Hokutomaru has been announced as the latest addition to the character lineup in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This exciting reveal was made during the EVO showcase for the game, marking a significant update for fans eagerly awaiting the new title in this iconic series.
It’s been over two decades since SNK last released a new installment in the Fatal Fury series, and the anticipation surrounding City of the Wolves is palpable. The game brings together a base roster of 17 familiar faces, including fan favorites like Terry Bogard, Billy Kane, Mai Shiranui, and the main character, Rock Howard. However, what has truly caught the attention of gaming enthusiasts are the unconventional entrants to the character roster—DJ Salvatore Ganacci and the legendary soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo. With these surprising additions, SNK is set to deliver a truly eclectic gaming experience. Recently, the development team unveiled Hokutomaru as the final character in the roster, just ahead of the game’s release.
Hokutomaru, now confirmed as the 17th character in the game, has abandoned his wooden sword and now exhibits a fighting style that blends techniques from both Mai Shiranui and Andy Bogard. During the announcement, a gameplay trailer showcased Hokutomaru’s shift in tactics to using primarily his hands and feet in combat. The event boasted appearances from top-tier players like Saul “MenaRD” Leonardo, Bryant ‘Smug’ Huggins, and the celebrated King of Fighters champion Lin “E.T.” Chia-hung. It was E.T. who treated fans to an early look at Hokutomaru’s unique abilities, highlighting his hybrid fighting style.
In a nod to his roots from Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Hokutomaru’s character is intricately woven into the storyline, being the young protégé of both Andy Bogard and Mai Shiranui. He melds Mai’s signature weapon throws with Andy’s notable Kuhadan attack, without losing the shuriken moves that fans of the character would remember. According to the game’s lore, after participating in the Mark of the Wolves tournament, Hokutomaru chose to settle in South Town with Terry’s assistance. As the next tournament looms, he’s eager to compete once more and gauge his growth since leaving the mountains.
With Hokutomaru rounding out the base roster, players are getting ready for the much-anticipated release of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, set for April 24th on PC and various gaming consoles. Beyond the initial lineup of 17 fighters, SNK has also teased a Season 1 pass, which promises future additions like Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, Chun-Li, Ken, and Mr. Big, ensuring continuous excitement and fresh content for fans.
