best non-neogeo version of Fatal Fury Special?

[c0ldb33r]

I've got a real hankering to play some Fatal Fury Special.

My options for systems are as follows:
SNES
Genesis
Sega CD
Game Gear
Saturn

I'm not really interested in picking up a neogeo just for one game.

Which would be the best version to track down out of the above named systems? (BTW, I determined the eligible systems by searching the online rarity guide for fatal fury special and excluded those systems I don't have).

[Steven]

Cross out Genesis/Saturn because FFS never came out on those formats. I've only played the SNES version, so I can't give you as good an answer as the next guy who has played them all, but I'll say the SNES version was a bit ... disappointing. FF2 port on SNES > FFS port

[Chuplayer]

Cross out Genesis/Saturn because FFS never came out on those formats. I've only played the SNES version, so I can't give you as good an answer as the next guy who has played them all, but I'll say the SNES version was a bit ... disappointing. FF2 port on SNES > FFS port

How does FF2 on SNES come out better than FFS on the SNES? They're practically the same game.

I enjoy the SNES port of FFS a whole lot, but if the Fatal Fury Battle Archives ever comes out in America for the PS2, that'll probably be the definitive port.

[Kitsune Sniper]

How does FF2 on SNES come out better than FFS on the SNES? They're practically the same game.

I enjoy the SNES port of FFS a whole lot, but if the Fatal Fury Battle Archives ever comes out in America for the PS2, that'll probably be the definitive port.

FF2 and FFS are very different games on the SNES. They share the same graphics but the music is entirely different. FF2 also seems easier to play and handle than FFS.

[bangtango]

I don't mean to dog the Game Gear, especially since I recently bought one on the forums here. However, there is no reason to play an 8-bit portable version of Fatal Fury Special over anything that came out on a 16-bit system. Sorry but it's the truth.

The Sega CD reviews section here at DP gives the Sega CD version a decent score. I'd try that one. Looks like gamereviewgod wrote it.

[XYXZYZ]

I imagine the Sega CD is your best bet. I've seen the PC Engine CD version, it's certainly the closest to Neo Geo as I've seen. Never seen the Sega CD version, but I don't suppose it's too different?

Anyone know better?

[Hwj_Chim]

SNK Playmore has the FF battle archives as coming to the states for the ps2. if this happens go for that version. Other than that the Sega CD version is your best bet.http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com/game_ffba.php

[klausien]

Y'all are forgetting the best non-Neo home port, the PC Engine ACD version. Of course, with Battle Archives looming, it is totally unecessary, and cost prohibitive. Unless, of course, you happen to have a JP Duo/CDROM2 or US Duo/CDROM with a Kisado, and an Arcade Card.

The SNES version is a huge disappointment, and the Sega CD port is very pricey if you don't have the means to play Mega CD games (CDX/Unibios). Neither of them hold a candle to the PCE version.

[c0ldb33r]

Cross out Genesis/Saturn because FFS never came out on those formats.
FFS did come out for Sega CD. I've seen a couple of reviews online.

I think maybe I'll look at the ps2 compilation (hopefully it comes out!)

[sabre2922]

I agree that the SNES version of Fatal Fury Special was much better than the other FF on both the Genesis or Snes.

I remember the animations being slightly improved and of course the music excelled on the SNES the controls and gameplay were much better on the SNES FFS version.

While I luv the good old Genny I never could stand the 2-D fighters on Genesis in large part because of the terrible sound chip (when compared to the SNES) the music in the Capcom fighters and the Neo-Geo ports were painful to listen too for anyone with the SNES versions at the time.

[Steven]

FF2 and FFS are very different games on the SNES. They share the same graphics but the music is entirely different. FF2 also seems easier to play and handle than FFS.


Ditto. For me, FF2 just had the better control mechanics and overall "feel." Chuplayer, we can agree to disagree as, of course, opinions often vary.

[j_factor]

What's the difference between Fatal Fury Special and Real Bout Special? I've never been able to tell most SNK fighters apart.

[Kitsune Sniper]

What's the difference between Fatal Fury Special and Real Bout Special? I've never been able to tell most SNK fighters apart.

