View source for Garou: Mark of the Wolves

{{short description|1999 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Garou: Mark of the Wolves
| image = Garou - Mark of the Wolves arcade flyer.png
| developer = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[SNK]]}}|[[SNK Playmore]] <small>(PS2)</small><br />[[DotEmu]] <small>(PC)</small><br />[[Code Mystics]] <small>(PC/PS4/VITA)</small>}}
| publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|SNK}}|[[Agetec]] <small>(DC)</small><br />SNK Playmore <small>(Mobile/PC/PS2/PS4/VITA)</small><br />[[Hamster Corporation]] <small>(ACA Neo Geo)</small>}}
| producer = [[Hiroshi Matsumoto (game designer)|Hiroshi Matsumoto]]<br />Seigo Ito<br />T. Tsukamoto
| designer = I. Higemura<br />[[Yasuyuki Oda]]
| artist = D. Takagi<br />M. Hirano<br />[[Nobuyuki Kuroki]]
| composer = Akihiro Uchida<br />Masato Horiuchi<br />Yasuhiro Naka
| series = ''[[Fatal Fury]]''
| platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Arcade game|Arcade]]}}|[[Dreamcast]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[Linux]], [[Macintosh]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Neo Geo AES]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|26 November 1999}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|WW|26 November 1999}} '''Neo Geo AES'''{{vgrelease|WW|25 February 2000}} '''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|JP|27 September 2001|NA|23 November 2001}} '''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|30 June 2005}} '''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|WW|24 June 2009}} '''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|WW|19 February 2015}} '''PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita'''{{vgrelease|TW|15 June 2015|WW|3 December 2016|JP|7 December 2016}} '''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|8 January 2016}}}}
| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| arcade system = [[Neo Geo (system)|Neo Geo MVS]]
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'''''|餓狼マークオブザウルブズ|''Garō Māku obu za Urubuzu''|lit. "''Hungry Wolf: Mark of the Wolves''"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1999 [[fighting game]] developed and published by [[SNK]], originally for the [[Neo Geo (system)|Neo Geo]] [[Arcade video game|Arcade]] system and then as '''''Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves''''' for the [[Dreamcast]]. It is the sixth main installment in the ''[[Fatal Fury]]'' series. Though released a year after ''[[Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers]]'' (1998), the game is [[canon (fiction)|canon]]ically a sequel to ''[[Real Bout Fatal Fury]]'' (1995), taking place a decade after the events of that game. Ten years after combatant [[Terry Bogard]] kills crimelord [[Geese Howard]] in the King of Fighters competition, he and his adoptive son, [[Rock Howard]], enter into a Southtown tournament known as Maximum Mayhem to learn about the Howard legacy. The game features 14 characters, all new, with Terry's exception. As a fighting game, the game employs two innovative mechanics, the first known as T.O.P (Tactical Offensive Position), which provides players with powerful attacks when their health is within a certain range (chosen by the player prior to the start of the match), and the second known as Just Defend, which provides players with various advantages if they block attacks at precise moments.

The game was designed as an overhaul of the ''Fatal Fury'' series, as event planner [[Yasuyuki Oda]] found the franchise outdated when compared with SNK's IP ''[[The King of Fighters]]''. In order to remake the series, new protagonist Rock Howard was created, serving as the basis for Terry's redesign and the rest of the 12 characters, two of which are also bosses. Yasuyuki Oda and [[Nobuyuki Kuroki]] served as the main illustrators and character designers. The fighting system was created to be accessible to newcomers. The game was ported to several consoles, with the [[Xbox 360]] port being given an online mode, whereas more modern ports aimed to give improved netcode.

''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' became one of SNK's most famous fighting games of all time for its new fighting engine and new cast which appealed to both newcomers and returning players. Often compared with [[Capcom]]'s acclaimed ''[[Street Fighter III]]'' due to the new cast and visuals, the game has frequently appeared in lists of SNK's best fighting games. Ending in a cliffhanger, the game's narrative was briefly explored in ''[[KOF: Maximum Impact]]'' among other ''KOF'' games, though no plans for sequels were conceived after two years of development. Eventually, the sequel ''[[Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves]]'' was announced by SNK for a 2025 release.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:NEOGEO Garou - Mark of the Wolves.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot showcasing a match between [[B. Jenet]] and [[Rock Howard]] (''left''). As Rock's health is reaching his T.O.P the player will have access to Desperation Moves when reaching it.]]
Gameplay in ''Mark of the Wolves'' is set on a single two-dimensional movement plane, removing the "lane" system from prior ''Fatal Fury'' games that allowed characters to move between the foreground and background. The game introduces a new mechanic called the "Tactical Offense Position" (T.O.P.), indicated by a highlighted area on the characters' life gauges. When the gauge reaches this area, the character enters the T.O.P. mode, granting the player's character the ability to use a T.O.P. attack, gradual life recovery, and increased attack damage; players can set which portion of their life bar activates the T.O.P. mode before the match begins. The game also introduces the "Just Defend" system, which rewards the player who successfully blocks an attack at the last moment with a small amount of health recovery and the ability to immediately counterattack out of block stun.<ref name="shmu"/><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000511184633/http://www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/staff/staff1.html|url=http://www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/staff/staff1.html|website=NeoGeo|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=May 11, 2000|title=ここでは対戦で役立つテクニックを開発者自ら紹介しよう！}}</ref>

