Offering a slew of single-player and multi-player modes, this game has something for just about everyone.
Its a fighting game for fighting game fans.
It also features robust single-player and online modes to keep casual and hardcore players satisfied.
So far, its my favorite fighting game of 2025.
Find out why in my full review.
Theres a lot to dig into, gameplay-wise.
Managing your REV meter is extremely important.
The games defensive techniques contrast with the more aggressive elements, creating more balanced fights.
S.P.G., or Selective Potential Gear, is an updated version of the T.O.P.S.
system from Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
you could set your S.P.G.
The lower you set your S.P.G., the more beneficial it becomes.
you might also perform REV Blows while in S.P.G., along with the highly cinematic Hidden Gear super moves.
This is effectively like Roman Canceling in Guilty Gear Strive and works just as seamlessly.
Fenting attacks is another tool used to create and extend combos.
City of the Wolves is the epitome of a game thats simple to learn and difficult to master.
Arcade mode has you battling seven CPU-controlled opponents.
The comic book-esque cutscenes are fully voiced and highly engaging, even if theyre nothing more than still frames.
The combo trials are nice and can get super challenging.
There are a lot of Fatal Fury and SNK easter eggs for newcomers and veterans to enjoy.
World heroes
The games PS5 servers werent live when I was testing and writing this review.
That said, I participated in the games open betas that happened a few weeks ago.
Ill detail my experience there and also run down some of the basic online features.
Like the previous beta, you select your skill level while creating your online profile.
I dont like this since higher-level players can set themselves as beginners and crush actual newbies.
Matchmaking is the lingering question for City of the Wolves.
During the betas, it would sometimes take forever to find matches.
And even if you did, you might experience severe lag or even disconnects.
Things improved in the last beta, with faster and more stable matches.
Hopefully, the online will be just as good (or better) when public servers go live.
The deep black outlines and shading, along with vibrant colors, make for a visually striking experience.
Cut scenes are even framed like comic book panels, which is also very appealing.
Im ambivalent about the games backgrounds.
The sound design is overall good to my ears.
Attacks sound appropriately vicious, as do all the booming effects.
Music is pretty diverse, ranging from 70s-inspired funk tracks to hard-hitting, heavy metal-infused tunes.
The newcomers
I wont begrudge SNK for introducing guest characters into City of the Wolves.
Those are fictional characters from another fighting game franchise, which makes sense.
However, the same isnt true for the glaring guest characters in Fatal Furys starting roster.
The two characters in question are Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci.
I would be more forgiving if these guys at least looked like Fatal Fury or SNK characters.
Instead, they feel like obvious marketing plants.
However, I dont think this game will sell millions more copies because of a Swedish DJ.
To be fair, Ronaldo and Gannachi are mechanically sound characters who can be fun to play as.
Hopefully, we wont see any more real-world people show up in an upcoming seasonal update.
Leave room for some actual SNK characters!
This is doubly true since the upcoming season 1 DLC is free for everyone who owns the game.
Though I dont care for the real-world guest characters, theres little else I dont like.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivers a complete and rewarding experience.
