She's back. Finally. After what feels like an eternity of waiting and a mountain of fan requests, SNK confirmed that the gluttonous kung-fu prodigy is hitting the roster. Li Xiangfei in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves isn't just another legacy character being dusted off for a sequel; she represents a specific era of SNK’s fighting game peak that many feared was being left behind.
Xiangfei first burst onto the scene in Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers. Back then, she was the energetic waitress from South Town’s Chinatown, bringing a chaotic, unpredictable fighting style that stood in stark contrast to the disciplined techniques of Terry Bogard or Kim Kaphwan. Seeing her transition into the City of the Wolves engine—built on Unreal Engine 4—is a trip. The visual jump from 2D sprites to high-fidelity 3D models with that signature cel-shaded, comic-book aesthetic is jarring in the best way possible.
The Evolution of the Waitress-Warrior
What makes Li Xiangfei work? It’s the personality. Most fighters in the Fatal Fury universe are brooding, seeking revenge, or training to be the absolute strongest. Xiangfei just wants a good meal and maybe to dodge her chores at the White Bear restaurants. That levity is vital. In City of the Wolves, set roughly ten years after the events of Mark of the Wolves, everyone has aged. Everyone has baggage.
But Xiangfei? She seems to have retained that frantic energy, though her design has matured.
The developers at SNK, including producer Yasuyuki Oda, have been vocal about balancing nostalgia with modern mechanics. With Li Xiangfei in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves, they’ve kept her core identity—that mix of "Drunken Fist" (though she’s just clumsy/full, not drunk) and traditional Chinese wushu. Her moveset has always been about trickery. She’s the character that makes you tilt because her hitboxes don't always go where you think they should.
Honestly, the "Rev System" in this new game is going to change how she plays entirely. For those who haven't been keeping up with the beta tests or the character trailers, the Rev System allows for Rev Arts and Rev Blows. It’s a meter-burn mechanic that pushes characters into an "Overheat" state if used too much. Imagine Xiangfei—a character already known for fast, multi-hit combos—using Rev Accel to cancel moves into each other. It’s going to be a nightmare to block.
Why Xiangfei Fits the South Town Meta
South Town is a grim place. It’s a city defined by the shadow of Geese Howard, even years after his "death." The narrative tone of City of the Wolves feels heavier than previous entries. Bringing in a character like Xiangfei balances the scales. She’s part of the "Next Generation" but bridges the gap back to the Real Bout days.
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If you look at her gameplay reveal, her animations are expressive. SNK has a history of giving characters "idle" animations that tell a story, and Xiangfei is no exception. She’s constantly moving, adjusting her gear, or looking for a snack.
Breaking Down the Moveset Changes
In her previous appearances, specifically The King of Fighters 2002 UM, she was a mid-tier threat with incredible mix-up potential. In City of the Wolves, her toolkit seems refined for a more aggressive meta.
- The Overhead Game: Her jumping attacks have always been tricky, but the new lighting and hit-stop effects make her overheads look particularly punishing.
- The Command Grab: She’s always had a bit of a grappling side. In a game where the "Just Defend" mechanic (blocking at the last second to regain health and guard crush meter) is prevalent, having a command grab is a massive advantage.
- The Super Moves: Her "Chou Pai-Loh" (the giant energy blast) is back and looks more cinematic than ever.
It’s also worth noting the voice acting. The personality comes through in the battle chatter. She sounds like she's having fun, which makes losing to her slightly more annoying. Or a lot more annoying, depending on how much you hate being juggled in the corner.
The Technical Leap: How She Looks Now
Let's talk graphics. The transition from the 2D "Neo Geo" style to the "Neo-South Town" look is a big deal for Li Xiangfei in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves. Her outfit—a modernized take on her classic Chinese vest and loose pants—features physics-based movement that wasn't possible in the KOF XIV or XV era.
SNK is leaning hard into the "Artistic" side of the Unreal Engine. Instead of chasing hyper-realism like Tekken 8 or Mortal Kombat 1, they are going for a stylized, "moving painting" look. Xiangfei’s special moves are accompanied by thick ink-stroke effects and vibrant color pops that scream 90s arcade culture but feel premium.
