After more than 25 years, the legendary Fatal Fury series returns with City of the Wolves. This is not just a legacy sequel; it's a re-imagining of a classic, blending the series' iconic feel with modern fighting game sensibilities. Whether you're a returning Garou veteran or a newcomer to the streets of South Town, this "How to" guide will give you the tools and knowledge to master the unique mechanics, understand the roster, and dominate your opponents.

How to Understand the New REV System

At the heart of City of the Wolves is the innovative REV System, a dynamic mechanic that encourages aggressive, high-octane gameplay. Unlike a standard super meter, the REV Meter builds as you perform certain actions and provides a powerful set of offensive and defensive options.

• REV Arts and REV Accel: These are the backbone of your offense. By pressing two attack buttons simultaneously during a special move input, you can perform a stronger, "REV Art" version of the move. These moves are a crucial part of your combo game and will consume a portion of your REV Meter. You can then chain these REV Arts together with REV Accel, allowing for devastating, extended combos that weren't possible before.
• REV Guard and REV Blow: The REV System isn't just for offense. REV Guard is a special block that negates chip damage and creates more space between you and your opponent. You can also use REV Blows, which are hard-hitting, armored attacks that can power through an opponent's assault.
• The Overheat State: The downside of the REV System is the Overheat state. If you abuse your REV abilities, your meter will fill to 100%, and you will enter Overheat. During this time, you can't use any REV techniques, and your Guard Gauge will deplete faster, leaving you vulnerable. Managing this meter is a delicate balance of aggression and caution, making every decision in a match feel high-stakes.

How to Master the S.P.G. and Control Schemes

The new "Selective Potential Gear" system and the two distinct control schemes give players a unique level of control over their playstyle, from the character selection screen to the heat of the battle.

• S.P.G. (Selective Potential Gear): This is a unique pre-match mechanic where you choose a specific section of your health bar to activate a power boost. There are three options:
• Accel Ratio: The first third of your health bar. This gives you an immediate power boost from the start of the round, perfect for aggressive players who want to rush down their opponent.
• Flux Ratio: The middle third of your health bar. A more balanced choice, giving you a boost in the middle of a round to help you turn the tide of a fight.
• Final Ratio: The final third of your health bar. A comeback mechanic that activates when you are close to defeat, perfect for players who prefer a defensive, patient playstyle.
• Arcade Style vs. Smart Style: City of the Wolves offers two distinct control schemes. Arcade Style is for veterans, requiring precise directional inputs and button presses for special moves, just like in the classic games. Smart Style, on the other hand, is a beginner-friendly option that allows you to perform special moves with simple button presses and a direction. This makes the game more accessible without compromising its depth.

How to Choose Your Main Character

The roster of City of the Wolves features a fantastic mix of returning favorites and exciting newcomers. Each character has a unique playstyle, and choosing one that fits you is the first step to success.

• Terry Bogard: The "Legendary Hungry Wolf" returns with a powerful, all-around playstyle. His signature Power Wave and Power Geyser make him a great character for new players. He can control space, do good damage, and his classic "Burn Knuckle" is a reliable tool.
• Rock Howard: As the protagonist, Rock is a complex and highly technical character. He has inherited both Terry's and Geese Howard's movesets, giving him a diverse range of abilities that reward advanced players. Mastering his unique command throws and cancels is a journey in itself.
• Mai Shiranui: Mai is a classic rushdown character, known for her speed and mobility. She uses her fan and fire-based attacks to overwhelm opponents. Her ability to control the air with her multiple jumps and air-based attacks makes her a tricky opponent to pin down.
• Newcomers like Preecha and Vox Reaper: The new characters bring fresh mechanics to the game. Preecha is a technical fighter who focuses on research and data, with a unique moveset that allows her to manipulate opponents. Vox Reaper is a hard-hitting brawler who can absorb attacks to power up his own. Experiment with these new fighters to find a playstyle that's unique to you.

How to Approach Match-Ups and Strategies

No two matches are the same, and understanding how to adapt your strategy to your opponent is the mark of a true master.

• Zoning and Rushdown: Many characters in City of the Wolves can be categorized into these two archetypes. Zoners like Mai and Terry use projectiles and long-range attacks to keep opponents at a distance, while Rushdown characters like Rock and Billy Kane want to get in close and pressure their enemies with fast, relentless attacks. Knowing your character's strengths and weaknesses against these archetypes is crucial.
• Defense and Mind Games: The game's defensive options are just as important as your offense. Just Defense (blocking an attack at the last second) is a high-risk, high-reward technique that gives you a slight health recovery and reduces your REV Meter. Mastering this and other defensive mechanics like Feints and Brakes is key to baiting your opponent and opening them up for a counter-attack.
• Combos and Execution: While Smart Style makes the game more accessible, true mastery comes from executing complex, high-damage combos. Spend time in the training mode to learn your character's combo strings, especially those that incorporate REV Arts and REV Accel. The game's combo system is flexible, allowing you to get creative and find your own unique ways to deal damage.

How to Use the Game Modes to Improve

City of the Wolves offers more than just the classic arcade mode. The game's various modes are designed to help you hone your skills and deepen your understanding of the game's world.

• Arcade and Story Mode: This is the best place to start. You'll get to experience each character's individual story and fight a series of AI opponents, with increasing difficulty. The unique intros and comic-book-style presentation make this a fun way to learn the ropes.
• Episodes of South Town (E.O.S.T.): This is the game's unique single-player RPG mode. You can level up your fighter, unlock skills, and explore the city of South Town, taking on a series of challenges and opponents. It's a great way to learn the game's mechanics in a low-pressure environment and get a feel for your character.
• Training Mode and Missions: This is where you'll spend a lot of your time as you progress. The Training Mode allows you to practice against a customizable dummy, while Missions give you specific, character-based challenges to complete, from basic combos to advanced techniques.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a love letter to the classic series and a bold new step for the franchise. By understanding the revolutionary REV System, mastering the different control schemes, and spending time learning your favorite character, you'll be well on your way to becoming the king of South Town. The city is calling—are you hungry enough to answer?