Similar to previous titles, the player is given a fighting rank after every round. If the player manages to win all rounds from the Arcade Mode with at least an "AAA" rank, they will face the boss Kain R. Heinlein, which unlocks an ending after he is defeated. If the requirements are not met, then Grant will be the final boss and there will be no special endings. Additionally, through Arcade Mode, before facing Grant, the player will face a mid-boss which can be any character from the cast depending on the character they use.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arcadequartermaster.com/garou_system.html|title=Maximum Mayhem System|website=Arcadequartermaster|access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref>

In addition to the standard Story mode, the console versions of the game include a second single-player mode, "Survival", in which the player must defeat as many opponents as possible while only regaining a limited amount of health after each battle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/fighting-games-best-survival-modes/|website=GameRant|access-date=September 23, 2024|title=5 Fighting Games With The Best Survival Modes|date=July 11, 2024}}</ref> By completing each mode with different characters, the player will unlock new content in an in-game gallery such as character portraits and promotional artwork.

==Plot and characters==
{{see also|List of Fatal Fury characters}}
Ten years after crime lord [[Geese Howard]]'s death, South Town has remained peaceful as [[Terry Bogard]] continues to raise Geese's son [[Rock Howard]]. The two suddenly receive a personal invitation to participate in a new King of Fighters tournament, the first to be held since Geese's death, dubbed "King of Fighters: Maximum Mayhem". Upon seeing in the invitation that the host also has information about Rock's deceased mother Marie, they travel to the neighboring city of Second Southtown to participate in the tournament, as do several other fighters, many of whom have ties to the previous tournaments' combatants. ''Mark of the Wolves'' features 14 playable characters. Terry Bogard is the only returning character from the previous ''Fatal Fury'' games, though many of the new cast are relatives or disciples of other characters from past entries. As revealed in the featurette ''Memories of Stray Wolves'', Rock is the winner of the tournament, joining the host Kain after learning he is related to his mother. Kain created the new tournament to attract his nephew and discover the meaning behind Geese's legacy.<ref>{{cite AV media |date = 2006 |title = 餓狼伝説 15th Anniversary BOX |type= CD + DVD |publisher = [[SNK Playmore]]}}</ref>
{{collist|*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#B. Jenet|B. Jenet]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Freeman|Freeman]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Gato|Gato]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Grant|Grant]]{{efn-lr|name=boss|Boss character}}
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Hokutomaru|Hokutomaru]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Hotaru Futaba|Hotaru Futaba]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Kain R. Heinlein|Kain R. Heinlein]]{{efn-lr|name=boss}}
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Kevin Rian|Kevin Rian]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Kim Dong-Hwan|Kim Dong-Hwan]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Kim Jae-Hoon|Kim Jae-Hoon]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Marco Rodrigues|Marco Rodrigues]]
*[[Rock Howard]]
*[[Terry Bogard]]
*[[List of Fatal Fury characters#Tizoc / King of Dinosaurs|Tizoc]]
}}
{{notelist-lr}}

