Fatal Fury: First Contact Score: Neo Geo Classic
The Fatal Fury series holds a special place in the hearts of fighting game enthusiasts, particularly those who grew up during the golden age of arcade gaming. Among its many iterations, Fatal Fury: First Contact stands out as a compact yet impactful entry, originally released for the Neo Geo Pocket Color (NGPC) in 1999. While it may not have the same recognition as its arcade or console counterparts, this portable fighter is a testament to SNK’s ability to adapt its signature gameplay into a handheld format without sacrificing depth or excitement.
A Portable Powerhouse
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was SNK’s answer to Nintendo’s Game Boy, offering a more vibrant display and a robust library of fighting games. Fatal Fury: First Contact was one of the system’s standout titles, delivering a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the Fatal Fury experience. Unlike many handheld fighters of the era, which often felt stripped-down, First Contact retained the series’ core mechanics, including the iconic two-plane battle system, special moves, and dramatic supers.
The game featured a roster of 10 characters, including fan favorites like Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, Mai Shiranui, and Geese Howard. While smaller than the arcade versions, the selection was well-balanced, ensuring that each fighter felt distinct. The controls were responsive, utilizing the NGPC’s clicky micro-switch joystick, which made executing complex inputs far more satisfying than on competing handhelds.
Gameplay: Depth in a Small Package
Despite its portable nature, First Contact didn’t compromise on gameplay depth. The two-plane system, a hallmark of the Fatal Fury series, was fully intact, allowing players to switch between the foreground and background to dodge attacks or set up counters. This added a layer of strategy that was rare in handheld fighters at the time.
Special moves and Desperation Attacks (supers) were executed with simplified inputs, making them accessible without feeling dumbed down. Combos flowed naturally, and the game rewarded precision and timing, much like its arcade siblings. The AI provided a solid challenge, ramping up appropriately in later stages, ensuring that players had to master their chosen character to progress.
Visuals and Sound: A Pocket-Sized Spectacle
For a handheld released in 1999, First Contact was visually impressive. The NGPC’s limited color palette was used effectively, with bold, vibrant sprites that captured the essence of the Fatal Fury cast. Animations were smooth, and while backgrounds were simpler than the arcade originals, they still conveyed the atmosphere of classic stages like Geese Tower and Pao Pao Cafe.
The sound design was another highlight. While the NGPC couldn’t replicate the arcade’s iconic voice samples or full-fledged soundtrack, the game’s chiptune renditions of classic Fatal Fury tunes were catchy and well-arranged. The punch and kick sound effects packed a satisfying punch, adding to the game’s visceral feel.
Legacy and Impact
Fatal Fury: First Contact may not be as celebrated as Garou: Mark of the Wolves or the original Fatal Fury Special, but it remains a hidden gem for fans of the series and retro handheld collectors. It proved that SNK could deliver a full-fledged fighting experience on a portable system, setting a standard that few other handheld fighters matched at the time.
In retrospect, the game’s success lies in its faithfulness to the source material. It didn’t try to reinvent the wheel—instead, it distilled the Fatal Fury formula into a compact, portable package that was both accessible and deep. For those who missed it during the NGPC’s lifespan, First Contact is well worth revisiting today, whether through original hardware or modern emulation.
Final Verdict: A Must-Play for Fighting Game Fans
While the Neo Geo Pocket Color is often overshadowed by Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market, titles like Fatal Fury: First Contact showcase what the system was capable of. It’s a tight, polished fighter that respects its roots while offering a fresh experience for on-the-go play.
For fans of SNK’s golden era, this game is a nostalgic trip worth taking. And for newcomers curious about the Fatal Fury series, it serves as a great introduction to the franchise’s mechanics and charm. In a world where portable fighters are now console-quality experiences, First Contact stands as a reminder of how much could be achieved with so little—a true Neo Geo classic.
