The gaming community has been buzzing ever since the open beta for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was released. Players, eager to explore the new title, have shared insights and concerns about what promises to be a monumental return of this beloved fighting game series.
Upon the beta’s release, fans were quick to dig through the game files, leading to some exciting yet controversial data leaks. According to reports on platforms like Reddit, individuals datamined and uncovered details about future characters slated for the game’s DLC. Notably, these characters include fan favorites such as Blue Mary, Rick Strowd, Alfred, Ryo Sakazaki, Duck King, and Wolfgang Krauser, with Nightmare Geese and Fallen Rock lined up as presumed boss characters. This roster has sparked discussions among long-time fans about the nostalgic and iconic figures making their return.
One headline-making aspect of the data leak is the exclusion of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from the list of playable characters. Many had speculated about his potential inclusion, but current reports suggest he may just appear as a cameo. Interestingly, the datamine also contains references to skipped slots, leaving players to wonder if Ronaldo—or perhaps other unannounced characters—might still join the fray.
The game’s official release is set for April 24, 2025, on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. The game is being sold as part of a Special Edition, which includes the first season pass, ensuring fans access to additional content as it drops.
While the character revelations have captivated many, the beta has not been without its issues. Players have reported significant concerns surrounding matchmaking efficiency. Fighting game luminary Justin Wong isn't alone; he lamented on social media about only being able to partake in 18 matches over three hours. This sentiment is echoed throughout the community, with numerous players expressing frustration over slow match finding times. Wong stated, "I hope they can fix because I only played 18 matches within 3 hours." This shared experience raises red flags as players gear up for the full release.
Community voices highlight both the game's impressive combat mechanics and the frustrations surrounding its user interface and matchmaking capabilities. One player emphasized, "Horrendous UI. SNK has 2 months to fix the online, or else this game is done." The feedback suggests an urgent need for SNK to refine the gaming experience before the title officially drops.
Despite matchmaking issues, many players rave about the core gameplay, reporting responsive controls and engaging combat. The excitement is palpable, though the shadow of past glitches—like those seen during The King of Fighters 15 launch—could dampen spirits. Concerns stem from memories of KOF15's shaky online matchmaking results, which plagued the game for extended periods post-launch.
Players hope the Fatal Fury team takes heed of community feedback, especially considering the beta serves as a testing ground for the final product. Observers note, "If you've been hit with any problems... fill out the Fatal Fury beta issues form to let them know what's going on." This insight encourages players to be proactive and voice their concerns, ensuring developers possess the necessary data to optimize performance.
Overall, as the release date approaches, anticipation grows not only for the game’s characters but also for the refinement of its online infrastructure. Lt the community’s responses shape the experience, the developers at SNK need to listen closely. A successful launch could usher back Fatal Fury as one of the standout series within the fighting game community, 26 years after its last installment.