Fatal Fury: A Legendary Fighting Game Franchise

Fatal Fury is a legendary fighting game franchise developed by SNK. Its groundbreaking gameplay, iconic characters, and stunning visuals have captivated gamers for decades. This article delves into the history, gameplay, and legacy of this beloved series.

Gameplay

Fatal Fury is a 2D fighting game known for its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game introduced the "Line Battle" system, which allowed players to move characters back and forth along a line. This system created a dynamic and strategic layer to the gameplay, as players could maneuver and counter their opponents’ attacks.

Another key gameplay element is the "Desperation Move," a powerful attack that can only be performed when the player’s health is low. These attacks can turn the tide of battle and add an element of excitement to matches.

Characters

Fatal Fury features a diverse cast of iconic characters with unique fighting styles and backstories. The main protagonist is Terry Bogard, a skilled martial artist and the adoptive brother of Geese Howard, the main antagonist of the series.

Other notable characters include:

• Andy Bogard: Terry’s younger brother and a master of ninjutsu
• Joe Higashi: A former Muay Thai champion with a brash personality
• Mai Shiranui: A kunoichi with powerful fire-based attacks
• Kim Kaphwan: A Taekwondo master and the leader of the Kim Kaphwan Team

History

The Fatal Fury series began in 1991 with the arcade release of "Fatal Fury: King of Fighters." It quickly gained popularity thanks to its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals. The series continued with several sequels, including "Fatal Fury 2" (1992), "Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory" (1995), and "Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition" (1999).

In 1994, SNK released "The King of Fighters ’94," a crossover game that featured characters from Fatal Fury and several other SNK fighting game franchises. The King of Fighters series became a huge success, and Fatal Fury characters have continued to appear in its subsequent installments.

Legacy

Fatal Fury has left an enduring legacy in the fighting game genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and iconic characters have inspired numerous fighting games, including the Street Fighter and Tekken series. The series is also credited with popularizing the "SNK Boss Syndrome" trope, where the final boss is significantly more powerful than all other characters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main protagonist of the Fatal Fury series?

Terry Bogard

2. What is the unique gameplay mechanic that Fatal Fury introduced?

Line Battle system

3. Who is the main antagonist of the Fatal Fury series?

Geese Howard

4. Which game in the Fatal Fury series was the first to feature crossovers?

The King of Fighters ’94

5. What is the name of Terry Bogard’s younger brother?

Andy Bogard

Conclusion

Fatal Fury is a legendary fighting game franchise that has stood the test of time. Its innovative gameplay, iconic characters, and stunning visuals have cemented its place as a classic in the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new player, the Fatal Fury series offers a thrilling and unforgettable fighting experience.

Fatal Fury Steam

• Release Date: 1997
• Platform: Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo Wii, iOS, Android
• Developer: SNK
• Genre: Fighting

Fatal Fury Steam is a fighting game released by SNK in 1997. It is the third installment in the Fatal Fury series. The game features a roster of 15 characters, including returning favorites Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Mai Shiranui. The game introduces new characters such as Hon Fu, Laurence Blood, and Li Xiangfei.

Fatal Fury Steam is set in the fictional city of South Town. The players control one of the 15 characters and compete in one-on-one battles. The game features a variety of different modes, including a single-player story mode, a versus mode, and a team battle mode.

Fatal Fury Steam was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and characters. The game was a commercial success, selling over 300,000 copies worldwide.

Fatal Fury Special

A 2D fighting game released by SNK in 1993, Fatal Fury Special is the third installment in the Fatal Fury series. It introduces new characters, including Kim Kaphwan, Hwa Jai, and Billy Kane, and expands upon the mechanics of the previous games with the addition of a super move for each character. The game also features improved graphics and a redesigned soundtrack.

Fatal Fury 2

Fatal Fury 2 (known as Garou Densetsu 2: Aratanaru Tatakai in Japan) is a fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade and home systems. It is the second installment in the Fatal Fury series and was released on December 14, 1992. The plot follows the protagonist, Terry Bogard, as he enters the King of Fighters Tournament to avenge the death of his father, Geese Howard.