==Development==
''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''' development team was formed during the [[NeoGeo]] era of SNK. Several artists worked on it, as SNK was developing two new installments based on the ''Fatal Fury'' series: the 3D fighting game remake of the first game, ''[[Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition]]'' and ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''. Hiroaki Hashimoto was a minor artist, as he moved to become the main artist of ''Wild Ambition'' and the new game ''[[Buriki One]],'' while Tonko remained as the main illustrator for the sequences and character illustrations. Meanwhile, [[Shinkiro]] did not return to work on either of these installments because he was busy illustrating ''The King of Fighters''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://shmuplations.com/snkartists/|title=The Illustrators of SNK – 2001 Developer Interview|website=Shmuplations}}</ref> Artist [[Nobuyuki Kuroki]] was in charge of first making character animations. According to planner [[Yasuyuki Oda]], the gameplay was changed to avoid conventional gameplay conventions. As they feared negative response, the concept behind this game was "a game that's snappy, without getting tiresome". A variety of fighting system features were developed for this game. The Break Moves were inspired since ''Real Bout Fatal Fury,'' but because the ''Real Bout'' series was predicated on longer recovery frames on hit and block, it was not something Oda was able to realize until ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''. There were original idea for Tizoc to avoid break moves but there were regrets in retrospect. The system known as "Just Defense" was conceived as a method that synchs with the returning Guard Crush, and after adding various additional elements, it took the form seen in the finished product. With regards to recovering the player's health bar, the idea was to think of it as being able to earn a breather via efficient and accurate defense. T.O.P. Attacks came about through wanting to implement "an additional new game system that would not require the player to learn new commands", making the game more accessible. However, it was tricky to design this system, as it was a curbing phenomenon where the more they modified and tuned the system, the less differentiation there would be with the T.O.P. meter. It was difficult to set power values that'd satisfy the widest swathe of players. There was a careful idea with balancing strong and weak attacks. When it came to special moves, SNK removed the chain combo system and created new means of combos. This led to the idea of consecutive specials, which served as a major contrast to previous ''Fatal Fury'' games devoted to normal-to-special flow.<ref name="shmu"/>

Multiple changes to ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' were made to show a bigger difference from previous games, due to most characters being new. The King of Fighters is commonly associated with [[Kyo Kusanagi]] and [[Iori Yagami]] from the [[The King of Fighters|series with the same name]], rather than ''Fatal Fury'' characters. As a result, the new tournament was dubbed "Maximum Mayhem King of Fighters" to give a new tension to associate the new characters by giving the city of Southtown more emphasis to the narrative.<ref name="shmu"/> The event planner was Kim Ken, who was in charge of test locations of ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''. They ended on November 3, 1999 and feedback resulted in adjustments to the game. The staff found developing the game challenging in regards to how they handled their respective parts while working together. Dan was a subprogrammer in charge of enemy AIs as well as Rock, Don Juan, Hotaru, Hokutomaru, and Grant. Rock Howard's Deadly Rave move was originally hard to do during location tests. Despite being a sequel to ''Real Bout Fatal Fury'', staff member M Hirano regarded ''Garou'' as a completely new series due to the usage of new characters. The backgrounds were made in order to look as Neo Geo fitting as possible. "TASHIBOO" is famous for being the effects craftsman of the ''Garou'' team, who had been creating those effects for five years. When he was a rookie, he created the Power Wave in ''Real Bout Fatal Fury'' for the lead Terry Bogard. Oda was impressed by TASHIBOO's work and hired him to do the effects for ''Garou''. The handicap system, which was met with mixed reviews during the location test at Neo Geo Land, was kept. In response to rumors that [[Geese Howard]] was a hidden character, the SNK staff denied it.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000511171752/http://www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/staff/staff0.htm|url=http://www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/staff/staff0.htm|url-status=unfit|title=Staff Comment|website=Neo Geo|archive-date=2000-05-11 }}</ref> While the SNK team created the cast together, Oda was in charge of the final call, with artist Tonko making the main illustrations for each character's profile.<ref>https://x.com/NobuyukiKuroki/status/1837686948649226393</ref>

