Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – New Update, Ronaldo’s Surprise Appearance, and Terry Bogard’s Enduring Legacy
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the latest installment in the classic fighting game series, has just launched and is already making waves. From surprise character reveals to ongoing updates addressing gameplay balance, here's a comprehensive look at what's happening in the world of Fatal Fury.
Just days after its release, SNK is rolling out a new update aimed at refining gameplay and ensuring a fair fighting experience. According to a tweet from the official FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves account, the update, expected between April 30th and May 2nd, addresses several key issues.
Specifically, the update targets Preecha, fixing an unintended invincibility during her jump startup against low attacks. It also corrects an animation issue with her Redline Gear move, making the transition smoother. Salvatore Ganacci is also getting adjusted; his pushbox when stunned will be brought in line with other characters, ensuring consistent gameplay mechanics across the roster.
But new patches and balance adjustments are not the only news surrounding the return of Fatal Fury. The inclusion of global soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has undeniably stirred the pot. As NPR reported, the unexpected inclusion of Ronaldo, alongside Bosnian-Swedish DJ Salvatore Ganacci, has brought significant attention to the game, attracting fans who might not otherwise have considered it.
So why this unexpected crossover? The connection lies in Saudi Arabia's significant investment in sports and entertainment. The MiSK Foundation, owned by the Saudi crown prince, holds a 96% stake in SNK. Ronaldo himself plays for a Saudi Pro League team owned by the Saudi royal family. Ganacci has also been booked at events in the kingdom. This collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia's broader Saudi Vision 2030 project, a strategy focused on diversifying its economy and image through entertainment and sports.
While Ronaldo's inclusion has generated buzz, it's also sparked controversy. Critics point to Saudi Arabia's human rights record, making some wary of embracing the game. Tanner J. of Them's Fighting Words notes the ethical concerns, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, given Saudi Arabia's laws. However, Tanner also draws a distinction between criticizing Saudi Vision 2030 and boycotting the game entirely. Michael Townsend, a fighting game content creator, emphasizes that his love for the gameplay remains unchanged, stating, "The games are still the games to me. Maybe the people at the top are different, but I'm still here for the games I [loved] growing up."
Adding to the intrigue, a recent article by MeriStation delves into the enduring legacy of Terry Bogard, a key figure in the Fatal Fury universe. Yasuyuki Oda, producer of City of the Wolves, credits Terry's simple design and easy-to-imitate moves for his lasting appeal. This iconic character has transcended his role in Fatal Fury to appear in numerous crossover games, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter 6. Despite a nearly 25-year gap between Fatal Fury titles, Terry’s story continues, with City of the Wolves picking up just a year and a half after the events of previous entries.
From gameplay tweaks to global celebrity endorsements and the return of beloved characters, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has come back swinging! Are you excited about the latest update? What do you think of Ronaldo's inclusion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
