DESCRIPTION

SNK's popular Fatal Fury franchise capitalizes in the form of a portable title that shares an uncanny resemblance to its sister arcade versions. Fatal Fury: First Contact for the Neo Geo Pocket Color handheld system features eleven familiar characters from the Legendary Lone Wolves. The Bogard brothers are back along with Geese Howard, Joe Higashi, Billy Kane, Mai Shiranui, and a whole host of other memorable characters. Two players can fight via the separately sold Neo Geo Pocket Link Cable for multiplayer enjoyment.

A smooth, colorful intro opens the "stereotypical" SNK fighting game story for the player and may be bypassed to get right into the game. Some of the unique options are setting the Power Gauge maximum level or forcing your opponent's power at one-fourth rather than full. There's even an Extra Match option that allows you to restart the game with a one-match victory! The battles take place in different areas that pertain to each of the characters' "home" location. The background art scrolls as your fighter moves to the extreme left or right sides of the screen.

Game play is a simple yet effective system that requires clean joystick and button combinations to pull off different attacks such as Combo Attacks or Super Power Moves and Guards. Once these occur, the Power Gauge at the bottom of the screen increases from Heat Power to Special Power, and finally to Potential Power. As you reach further levels of power, unique, Special Attack moves are possible, such as the Break Shot, Mighty Mauler Moves, and the Hidden Ability Boppers. The effects are clearly drawn and do not affect the game's speed when performed, allowing for fluid, continuous execution.

Once you defeat all opponents you can go on to win the tournament that showcases different endings for each of the characters. Fatal Fury fans and newcomers alike may rejoice! This game is fast, furious, and fatal enough to take with you anywhere. ~ Cal Nguyen, All Game Guide