SNK teamed up with Gundam producer Masami Obari once again for the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves intro anime—a cinematic sequence featured in the game. The intro begins parallel to Geese Howard’s fall in the original Mark of the Wolves, transitioning to the present day with various characters being showcased. The action kicks off with intense battles: Kain vs. Vox, Preecha vs. Hokutomaru, Billy vs. Terry, and Terry vs. Rock. The short is complemented by the song “Terry, Andy, Joe,” produced by Salvatore Ganacci. Additionally, silhouettes of most Year 1 DLC characters make an appearance in this captivating sequence.
Mr. Big, a Year 1 DLC character and the original Art of Fighting final boss, appears alongside someone who seems to be Marie—Rock’s mother and Kain’s sister. Protecting her from an unknown threat, it hints at the possibility that the former crime boss may have turned over a new leaf or has a larger role in City of the Wolves. Of course, Mr. Big has always had a way with the ladies.
This marks Masami Obari’s second modern anime intro for SNK fighting games, following his King of Fighters intro created to commemorate the series.
This isn’t Obari’s first venture into the Fatal Fury series or creating animated intros for the franchise. He previously produced the acclaimed OVA trilogy that retells the events of the first two Fatal Fury games. The third installment introduces three new antagonists determined to unite the Armor of Mars relics and take over the world. The trilogy remains faithful to the games, delivering adventure, character-accurate fights, authentic appearances, and well-preserved motivations.
The Fatal Fury 2 movie’s Krauser vs. Terry battle was a spectacular conclusion, leaving a lasting impression. No character was overlooked, with each being thoughtfully integrated into this classic anime adaptation.
In 1997, Sunrise created an anime short for the port of Real Bout Fatal Fury Special: Dominated Mind. Following Geese Howard’s death, a new villain, White, emerges to claim control of Southtown. A new protagonist rises to challenge White’s reign, enlisting Terry Bogard to aid in the fight. The title Dominated Mind refers to White’s ability to brainwash people into doing his bidding, with Billy Kane being one of his unfortunate victims subjected to this torment.
Hopefully, this intro is the start of something. Fighting game animes usually do well with the audience. Just ask Street Fighter II The Animated Movie.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will be available on April 24th for PlayStation 4 | 5, Xbox Series X | S, Epic Store, and Steam. Early access starts today for digital preorders.