Bitmap Books has once again delivered a comprehensive exploration of a legendary arcade franchise from SNK. Their latest release, Fatal Fury/Garou Densetsu: The Ultimate History, examines the entire series from its 1991 debut to the recent City of the Wolves. Priced at £34.99 (or £54.99 for the Collector's Edition), this book covers everything from Real Bout Fatal Fury and Fatal Fury Special to Garou: Mark of the Wolves and the lesser-known 3D entry, Wild Ambition.
A Visual Masterpiece
Like other Bitmap Books publications, this tome is a visual feast. It features hundreds of pages of screenshots, character sprites, and concept art, showcasing pixel-perfect details. A foldout map of South Town at the beginning includes a key highlighting iconic locations, while planning documents illustrate the famous multi-lane combat system. The giant dual-page screenshots of special moves, backdrops, and characters are particularly impressive, offering context about fighters, fighting styles, and in-game locations.
Chronological Coverage
The book is organized chronologically by game, starting with Fatal Fury: King of Fighters from 1991 and ending with last year's City of the Wolves, the first new entry in over 25 years. City of the Wolves receives nearly 25 pages of coverage, a pleasant surprise given its recent release. The game chapters are bookended by a 30-plus page historical deep-dive and an 18-page interview section featuring developers and pixel artists.
Substance Behind the Style
While style is paramount, substance is not lacking. The historical piece reveals how the first game was created and what came before, including how a natural disaster impacted Fatal Fury 3's development. The interviews provide further insights, ensuring fans learn more about the series' legacy.
Inspiring Gameplay
A good video game book inspires readers to play the series. After reading this, I felt compelled to play as many Fatal Fury games as possible and master City of the Wolves. I even picked up NeoGeo Pocket Colour Selection to try Fatal Fury First Contact, which exceeded expectations. This book is an easy recommendation for anyone interested in the 1-v-1 fighting genre, serving as a timely reminder of the Fatal Fury series' importance after its lengthy absence.
