Hokutomaru is Back in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
After weeks of backlash and fan frustration, SNK finally throws a bone to longtime Fatal Fury and Garou: Mark of the Wolves fans, Hokutomaru is officially back in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. A familiar face returns to the spotlight, likely in an attempt to calm the growing storm over the game’s questionable roster choices.

This reveal follows the controversial announcement of two real-life guest characters in a row, which left fans feeling confused, if not outright betrayed. While the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo raised eyebrows, many could at least rationalize it: the man has 651 million Instagram followers, after all. Bringing in casual players and expanding the game’s reach? Fine, sure. Marketing stunt? Obviously, but at least it makes sense.

But then came the baffling inclusion of DJ Salvatore Ganacci, who doesn’t even crack half a million followers on Instagram. Fans were quick to point out that his entire character seems to occupy the spot that should have gone to Duck King, a beloved and funky original. And the mood shifted from confusion to outrage.

Hokutomaru Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voG09ZRqOf4

A Garou original and one of the more underrated characters from SNK’s legacy, Hokutomaru’s return feels like a peace offering. A ninja of the Shiranui style, he was once a 14-year-old goofball voiced by Junko Takeuchi– the same powerhouse behind Naruto Uzumaki, R. Mika, and Gon Freecss. But this isn’t that kid anymore.

Now aged 16, Hokutomaru is still small, still scrappy, but finally voiced by actual male actors. Junya Enoki (in Japanese) and Caleb Yen (in English) bring a more grounded energy to the character, because yes, folks, puberty finally hit. His voice dropped harder than Ganacci’s follower count. No more ninja squeaker, this Hokutomaru has grown up, and he sounds like it too.

In terms of gameplay, Hokutomaru appears to be a strong rushdown/mixup character who’s also willing to battle from a distance– a flexible fighter who can keep pressure up close and harass with tools from afar. His new moveset feels like a hybrid of Andy Bogard and Mai Shiranui, minus the fanwork and overt fanservice. A perfect evolution for a young Shiranui ninja in training.

His return may not completely undo the salt from recent reveals, but it’s a step in the right direction. SNK, take notes: this is what fans want, characters with history, heart, and actual ties to the franchise. Not some EDM joke that snatched Duck King’s mic.