasized the game’s strong performance and rollback netcode, they also pointed to persistent UI and loading flaws. Xbox Series X critics, meanwhile, highlighted crossplay potential but raised concerns about server reliability and interface design. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward optimism, with many reviewers noting that the game’s technical foundation is solid, even if it requires post-launch polish. The mixed feedback underscores that while the game excels in core mechanics, its technical execution remains a work in progress across platforms.

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves that contribute to its replay value. Critics like GameCritics and Meristation praise the game’s deep combat system and diverse modes, including Arcade and RPG elements, which encourage players to invest time and explore mechanics. TheXboxHub and But Why Tho? emphasize the engagement provided by online play and the Episodes of South Town (EOST) mode, where character leveling and skill unlocks create incentives for repeated play. GameSpew and GamingBolt note the variety of modes and the game’s ability to cater to both veterans and newcomers, while Siliconera and Push Square highlight the inclusion of ranked online play and future updates, suggesting long-term appeal. These elements collectively position the game as a compelling experience for fans of the franchise and fighting game enthusiasts. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit the game’s replay value. GameSpot and Cultured Vultures criticize the repetitive nature of the Episodes of South Town mode, which can diminish engagement over time. Atomix and Gameblog.fr argue that the game’s limited content and outdated story mode fail to sustain interest, while Gamer.no and Gamepressure note a lack of addictive elements or incentives for continued play. Noisy Pixel and SpazioGames specifically call out the shallow depth of the RPG mode and repetitive character stories, and Vandal highlights the limited single-player modes. These critiques suggest that while the game offers variety, its execution in key areas may frustrate players seeking sustained replayability. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s potential for replayability while recognizing its flaws. While Meristation, TheXboxHub, and Siliconera emphasize the value of modes, online play, and character diversity, GameSpot, Atomix, and Gameblog.fr caution that repetition and content gaps may deter casual or long-term players. The game’s replay value appears to depend on individual preferences, with fans of competitive play and deep combat systems finding more to engage with than those prioritizing narrative depth or varied single-player content. Ultimately, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves offers a solid foundation for replayability but falls short of exceeding expectations for all audiences.