They're two completely different games.

Fatal Fury Special is Fatal Fury 2 with tweaks and extra characters.

Real Bout Special is an expanded version of Real Bout: Fatal Fury (which was an expanded and fixed version of Fatal Fury 3) with tweaks, extra characters and a helluvalot better gameplay. And it featured the first appearance of Nightmare Geese Howard. :)

[j_factor]

Ah, okay. So is Real Bout Special the ultimate (other than MOTW) of the series?

[cyberfluxor]

SNK Playmore has the FF battle archives as coming to the states for the ps2. if this happens go for that version. Other than that the Sega CD version is your best bet.http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com/game_ffba.php

I'll need to keep an eye out for that one.

Now for a bit over a year I've thought about getting Real Bout Fatal Fury Special as a Saturn import, is it no good?

[j_factor]

I have the double pack (Real Bout Fatal Fury Best Collection), and I've enjoyed it. I really don't know how it directly compares to other versions, though.

[Hwj_Chim]

Now for a bit over a year I've thought about getting Real Bout Fatal Fury Special as a Saturn import, is it no good?

It is a dream for the saturn, go for it, don't spend more than 15 for it, and it does require the 1 meg ram cart. so make sure it comes with it.

[Tommy]

Hands Down, SNES! Not as vibrant but pretty much did the job. Just got done playing on AES though @_@

[Kitsune Sniper]

Ah, okay. So is Real Bout Special the ultimate (other than MOTW) of the series?

It depends. There's also Real Bout 2... which had no real endings and changed the gameplay mechanics AGAIN, but for the worse in my opinion, even if the graphics and music are kickass. And there's also Real Bout Dominated Mind, a PSX-only port of RB Special with an original boss and Geese Howard with a Halo, but with slightly dumbed down gameplay.

Yes, you read right - Geese Howard with a Halo. Aheh.

I'm definitely hoping all the other SNK ports get sold Stateside... but after seeing AOF Anthology, I'm scared, since they're emulating the NeoGeo Console versions (limited difficulty settings, a bit of censorship, and no bonus content whatsoever) and nothing else. :(

[Emuaust]

The Sega/Mega Cd version FTW here, well at least I found it quite alright.

[kedawa]

The Sega CD version is missing a lot of animation and background objects, and of course has the added annoyance of load times. As far as gameplay and audio are concerned, it's better than the SNES version, but not that much better.

[blue lander]

I know there's an X68000 version of Fatal Fury, but I can't remember if it's 2 or special. I own it, but I can't play it in my X68000 because it needs 2 megabytes of RAM. It comes with a special 4 button joypad, but I doubt the game is very good.

[heybtbm]

Just wait for the PS2 version coming out this Fall. It'll probably be cheaper than all of the earlier versions ($14.99 - US).

[Jorpho]

How about the PC port? That was released in English too. (You might be able to find it in a two-pack with Samurai Showdown 2.)

[Matt-El]

I'll plan on picking up that Fatal Fury collection. :)


If you want my opinion, don't play the SNES versions. They're too slow and the moves have too be pulled off slowly as well. Very off-putting.

[Neo Rasa]

How about the PC port? That was released in English too. (You might be able to find it in a two-pack with Samurai Showdown 2.)

That's not FFS, it's a port of the Neo CD version of Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory.

Definitely have to go with the PC Engine CD version here, it's an achievement. The sprites are about 98% the size of the originals instead of being super small like on most ports, control is great, it's got it all. I like some of Hudson's takes on the music more than SNK's arranged soundtrack too.

The SNES version is a joke by comparison, while the SNES port of Fatal Fury 2 actually feels very accurate. It's also notable that while the sample quality is much lower overall, SNES FF2 has every voice in it.

Genesis Fatal Fury Special has good gameplay and is much easier to get since you won't need to get an arcade card but the PS2 collection is getting a US release. :D



In the end, it will be best for you to get Fatal Fury Battle Archive Volume 1 for the PS2. It's shipping as we speak so keep your eyes peeled at any Game Crazy or Toys 'R Us near you. The Turbo CD version is the only one that can seriously be described as very accurate so, minus that the Battle Archive is the way to go. I've played the import and it's dead on. The $14.99 price tag is also great since you get Fatal Fury: King of Fighters, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, and Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory which probably the most underrated fighter SNK has ever made.