===Cast and moves===
[[File:Garoumarkofthewolvescastdesign.png|thumb|300px|right|Sketches of the redesigned Terry (''left'') and the protagonist Rock; Being the protagonist he was the first character to serve as the basis for the entire cast.]]
Rock's character and entire personality served as the main basis for the game. This led to the creation of supporting characters like B. Jenet or Terry Bogard's redesign. Since Rock was the protagonist, the cast gave full attention to him. Nobyuki Kuroki tried giving him his own style of cool which he hoped would attract gamers.<ref name="shmu">{{cite web|url=https://shmuplations.com/garou/|website=Shmuplations|access-date=September 15, 2024|title=Yasuyuki Oda - Planner}}</ref>  The character of Rock Howard was created by Nobuyuki Kuroki in 1998. Both he and Yasuyuki Oda wondered what type of hero would succeed [[Terry Bogard]] in ''Fatal Fury''{{'}}s latest game, ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''. While they were not confident with Rock, they still decided to make him as the new protagonist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.facebook.com/wasabi.tenpura/posts/1064562730263119 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/100001282079158/1064562730263119 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Nobuyuki Kuroki|publisher=Facebook|date=January 17, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to Oda, Rock was originally a weak character in his own debut.  SNK wanted Rock to retain many of his original traits from ''Mark of the Wolves'', such as the way he adjusts his gloves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoryuken.com/2017/03/29/get-ready-to-rock-howard-with-the-last-of-king-of-fighters-xivs-dlc-announcements/|title=Get ready to Rock (Howard) with the last of The King of Fighters XIV's DLC announcements|publisher=Shoryuken|date=March 29, 2017|accessdate=September 9, 2017}}</ref> Rock was designed to contrast previous 'masculine' ''Fatal Fury'' characters by giving him a more ''[[bishonen]]'' appearance, something Nobuyuki Kuroki felt the sequel needed to balance the cast, which was an issue he felt ''Real Bout'' suffered. Similarly, Hotaru was given a ''[[Moe (slang)|moe]]'' inspired look to balance the playable characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201808/24162612.html|title=『餓狼MOW』には幻の『2』があった!? SNKスタッフが『KOF』や『メタルスラッグ』などNEOGEO mini収録タイトルの思い出を語る|date=24 August 2018 |publisher=Famitsu|access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref> Hotaru did not have much personality, which was hard to convey until the decision to make emphasis on how she seeks her older brother.<ref name="shmu"/> Meanwhile, B. Jenet was designed after her sex appeal, with the personality of an older sister who would often frequent bars.<ref name="shmu"/>

Terry was also redesigned, labeled as "cool" by the SNK staff because they thought Terry's previous look had become outdated. It was inspired by the style ''KOF'' characters have like Kyo Kusanagi, who tends to wear a high school uniform over a traditional fighting outfit.<ref name="Siliconera">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/30/snk-developers-talk-about-how-some-of-the-classic-arcade-games-were-made/|title=SNK Developers Talk About How Some Of The Classic Arcade Games Were Made|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062217/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/30/snk-developers-talk-about-how-some-of-the-classic-arcade-games-were-made/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter|archive-date=July 31, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>  Another reason for the change of clothing was to symbolize Terry's more peaceful personality now displayed in ''Mark of the Wolves''.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=187|page=11|publisher= Various|year=2018|asin=B07MGHY9GZ|title=40 Years of SNK}}</ref> The story was written with a cliffhanger from the get go, thus leaving open the possibility for a potential sequel. New moves were created for both Rock and B. Jenet before development was put on hold.<ref name="Siliconera"/> Kengo Asai, who previously worked in ''[[Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer]]'', ''[[Money Puzzle Exchanger]]'' and ''[[The Last Blade]]'' series, was also involved in development of the game. Oda called Terry's strongest new move Buster Wolf to fit the Showa Era rather than God Geyser Twin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/snk_oda/status/1169950666028023809|title=テリーのスマブラ発表後ちょっぴりbuster wolfが話題になってるようなので、初期案の設定を貼っときます。バスターウルフもそうですが元の名前も昭和臭がすごくて若気の至りです。#garou #mow #kof #terry|publisher=Twitter|access-date=September 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907073842/https://twitter.com/snk_oda/status/1169950666028023809|archive-date=September 7, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The design required a certain amount of ruggedness, but Oda was careful to keep him from looking too old-fashioned. Regarding his moves, Oda put together his kit with the intention of producing the "ultimate version of Terry". For this game, the intent was to make 35-year-old Terry feel a little more subdued, so he paid attention to those areas, but he still somersaults when he jumps, and goes into a full sprint when he dashes, so he hasn't really lost a step. He hopes Terry maintains his good health for more games. Gato primarily focuses on kick techniques and was inspired by Xiangfei. Meanwhile, B. Jenet was based on Alfred. The staff was concerned with Tizoc's size and mask, while Marco was given a vague sex appeal. The two Taekwondo users were given contrasting personalities but had to be given similar designs as a result of time constraints. Hokutomaru was given the air of a brat, with a small air of coolness, with moves meant to attract players. Freeman gave the designer nervous feelings due to similarities with another character.<ref name="shmu"/> The two bosses were purposely illustrated to look strong.<ref name="shmu"/>