Fatal Fury 2 introduced several new characters to the series, including Wolfgang Krauser, Kim Kaphwan, and Sokaku Takuma. It also refined the gameplay system of the original game by adding new moves and techniques, such as the Desperation Move and the Hidden Boss. The game received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack.

Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory

Released in 1995, Fatal Fury 3 is a classic fighting game that builds upon its predecessors. It features a roster of 18 characters, each with unique fighting styles and special moves. Newcomers to the series include Franco Bash, Bob Wilson, and Sokaku Mochizuki.

The game introduces a three-tiered gameplay system that adds complexity to battles. Players can select their character’s starting line, which determines their power and speed throughout the match. Additionally, the "Desperation Move" allows characters to unleash powerful attacks when their health is low.

Fatal Fury 3 also includes a variety of game modes, including Story, VS, and Team Battle. The Story mode features a branching narrative that offers different endings depending on player choices. Additionally, the game features a hidden boss character, Geese Howard, who can only be unlocked through a specific set of actions.

Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory

Released in 1995, Fatal Fury 3 is the third installment in the Fatal Fury fighting game series. The game introduces several new characters, including Bob Wilson and Franco Bash, and continues the story of the previous games.

In Fatal Fury 3, the villainous Geese Howard has returned to Southtown after his defeat in the previous game. He is seeking revenge against Terry Bogard and the other fighters who defeated him. The fighters must team up once again to stop Geese and prevent him from taking control of Southtown.

Fatal Fury 3 features updated graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. The game introduces a new "Line Battle" system, which allows players to fight against multiple opponents at once. The game also includes a variety of new moves and combos for each character.

Fatal Fury 3 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its updated graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and diverse cast of characters. The game is considered one of the best fighting games of its era and remains popular today.

Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition

Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition is a fighting game released by SNK in 1999 as the fifth installment in the Fatal Fury series. The game features a roster of 15 characters from previous titles, as well as two new bosses.

The story follows Terry Bogard and his friends as they investigate a tournament organized by the enigmatic Wolfgang Krauser, who plans to use the event to avenge the death of his brother. As Terry and his allies progress through the tournament, they uncover Krauser’s true motives and must confront him to stop his sinister plan.

Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition introduced several gameplay enhancements, including a new "Guard Crush" system that allowed players to break their opponents’ defenses with repeated attacks. The game also featured improved graphics and sound, making it one of the most visually impressive fighting games of its time.

Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves

Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves is a fighting game released by SNK in 1999 for the Neo Geo arcade system and Neo Geo home console. It is the eighth installment in the Fatal Fury series. The game takes place ten years after the events of Fatal Fury 2 and introduces new characters and gameplay mechanics.

The game features a roster of 10 playable characters, including fan favorites like Terry Bogard and Geese Howard, along with new characters like Rock Howard and Kim Kaphwan. The gameplay incorporates new techniques such as the "Just Defend" system, which allows players to parry an opponent’s attack with precise timing, and the "Super Special Move," a powerful finishing move that can be used once the player’s power gauge is full.

Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves is praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters. It is considered one of the best fighting games released on the Neo Geo and has received numerous accolades from gaming publications.

Fatal Fury: First Contact

Fatal Fury: First Contact is a 2D fighting game released by SNK in 1999 for the Neo Geo. It is the sixth installment in the Fatal Fury series and the first to be developed by Dimps rather than SNK. The game features a roster of 18 characters, including returning characters from previous Fatal Fury games as well as several newcomers.

The story of Fatal Fury: First Contact takes place after the events of Fatal Fury 2 and revolves around the return of Geese Howard, who seeks revenge against Terry Bogard and the other fighters who defeated him in the previous tournament. The game features various new gameplay mechanics, including the First Contact System, which allows players to perform special moves by pressing certain combinations of buttons.

Fatal Fury: First Contact received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its graphics, gameplay, and roster. The game has since been ported to various platforms, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo Switch. It remains a fan favorite in the Fatal Fury series and is considered to be one of the best 2D fighting games of its era.

Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 1

Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 1 is a compilation of the first two Fatal Fury games, Fatal Fury: King of Fighters and Fatal Fury 2, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2007. The compilation also includes a new "Arrange Mode" for each game, which features enhanced graphics, new character dialogue, and additional gameplay options.

The compilation received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the inclusion of two classic games in one package. However, some critics noted that the Arrange Mode did not add enough new content to justify its inclusion.

Overall, Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 1 is a solid compilation of two classic fighting games. The inclusion of the Arrange Mode is a nice bonus, but it is not essential.

‘Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 2’ Summary

‘Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 2’ is a compilation of two classic fighting games from the ‘Fatal Fury’ franchise.

• Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves: Released in 1999, this game is known for its dynamic 2D gameplay, with innovative features like "Just Defend" and a customizable fighting style system.
• Fatal Fury 2: The 1992 sequel to the original ‘Fatal Fury’, this game introduced new characters, stages, and a unique "Line Battle" mode that pits multiple fighters against each other.

Both games feature a diverse roster of characters, from series favorites like Terry Bogard and Geese Howard to unique newcomers like Jin Chonrei and Shion. Each fighter has their own distinct fighting style, special moves, and super attacks.

‘Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Vol. 2’ also includes an extensive gallery mode with character profiles, artwork, and music from both games. It provides a comprehensive look at the history and world of ‘Fatal Fury’.

Fatal Fury: The Movie

Fatal Fury: The Movie is a 1994 Japanese animated martial arts film based on the Fatal Fury video game series. The film follows Terry Bogard as he investigates a tournament known as the Death Match, where the winner will receive the legendary scroll that can fulfill any wish.

Terry uncovers a sinister plot by Gill, a powerful businessman who believes that chaos is necessary for evolution, and his ally, Wolfgang Krauser. As Terry uncovers the secrets of the tournament, he faces off against formidable opponents, including his former friend Andy Bogard and his brother, Lee Bogard.

In a climactic battle, Terry confronts Gill and exposes his true intentions. The film culminates in a final showdown where Terry’s determination and the power of the scroll combine to save the world from Gill’s machinations.

SNK

SNK Corporation, formerly known as Shin Nihon Kikaku, is a Japanese video game developer and publisher headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company was founded in 1978 by Kazuma Kujo and Toshio Matsumoto. SNK is best known for its fighting game franchises such as The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown. It also produces other genres such as role-playing games (RPGs) and action games. In 2001, SNK merged with Playmore, another Japanese video game company. The merged company was renamed SNK Playmore. In 2016, SNK Playmore was acquired by the Chinese company Leyou Technologies Holdings Limited. The company was renamed SNK Corporation in 2020.

SNK Corporation

SNK Corporation was a Japanese video game developer and publisher that was founded in 1978. The company was known for its popular arcade games, such as the King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown franchises. SNK also developed and published numerous console games, including the Neo Geo console and its various iterations.

SNK filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and its assets were acquired by Playmore Corporation. Playmore rebranded itself as SNK Playmore in 2003, and continued developing and publishing SNK games. In 2016, SNK Playmore was acquired by the Chinese company 37Games. The company was once again rebranded, this time as SNK Corporation.

Today, SNK Corporation continues to develop and publish video games, primarily for the arcade market. The company also owns and operates a number of arcade centers in Japan.

SNK Playmore

SNK Playmore Corporation was a Japanese video game company founded as Shin Nihon Kikaku in 1978. Known for its arcade games and home video game consoles, the company experienced significant financial difficulties in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In 2003, SNK Playmore was formed through a merger between SNK and Playmore. The company continued to develop and release video games, including popular franchises such as "The King of Fighters" and "Metal Slug." However, despite several successful titles, SNK Playmore faced challenges due to competition from other game developers and shifting market trends.

In 2016, SNK Playmore was acquired by Suzhou Zhongqingbao Investment Management, a Chinese company. Under new ownership, SNK Playmore continued to operate and release video games, including both new titles and re-releases of classic franchises. The company maintains a significant presence in the video game industry, particularly in the arcade and fighting game genres.