[c0ldb33r]

In the end, it will be best for you to get Fatal Fury Battle Archive Volume 1 for the PS2. It's shipping as we speak so keep your eyes peeled at any Game Crazy or Toys 'R Us near you. The Turbo CD version is the only one that can seriously be described as very accurate so, minus that the Battle Archive is the way to go. I've played the import and it's dead on. The $14.99 price tag is also great since you get Fatal Fury: King of Fighters, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, and Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory which probably the most underrated fighter SNK has ever made.
Any idea on whether this will be widely released or would I be better off ordering it online?

[Gamereviewgod]

Any idea on whether this will be widely released or would I be better off ordering it online?

I picked up the Art of Fighting Anthology this week at TRU dumped in a clearance bin. I can only assume the same would be true for Fatal Fury.

[Kitsune Sniper]

That's not FFS, it's a port of the Neo CD version of Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory.

Definitely have to go with the PC Engine CD version here, it's an achievement. The sprites are about 98% the size of the originals instead of being super small like on most ports, control is great, it's got it all. I like some of Hudson's takes on the music more than SNK's arranged soundtrack too.

The SNES version is a joke by comparison, while the SNES port of Fatal Fury 2 actually feels very accurate. It's also notable that while the sample quality is much lower overall, SNES FF2 has every voice in it.

Genesis Fatal Fury Special has good gameplay and is much easier to get since you won't need to get an arcade card but the PS2 collection is getting a US release. :D



In the end, it will be best for you to get Fatal Fury Battle Archive Volume 1 for the PS2. It's shipping as we speak so keep your eyes peeled at any Game Crazy or Toys 'R Us near you. The Turbo CD version is the only one that can seriously be described as very accurate so, minus that the Battle Archive is the way to go. I've played the import and it's dead on. The $14.99 price tag is also great since you get Fatal Fury: King of Fighters, Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, and Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory which probably the most underrated fighter SNK has ever made.

Wow, it's shipping this week? Cool.

And personally, I always disliked FF3. Not because of the game, but because of having to use two buttons for most everything. It got kind of annoying. :p

[Neo Rasa]

Kitsune: Are you sure you mean Fatal Fury 3? FF3 has two punch and two kick buttons. Either way give it a chance once this is out. :D


Wow, it's shipping this week? Cool.

And personally, I always disliked FF3. Not because of the game, but because of having to use two buttons for most everything. It got kind of annoying. :p

Yeah it should be in stores on the 15th or so.


c0ldb33r: Like I said before Toys 'R Us should be best though Game Crazy will carry it too. When Art of Fighting Anthology came out the Toys 'R Us had an epic bin of them like the day after it shipped. I've got one reserved at a Game Crazy around here but I'm just going to get it wherever I first see it ASAP.


We have a SKU at Gamestop but I don't think any in this region are actually carrying it.

[Steven]

If you want my opinion, don't play the SNES versions. They're too slow and the moves have too be pulled off slowly as well. Very off-putting.


Because of this thread I actually re-played the SNES version of FFS. I also did an extensive playthrough of FF2 to see if memory serves me correct. It did not fail me.

FFS on SNES has some AMAZING visuals, and better overall sound quality than SNES FF2, but JEEZ! The controls are HORRIBLE. Particularly charge moves. Instead of rolling your thumb from away to toward in one smooth motion, the ONLY time to consistently pull off charge moves is hold back, and then TAP forward. Sorry, but I like the whole motion instead. Hadoken motions are also at times difficult to pull off. If the control were as good as any of the SF games, FFS would have been one of the better fighters on SNES.

FF2 on the other hand, controls much better. And with the boss code, you're only sacrificing the use of Tung, Duck King and Geese (I don't think there was a code to play as Ryo was there?) For improved control, that's a small sacrifice I'm willing to make.

