One Fighting Game Franchise’s Tarnished Reputation Just Keeps Getting Worse

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Popular fighting games stay relevant for years by consistently exciting their fans with new content like downloadable characters, game updates, and extra features. These additions often re-energize existing players and attract newcomers. However, one particular fighting game seems to be hindering its own success, repeatedly making progress only to then lose it, which is damaging its reputation and driving players away.

Even popular fighting game series sometimes release installments that disappoint fans. For example, recent balance changes in Tekken 8’s Season 2 upset many players, and the developers are working to fix the issues with upcoming updates. While enjoyable gameplay often keeps fans understanding, bad decisions from developers or marketing can really frustrate players.

Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves Has Been Plagued With Bad Vibes Since It Launched

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a bit of a mixed bag – it’s both impressive and disappointing, marking the first new installment in the Fatal Fury series in over two decades. When the game was announced, fans were thrilled to see the return of beloved characters and a visually stunning title from developer SNK. However, as more details emerged, excitement faded, and some players decided not to purchase the game when it launched last year.

The new Fatal Fury game had fun gameplay and lots of appealing features, but its launch was troubled by issues outside of the game itself. Many fans were already worried about SNK being bought by Saudi Arabia, who now own a majority stake in the company. While SNK insisted this wouldn’t change their creative direction, some smaller choices they made suggested otherwise, fueling those concerns.

Players are also worried about the launch of City of the Wolves because of the disappointing online beta tests. While the developers announced rollback matchmaking – a feature fans wanted – many players struggled to connect to online games just before the launch date. As more details about the game were revealed, including its full character list, problems with online connectivity, performance issues, and the extent of Saudi Arabian involvement became increasingly apparent, adding to the concerns.

Odd Guest Characters & Strange Marketing Have Soured Fan Opinions Quickly

Just before its release, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves surprised fans by announcing that soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo would be a playable character. This is a rare move for fighting games, as they typically feature fictional guest characters. Shortly after, they revealed that DJ Salvatore Ganacci would also join the roster, meaning players could soon battle as either of these real-life celebrities against classic Fatal Fury characters like Terry Bogard and Rock Howard.

Many fans were surprised to see Ronaldo and Ganacci added to the game, given SNK’s history of beloved characters. Some believe these additions were driven by the preferences of SNK’s Saudi Arabian owners, essentially requiring their inclusion alongside the classic Fatal Fury characters. While both characters offered unique gameplay – Ganacci with his unusual moves and Ronaldo with his soccer skills – they felt out of place to many veteran players who were hoping to see familiar Fatal Fury faces return.

Look, as a long-time fan, it’s just tough to get excited about this. Ronaldo’s a huge name, sure, but he’s also been involved in some really serious and troubling accusations – everything from assault to tax problems. So, when SNK announced he would be a playable character in the new Fatal Fury game, a lot of us felt like it was a slap in the face. Honestly, it made me, and many others I know, decide not to buy the game at all. It just doesn’t feel right having someone with that kind of reputation represent a series we love.

This Legendary Fighting Game Series Can’t Seem To Stop Making Poor Choices

SNK appears to have repeated past errors with City of the Wolves, despite adding exciting downloadable characters, including popular guests from Street Fighter. Their latest move – announcing a second season of characters to be released very quickly, with one new fighter each month for six months – was intended to regain fan interest, but it may not be enough.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as fans hoped. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves revealed its Season 2 DLC with a trailer created using AI, showcasing returning characters with noticeably poor artwork. Considering SNK’s long and important history with the visual style of fighting games, the decision to skip traditional 2D animation – or any non-AI art – for the DLC’s promotion really frustrated fans. It was especially puzzling because legendary animator Masami Ōbari had already created beautifully animated teasers for the DLC just before the main trailer was released.

Despite some players still enjoying the classic feel of Fatal Fury, this AI-generated trailer feels like just another issue in a long line of marketing problems for the game. Fans are again raising concerns about the game’s ties to Saudi Arabia, as many projects connected to that region have been using AI art. Even with reasonably priced new downloadable content, it’s doubtful City of the Wolves will be able to shake its bad reputation, given the number of questionable decisions made during its development and promotion.

What are your thoughts on the new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves? Share your opinions in the comments or discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-11 19:16