Wolfgang Krauser of the Stroheim Organization has decided to meddle in his deceased half-brother’s affairs within South Town in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. With Geese somewhat out of the picture, the Euroupean criminal overlord steps out of the shadows once again. This time, Krauser is dealing with the power struggle of the metro Maximum Meyhem variety. We were able to get an early run with him straight from SNK.
Krauser has the audience watching instead of his orchestra or even out in the balcony. Surprised they don’t clap for him on stage or anything else after a win. A needed touch to show some sort of realism would have been cool here. Funny thing about Krauser’s placement in the select screen: him, Geese, and Mr. Big, form the The King of Fighters ’96 Boss Team just by being together. Krauser’s intro from the count screams nostalgia as his armor still falls off before the fight. The iron body is ready.
Fight wise, the big man has some of his older tricks to him to break defences. Krauser still has his original menacing dash as well as his Real Bout normals. He gets an overhead through his Forward Low Punch. Krauser has an answer for high attacks. His Blitzball causes knockdown when it’s a Rev attack and counts as a medium range instead of highs and lows (which can be ducked). Kaiser Wave guarded adds to 85% and 95% to the Rev gauge instead of the massive 336 damage.
Special wise, the Heavy Tomahawk has insane range from 25% of the screen and gets advantage on guard. It goes all the way to the other end even without the Rev. The uppercut grab can get opponents after they have done a move in the air. I missed with Mai’s uppercut move, and Krauser was able to get her after the whiff on her descent.
Krauser has an OTG from a Rev which can get his air counter throw if timed correctly. Rev version of course. Luckily, Ultimate Desire doesn’t need many inputs similar to Deadly Rave. Ultimate Desire has that ender. Kaiser Wave can still be held back for a few seconds.
Krauser is a pressure-based character who can deal serious damage thanks to his throw game. Closing gaps can also bring out the best in what Stroheim’s boss can really do. One would still have to watch out for missed moves because of Krauser’s hitbox. Wolfgang is definitely a boss in City of the Wolves.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is currently available for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