Plus, the AI in FFS is among the cheapest I've seen. CPU magically knows what you're going to do before you pull it off.

FF2 > FFS (on SNES). I stand by that opinion.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Kitsune: Are you sure you mean Fatal Fury 3? FF3 has two punch and two kick buttons. Either way give it a chance once this is out. :D

Yes, but don't you need two buttons to go to the back, and two more to go to the front... and I think there was another combination to -knock- folks to another plane? God, I hated that. It -wasn't- a bad game, but all those button combinations were ANNOYING.

And Geese's second stage is simply EPIC.

[XYXZYZ]

Plus, the AI in FFS is among the cheapest I've seen. CPU magically knows what you're going to do before you pull it off.

.

The Neo Geo version is the same, that game is hard as hell. Set on the easiest difficulty, the computer still counters damn near everything you throw against it if you don't know all that patterns and weaknesses. (Unlike other fighting games which are much more forgiving for beginners)

[Neo Rasa]

Kitsune: You're right about FF3, I thought you were talking about the general button layout. It's so true about Geese's stage though. The soundtrack to that game is actually what got me into getting game soundtracks.



The Neo Geo version is the same, that game is hard as hell. Set on the easiest difficulty, the computer still counters damn near everything you throw against it if you don't know all that patterns and weaknesses. (Unlike other fighting games which are much more forgiving for beginners)

That said, Fatal Fury Special is much more rewarding and playable once you actually learn the characters' moves. Unlike something like Art of Fighting 2, you can succeed in FFS by being good at the gameplay rather than being good at memorizing the computer's behavior.

Art of Fighting 2 on the other hand. http://www.digitpress.com/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif


Bit of trivia for people having trouble beating Neo Geo fighters: Turn the difficulty UP. In most but not all Fatal Fury and Art of Fighting games the computer will become so aggressive that it can be easier to avoid and punish than it is on even the easiest difficulty settings.

[Neo Rasa]

Toys 'R Us in Manhatthan has this RIGHT NOW. So I'd assume most places will have this Tuesday or Wednesday.

[Kitsune Sniper]

That said, Fatal Fury Special is much more rewarding and playable once you actually learn the characters' moves. Unlike something like Art of Fighting 2, you can succeed in FFS by being good at the gameplay rather than being good at memorizing the computer's behavior.

Art of Fighting 2 on the other hand. http://www.digitpress.com/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif

Wait. You have problems with AOF2? You're kidding, right? :)

[Neo Rasa]

Wait. You have problems with AOF2? You're kidding, right? :)

I...I'm too stupidly tired to tell if you're being sarcastic or not. :D

On MVS setting? Absolutely. Most people I talk to find it extremely hard, I have to agree. I can take out almost any King of Fighters or Fatal Fury game (and AoF1 and 3 as well) with relative ease but for whatever reason AoF2 destroys me. It reads your motions a little too well to be fun for long.

That said, you can just pick Eiji, get close and do QCB+B infinitely on any computer opponent and they'll never catch on. It works, but if I have to cheese the computer that badly something's wrong. ;)

[zektor]

How about the PC port? That was released in English too. (You might be able to find it in a two-pack with Samurai Showdown 2.)

If you're gunna go that route, might as well use Mame and play the real deal in all of it's glory! :)

[Kitsune Sniper]

I...I'm too stupidly tired to tell if you're being sarcastic or not. :D

On MVS setting? Absolutely. Most people I talk to find it extremely hard, I have to agree. I can take out almost any King of Fighters or Fatal Fury game (and AoF1 and 3 as well) with relative ease but for whatever reason AoF2 destroys me. It reads your motions a little too well to be fun for long.

That said, you can just pick Eiji, get close and do QCB+B infinitely on any computer opponent and they'll never catch on. It works, but if I have to cheese the computer that badly something's wrong. ;)

I wasn't being sarcastic. AOF2's hard, but it's not that hard. The only one that's annoying is that goddamn Eiji.

Then again, I haven't been able to beat the version in AOF Anthology...

Edit:
And there's another, easier version to beat everyone. EVEN GEESE.