Yasuyuki Oda Discusses the Long-Awaited Return of Fatal Fury

The Fatal Fury series, which debuted in 1991, has undergone numerous transformations over the years, with the last installment, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, released in 1999. After a quarter of a century, the series is finally back with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. We had the opportunity to sit down with Yasuyuki Oda, the producer of the game, to discuss the new features, character design, and competitive play. Oda revealed that the team had always intended to revive the Fatal Fury series, but other projects took priority. However, with the success of other SNK titles, such as Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters 15, the time was right to bring back Fatal Fury. The team, composed of original Fatal Fury members and freelance developers, worked together to bridge the knowledge gap between veteran team members and younger staff. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves boasts stunning character models and a 2D plane, which Oda believes stays true to the series' American comic book roots. The game features a new cast of characters, including returning favorites Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui, as well as newcomers Preecha and Vox Reaper. The introduction of guest characters, such as Chun-Li and Ken from Capcom's Street Fighter series, marks a first for the series. Oda emphasized the importance of collaboration between companies when introducing guest characters, ensuring that the characters' images are not compromised. The team also focused on creating a balanced gameplay experience, with the SPG system offering more freedom and tactical decisions for players. The company aims to cater to both casual and hardcore players, with a high skill ceiling that is not exclusive. Oda noted that the team has achieved a good balance, with systems that cater to different fighting game community crowds. The company also supports grassroots esports initiatives, aiming to make local tournaments fun for everyone, not just the top 1%. Oda reflected on the changes in the industry since he started in 1993, from developing games for arcades and Neo Geo to the current PlayStation 5. He expressed his desire to create a South Town action RPG and confirmed that he is leading the revival of the Art of Fighting franchise. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is set to release on April 21, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, marking a new chapter in the series' history.