SNK’s announcement of Marco Rodrigues’ return to the roster of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has ignited excitement among fans of the series, marking a significant milestone as the franchise makes a long-awaited comeback after nearly 25 years. Marco’s absence from playable appearances in Fatal Fury titles since his debut in SNK’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves in 1999 left a void that fans eagerly anticipated filling.
Originally known as Khushnood Butt due to early English localization efforts, Marco Rodrigues brings his expertise in Kyokugen Karate to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, showcasing familiar moves reminiscent of Ryo Sakazaki and himself. While Marco made cameo appearances in other SNK titles, his inclusion in City of the Wolves marks a notable return to the forefront of the series’ playable roster.
The reveal of Marco Rodrigues was met with enthusiasm, especially after a tantalizing gameplay trailer showcased his iconic moves like Kohouken, Hienshippukyaku, and Ryuusenken, alongside a revamped Zanretsuken now incorporated as City of the Wolves’ REV Blow mechanic. His story in the game as the assistant instructor of the Kyokugen Karate dojo, under the tutelage of King of Fighters regular Ryo Sakazaki, adds depth to his character and ties him to the series’ lore.
Portrayed by Kenichirou Matsuda in Japanese and Earl Baylon in English, Marco’s return fulfills the wishes of many fans who longed to see his familiar pompadour and hard-hitting karate moves grace the screen once again. With his confirmation in the game’s roster, anticipation builds for the potential inclusion of other beloved fighters from Garou: Mark of the Wolves, such as B. Jenet and Hotaru Futaba, further heightening excitement for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ release.