Chun-Li Returns to SNK After 22 Years, Sparking Developer Nostalgia
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves director Hayato Konya has admitted to feeling nervous about incorporating Street Fighter’s Chun-Li into the upcoming game. The iconic character, scheduled for winter 2025 release, marks her return to an SNK mainline title after nearly two decades. Konya described the experience as both anxious and nostalgic, recalling childhood memories of playing Street Fighter II.The development team faced significant pressure in adapting one of gaming’s most recognizable female characters. Chun-Li holds historic significance as the first playable female character in a major fighting game and remains one of the most-searched female video game characters globally. Her inclusion completes the crossover partnership that began with Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui joining Street Fighter 6.
Faithful Recreation with Emotional Resonance
SNK prioritized authentic character interactions, carefully recreating classic moments from previous Capcom collaborations. The game features a direct reference to the famous SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos promotional artwork depicting Chun-Li and Mai Shiranui. Similar attention was given to Ken’s introduction sequence with Terry Bogard in earlier DLC.
Konya emphasized creating “cherished memories” for longtime fighting game fans who remember the characters’ arcade era origins. The team aimed to evoke strong emotional responses from players who witnessed the evolution of both franchises over decades. This approach extends to gameplay, where Chun-Li maintains her Street Fighter 6 moveset while adapting to Fatal Fury’s REV system.
Balancing Authenticity and Accessibility
The development process involved careful consideration of both Street Fighter and SNK player expectations. According to Konya, the battle director’s extensive Street Fighter knowledge proved crucial in balancing character mechanics. The team modified Chun-Li’s gameplay to fit Fatal Fury’s systems while ensuring Street Fighter players would feel immediately comfortable.
Chun-Li will join the City of the Wolves roster in winter 2025 across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Her release concludes the initial character exchange between the two fighting game giants, potentially paving the way for future collaborations between SNK and Capcom.