The stages also play a role. Fighting in the neon-lit streets of the new South Town with Xiangfei feels right. There’s a specific kind of "urban martial arts" vibe that the Fatal Fury series owns, and she is the poster child for that sub-genre.
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The Competitive Edge: Is She High Tier?
It’s early days. The game isn't out for the general public yet, but pro players who got hands-on time at events like EVO have some thoughts. Xiangfei has always been a "technical" character. She isn't a "shoto" like Terry or Andy. You can't just throw fireballs and hope for the best.
To win with Xiangfei, you need to master her movement. She’s fast. Sorta like a fly you can't swat. Her dash speed and the way she can shift her momentum make her a prime candidate for players who like to bait and punish.
One thing to watch out for: her range. She doesn't have the long-reaching limbs of someone like Billy Kane or the projectile pressure of Mai Shiranui. She needs to be in your face. In City of the Wolves, closing the gap is easier thanks to the Rev Blow, which has armor. This might actually make her more viable than she ever was in the older games.
Dealing with the "Overheat" Risk
The Rev System is a double-edged sword. If Xiangfei overheats, she loses access to her best tools and her guard becomes easier to break. For a character that relies on constant pressure, managing that meter is going to be the difference between a win and a devastating comeback for the opponent.
Most people get her wrong by playing her too conservatively. You have to be willing to take risks. You have to be willing to go for that risky cross-up.
A Legacy Refined
There was a lot of debate online about who would fill the "guest" or "returning" slots in the roster. Some wanted Blue Mary (who is iconic), others wanted more Mark of the Wolves originals like Hokutomaru. Choosing Li Xiangfei was a smart move by SNK. She’s a "cult favorite." She represents the transition period of the late 90s where SNK was experimenting with different character archetypes.
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Her inclusion also hints at the story. If Xiangfei is around, what happened to the rest of the South Town crew? Is she still working at the restaurant, or has she moved on to bigger things? The "City of the Wolves" title implies a vacuum of power, and while she might not be vying for the throne of the underworld, she’s certainly caught in the crossfire.
Learning the Matchups
Early observations suggest she might struggle against "zoners." Characters who can keep her at bay with consistent projectiles will be her toughest hurdle. However, her small hurtbox—a carryover from her previous iterations—means some high-aiming projectiles might just whiff entirely if she's mid-animation.
The depth of Li Xiangfei in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves lies in the "unspoken" mechanics. The way her frame data interacts with the new "S.P.G." (Selective Potential Gear) system—which gives you buffs at a certain point in your health bar—is going to be a major point of study for lab monsters.
Final Thoughts on the Prodigy's Return
Xiangfei isn't just a nostalgic inclusion. She’s a necessary component of the Fatal Fury ecosystem. She brings speed, humor, and a unique fighting style that forces opponents to play a different game.
If you're planning on picking her up when the game drops, start practicing your execution now. She’s not a "pick up and play" character for beginners, despite her friendly appearance. She requires precision. But the payoff? Watching an opponent struggle to keep up with her "clumsy" yet lethal strikes is incredibly satisfying.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Xiangfei Players:
- Study the Rev System: Don't just spam Rev Arts. Learn the exact point where her combos cause Overheat so you can back off and reset the neutral.
- Focus on Movement: Use her dash and air options to bait out "Just Defends" from your opponent. If they’re looking for a parry, throw them.
- Watch the Frame Data: Pay close attention to her recovery times. Xiangfei is great at "poking," but many of her flashy moves leave her wide open if they don't connect.
- Master the Command Grab: In a game with high defensive options, her command grab is her best tool for breaking turtles. Learn the range and the "tick throw" setups.
The return of Li Xiangfei marks a turning point for the franchise. It shows SNK is willing to look at the entirety of their history, not just the most obvious hits. It’s a good time to be a fighting game fan. Get ready to eat—and fight.