SNK Gals’ Fighters

• Release Date: 1999
• Platforms: Neo Geo Pocket Color
• Genre: Fighting

SNK Gals’ Fighters is a fighting game featuring female characters from various SNK fighting game franchises, such as The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown. The game features a roster of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities.

Players can compete in various game modes, including Single Player, Versus, and Survival. The game also features a Training mode where players can practice their skills. SNK Gals’ Fighters is known for its colorful pixel art graphics and fast-paced gameplay.

SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium

SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium was a 2D crossover fighting game released in 1999. It was a collaboration between SNK and Capcom, featuring characters from their respective fighting game franchises, such as The King of Fighters and Street Fighter. The game introduced several innovations to the fighting game genre, including the ability to tag in teammates during battles and a variety of special attacks and combos.

Match of the Millennium received critical acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and roster of characters. It was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game is still considered one of the best crossover fighting games ever made and has been ported to multiple platforms over the years.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos is a crossover fighting game developed and published by SNK Playmore for the Neo Geo arcade and home console in 2003. It is the third installment in the SNK vs. Capcom series and features a roster of characters from SNK’s King of Fighters and Capcom’s Street Fighter series, including Kyo Kusanagi, Ryu, Iori Yagami, and Chun-Li.

The gameplay of SVC Chaos is similar to previous SNK vs. Capcom games, allowing players to tag-team between two characters and perform special moves together. The game introduced several new mechanics, including a "Groove" system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities, and a "Chaos" mode that grants players access to powerful special attacks.

SVC Chaos was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its roster of characters, fast-paced gameplay, and innovative new mechanics.

SNK vs. Capcom 2: Millionaire Fighting 2001

SNK vs. Capcom 2: Millionaire Fighting 2001 is a crossover fighting game developed by SNK Playmore and Capcom. It is the sequel to SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium (1999) and the fifth installment in the SNK vs. Capcom series. The game was released in arcades in 2001 and on the Neo Geo home console in 2002.

SNK vs. Capcom 2 features a roster of 26 characters from both the SNK and Capcom universes, including Terry Bogard, Ryu, Kyo Kusanagi, and Chun-Li. The game introduces a new "groove" system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and playstyle. SNK vs. Capcom 2 also features a variety of game modes, including a single-player arcade mode, a versus mode, and a team battle mode.

SNK vs. Capcom 2 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, diverse character roster, and innovative groove system. The game is considered to be one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash

Summary:

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash is a collectible card game released in 1999 for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. It features characters from the SNK and Capcom fighting game franchises, and involves building decks of cards to battle against opponents.

Players choose from a variety of SNK and Capcom characters, each with their own unique abilities and card sets. Gameplay combines elements of collectible card games and fighting games, as players strategize to build their decks and execute moves against their opponents.

The game features over 300 cards, including characters, special moves, and support cards. It also includes multiple modes, including a story mode, a versus mode, and a tournament mode. The game’s unique blend of card game mechanics and fighting game elements has made it a classic among collectible card game enthusiasts.

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash 2

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash 2 is a competitive card game where players collect cards featuring characters from the SNK and Capcom video game franchises. Each card has unique abilities and stats, and players must strategically build a deck of 30 cards to battle against their opponents.

The game features various modes, including arcade, versus, and online multiplayer. Players can also participate in tournaments or create their own custom cards.

Card Fighters Clash 2 introduces several new gameplay mechanics, such as the "Chain Shift" system, which allows players to combine multiple cards to create powerful attacks. The game also features over 500 cards to collect, including exclusive characters and alternate versions of classic fighters.

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS

SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS is a card battle game developed by SNK Playmore and published by Capcom for the Nintendo DS. It features characters from the SNK and Capcom universes, such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile, Kyo Kusanagi, and Iori Yagami. The game uses a turn-based card battle system, where players use cards to attack, defend, and cast spells. There are over 600 cards to collect, including characters, special moves, and items. Players can also create their own decks to use in battle. The game features a single-player story mode, as well as multiplayer modes for up to four players.