Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 Is a Faithful (and Really Fun) Remix

Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers is a faithful recreation of the classic fighting game that doesn’t lose any of the charm of the original in making the leap to PC. The eighth entry in the overall Fatal Fury series, Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 benefits from the typically tight game design of the SNK fighting game franchises. Dominating arcades when it launched in 1998 and on Neo-Geo (and occasionally appearing on consoles in compilation collections that have been released since), Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 proves to be a natural fit for Steam.

The controls are responsive, with the PC port offering a smooth translation of the original title. It also retains and even refines one of the most unique touches of the title: one of the best elements of the original Real Bout sub-series was the way it incorporated a two-lane battle system into gameplay, adding an extra dimension to the standard 2D fighter formula. Refined as a “sway lane” for Real Bout Fatal Fury 2, this dedicated space in the stage gives players a handy means of dodging and remaunvering. This brings a bit of much-needed element of strategy to the standard (but well-executed) fighting game mechanics.

Even 27 years later, Real Bout remains an entertaining riff on the standard formula of the genre, with fast-paced but strategic action that requires players to tackle 2D fights with three-dimensional awareness. Comicbook.com received a preview code for the game, and it’s been a great reminder about how tightly designed the often underappreciated Fatal Fury series has always been. Fans of fighting games will find plenty to love, whether it’s a nostalgic return to an old favorite or a first-time dive into the game.

What You Should Know About Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers

Graphics: The translation of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers to Steam is seamless, with the fighting game running incredibly smoothly on PC. Other arcade fighter ports can suffer in the translation to consoles or PC, losing some of their natural crispness and tight design. The more grounded approach to Fatal Fury gives it a certain edge that still keeps it firmly within this very specific era of gaming culture. The designs are still memorable and deeply of their time, but don’t lose any of their crispness in the transition to the modern era. The game looks great in its new form, with modern graphic capabilities ensuring that none of the pixel art looks muddied or miscolored.

The sense of ’90s swagger is on full display in the delightfully colorful graphics. Fatal Fury was always an interesting contrast to something like Street Fighter, which leaned harder into the fantastical martial arts epics for its visuals. While there’s some of that bombast in Fatal Fury, the game’s balance of characters adds depth and encourages experimentation. 22 characters are available from the start, with clear character designs that befit their sense of personality and combat. It’s a well-designed take on the 2D fighter, with an enduring quality even as it remains from a very clear point in gaming history.

Gameplay: The gameplay on Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 moves on a dime, a great execution that doesn’t sacrifice any of the movement or hard-hitting blows of the original arcade version. Real Bout‘s focus is on a slick sense of movement that rewards sly dodges and quick counters, reinforcing the unique quality of the second lane for combat. The movement is tight, with the characters retaining their individual playstyles. Combos are easy to string together, but just as easy to fall victim to.

That distinct flow of combat is always a rewarding risk, helping it stand out from other similar titles. This mechanic is a blast to revisit, with movements out of range providing room for big hits (and a huge dose of excitement for the player). The move from the arcade to other formats can be tricky, but Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 does a great job of maintaining that arcade-style movement and combat.

Even just when using a keyboard, the game moves smoothly and effectively — and with a controller, Steam Deck, or home arcade set-up, the update is a perfectly smooth experience. While the overall package might feel light at times, given the barebones nature of arcade fighting games in this era, this is a solid recreation of the original that is easy to pick up and hard to put down. For longtime fans and curious newbies alike, Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers is a delightful blast from the past.

Comicbook.com was provided a Steam Code for preview purposes