Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 is probably the best of the series as it features all of the characters from Real Bout Special and brings two new characters into the melee - Chinese waitress Li Xiangfei and boxer Rick Strowd. Geese returns as the seemingly final boss in the series, though a new sinister character named Alfred actually turns out to be the game's real secret boss. This PS2 version also allows you to use Alfred as a playable character, which wasn't a feature in the Neo Geo version. What makes all three Real Bout titles different from other Fatal Fury games is the inclusion of the Hidden Abilities function. Basically, it acts as a super move to allow for maximum damage on enemies. What also makes the Real Bout titles unique is its ring-out system where you can throw your opponent out of a playing field to quickly turn the tables of a match.

Though the game series features a weak storyline, the biggest draw to Fatal Fury in 2008 is its classic fighting game nostalgia and hand-drawn animation, backgrounds, and character designs, giving the game a 2D aesthetic and an arcade feel. Its 2-line system brings depth to the 2D playing field, and cheesy punching sound effects and voice work add to the classic feel. For those who want to act as though they are still playing on the Neo Geo system, the fast pace of the gameplay and graphics haven't changed for this re-release at all. While the poor graphics and framerate may annoy some gamers, this release is definitely intended for fans of the series who know what to expect. One of the other biggest selling points of this PS2 release is its online playability, allowing fighters to team up or go head-to-head with the best in the world. And this collection of games is definitely intended to be played all over the world as it also comes with language options for fans, allowing you to choose between English, Japanese, Spanish or Portuguese.

With a few new functions implemented into its old gameplay style and graphics, the Fatal Fury series is complete for PS2 owners who want the entire Neo Geo collection. For true classic fighting gamers and fans of the series, you now have the option to play online with a number of titles on one disc. For those less appreciative of fighting games of yesteryear, you may not even be interested.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer