AES / MVS Review
Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Released: 1992
Introduction:
One cannot overstate the impact the success of Capcomâs Street Fighter II had upon Fatal Fury 2âs development. The original Fatal Fury had proven itself a woefully inadequate alternative to Capcomâs offering, and SNK was doubtlessly keen on replicating Street Fighter IIâs winning formula. Whereas Fatal Fury had borrowed heavily from the first Street Fighter, Fatal Fury 2 (which will be referred to as FF2 for the remainder of this review) would do likewise from its sequel, and the result proved itself a largely worthwhile effort.
As with the previous title, fighting takes place on a pair of two-dimensional planes, one in the foreground, and another in the back. Moving between the planes is as simple as pressing a couple of buttons simultaneously or, if your opponent is already in the other plane, one single joystick or button input. The existence of a second plane makes it slightly difficult to pin your opponent down as itâs a valid escape route from pressure. In beginner play, this leads to players spending an inordinate amount of time chasing each other down, but fortunately this doesnât carry over to more advanced play. To those who dislike it, the plane-switching can be a deal-breaker, but to its credit, it does help differentiate the game from others of its ilk.
Moving between the planes is as simple as pressing a couple of buttons...
Graphics: đŸ
Graphically, FF2 is quite good. The character sprites are large and animated just-well-enough, but the exquisitely detailed backgrounds really steal the show and, remarkably, thereâs one for each of the gameâs twelve characters. In addition, nearly all have a palette swap that appears after the first round, so SNK definitely one-upped Capcom in this area. If thereâs one real issue to be levied against the visuals, itâs the character designs themselves. They werenât particularly good in the first game, and, unfortunately, things havenât improved much here. While some, like newcomer Mai Shiranuiâs, are striking, many others are not. Particularly uninspired is incoming boxer and Michael Max replacement Axel Hawk who is somehow even more forgettable than his predecessor. It should be noted, however, that both Mai and Kim Kaphwan, who also makes his first appearance here, would go on to become staples of not only Fatal Fury, but The King of Fighters series as well, so diamonds are definitely to be found in the rough.
...the exquisitely detailed backgrounds really steal the show...
Sound: đ
FF2 is no slouch in the audio department either. The music in the game is excellent throughout with a few now-classic tracks sprinkled in. Most fall short of the likes SNK would later be renowned for pumping out, but thatâs a mighty high bar to clear, so the effort here is absolutely commendable. As for the sound effects, they are also of high-quality. Nearly everything is beyond reproach, though one may find the sounds for tallying points mildly grating.
... newcomer Mai Shiranui's [character design is] striking...
Gameplay: đčïž
Gameplay has definitely seen a major overhaul. The two-plane system has evolved to include strikes which send the opponent to the other plane while you remain in your own. Counterattacks are available when opponents make attacks which donât connect. You can also dash backwards by rapidly tapping back twice on the controls, an excellent addition lifted from SNKâs own Art of Fighting. Then thereâs the crawl, done by holding the controls down and towards your opponent â a rather strange mechanic that wouldnât be reused in many other 2D fighters. Desperation moves have also been added. These powerful blows can only be unleashed when your health is low and flashing increasing the likelihood of come-from-behind wins. The most obvious change from the previous game, however, is that youâre now allowed to play through the game with any of eight characters rather than the paltry three as before. This alone significantly increases replayability, but when considered in connection with all of the other gameplay additions, FF2 is clearly a quantum leap past is precursor.
...youâre now allowed to play through the game with any of eight characters...
Despite all this praise, FF2 is still a product of its time, and as such, it doesnât benefit from some of the additions and refinements standard to later fighting games. To start with, thereâs no practice mode, so youâll either have to learn as you go or plug in a second controller and set it to versus mode. Itâs also slow and lacks a combo system, so gameplay is a bit sluggish and unsophisticated. Furthermore, a couple moves use the archaic âTiger Kneeâ motion, which ends with the user inputting a jump command. Needless to say, if you donât perform these correctly, youâll find yourself jumping instead. FF2 received an upgraded re-release titled Fatal Fury Special which fixed some of the most glaring issues, so it tends to get recommended over this title.
Conclusion: đ
Taken on its own, one might believe FF2 a worthy purchase for a Neo Geo fanâs or fighting gamerâs collection. However, Fatal Fury Special has all of the content of this game plus more, plus refined gameplay mechanics. So in the end, FF2 is something of a hard sell. Still, itâs capable of providing some decent action for those willing to seek it out.
Rating: 6.5 / 10
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Moving between the planes is as simple as pressing a couple of buttons...
...the exquisitely detailed backgrounds really steal the show...
... newcomer Mai Shiranui's [character design is] striking...
...youâre now allowed to play through the game with any of eight characters...