Unveiling the Long-Awaited Return of Fatal Fury: A Conversation with Yasuyuki Oda

The Fatal Fury series, which debuted in 1991, has seen numerous iterations, with the last mainline entry being Garou: Mark of the Wolves in 1999. Now, after a quarter of a century, SNK is set to release Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. At the Tokyo Game Show, we had the opportunity to play the demo and sit down with Yasuyuki Oda, the producer behind the game, as well as other notable titles like Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters 15. Oda shared insights into the game's development, character design, and the challenges faced by the team. The new game features stunning visuals, with character models reminiscent of comic book art, and introduces new characters, including Preecha and Vox Reaper, while also bringing back iconic figures like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui. The game also marks the first time guest characters, specifically Chun-Li and Ken from Capcom's Street Fighter series, have been included in a Fatal Fury game. Oda emphasized the collaborative effort between companies when introducing guest characters, ensuring that their inclusion fits within the world of each title without compromising their image. The gameplay features the SPG system, an evolution of the TOP system from Mark of the Wolves, which aims to provide players with more freedom and opportunities for tactical decisions. Oda expressed the team's desire to appeal to both casual and hardcore players, with a balance that keeps the skill ceiling high but accessible. The company is also taking a broader approach to competitions and esports, with a focus on supporting local tournaments and grassroots events. As Oda reflected on his career, which spans over three decades, he shared his experiences from working on Fatal Fury Special in 1993 to his current role as a producer. He also expressed his interest in developing a South Town action RPG, based on a location in the Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting games, and confirmed his involvement in the revival of the Art of Fighting franchise. With Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves set to release on April 21, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, the future of SNK's fighting game series looks promising under Oda's leadership.