===Release===
''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' was originally released for Japanese arcades on November 26, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.neogeo.co.jp/english/en_garou.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010816022134/http://www.neogeo.co.jp/english/en_garou.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2001-08-16|title=GAROU-MARK OF THE WOLVES-|language=en|publisher=SNK|access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/official/online/mow/index.php|title=餓狼 MARK OF THE WOLVES|language=ja|publisher=SNK Playmore|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref> It was first ported to the Neo Geo on February 25, 2000, and to the Dreamcast on September 21, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/neo/action/garoumarkofthewolves/index.html?tag=result;title;1|title=Garou Mark of the Wolves (NG)|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref> In a popularity poll by SNK for the release of ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'', Rock topped the ranking and Terry ranked second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.personal.triticom.com/~erm/www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/sss/vote_chara/vote_c.htm|title=Popularity polls from Garou: Mark of the Wolves|publisher=Archived version of the Neo Geo official website by Personal Triticom|access-date=January 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041031032010/http://www.personal.triticom.com/~erm/www.neogeo.co.jp/garou/sss/vote_chara/vote_c.htm|archive-date=October 31, 2004|url-status=live}}</ref> First announced in [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2001,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/30/tgs-2001-dc-mark-of-the-wolves-confirmed|title=TGS 2001: DC Mark of the Wolves Confirmed|website=IGN|date=March 30, 2002|access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref> the Dreamcast port was re-released on May 23, 2002, under the label of "SNK Best". The original Dreamcast version was the only port released in North America on November 23, 2001, being one of the last games for the system in that region. In that version, it was renamed ''Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/action/fatalfurymarkofthewolves/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves (DC)|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref>

A PlayStation 2 port of the game was released in Japan on June 30, 2005, but was not released in North America. This port was re-released in the title of "NeoGeo Online Collection" and a "Limited Edition" of the same title on June 30. On June 21, 2007, it was once again released as "SNK Best Collection".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/fatalfurymarkofthewolves/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves (PS2)|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref> The title also came to [[Xbox Live Arcade]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173837|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718041323/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173837|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Microsoft Japan Media Conference Liveblog Report|date=20 April 2009|publisher=1UP.com|access-date=2009-04-21}}</ref> on June 24, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/press_releases/index_press.php?num=206|script-title=ja:報道関係者各位|language=ja |date=2009-06-19|publisher=SNK Playmore|access-date=2009-04-21|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623052442/http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/press_releases/index_press.php?num=206|archive-date=2009-06-23}}</ref> In promoting ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'', SNK has used machine translations to describe the game which led to poorly done translations involving the main character. [[GiantBomb]] considered this a common issue seen in SNK history comparable to the iconic "[[All your base are belong to us]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/thats-just-snk-being-snk/1100-1468/|title=That's Just SNK Being SNK|date=June 24, 2009|access-date=September 24, 2024}}</ref>

The [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation Vita]] ports were later released, the latter for PlayStation Network in December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/17/garou-mark-wolves-headed-playstation-4-playstation-vita/|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves Is Headed to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita|date=July 17, 2016|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> A [[Nintendo Switch]] port would be released by [[Hamster Corporation]] on May 11, 2017, digitally under the ''[[ACA Neo Geo]]'' label, marking the first time the game was available on a Nintendo system. The Xbox One would later receive its own port of ''Garou'' on August 16, 2018, under the ''ACA Neo Geo'' banner. This version — a straight, barebones port of the original arcade game — was also released for the PlayStation 4 on the same day, separate from the online-capable version that had already been released for the console more than two years prior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-one-of-the-greatest-games-of-all-time-hits-ps4-and-xbox-one-today-518595.phtml|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves, One of the Greatest Games of All-Time, Hits PS4 and Xbox One Today|date=August 16, 2018|publisher=Destructoid|access-date=October 4, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2020, GOG, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita versions of ''Garou'' featured rollback netcode from an update by [[Code Mystics]], who also added their port of the game, replacing [[DotEmu]]'s port that was released on Steam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmrace.com/2020/01/22/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-en-pc-ahora-cuenta-con-cuenta-el-netcode-con-rollback-de-code-mystics/|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves en PC ahora cuenta con el Netcode con Rollback de Code Mystics|website=PCRace|access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2016/07/18/noticias/1468833000_156911.html|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves vuelve a PS4 y PS Vita |website=Meristation |date=4 July 2017 |access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref> Among bugfixes in the Steam version, the PlayStation 4 port also had Automatic or user-defined netcode settings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/366240/announcements/detail/1690474569552557234 |title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves Netcode overhaul|access-date=January 21, 2024|website=Steam Community|date=29 January 2020 }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = SDC: 86/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/garou-mark-of-the-wolves/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves for Dreamcast Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-11-06}}</ref><br />X360: 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/garou-mark-of-the-wolves/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-11-06}}</ref>
| EGM = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mielke |first=James |date=January 2002 |title=Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=150 |page=232}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gamespotrev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/action/fatalfurymarkofthewolves/review.html|title=Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves for Dreamcast Review - Dreamcast Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves Review<!-- Bot generated title --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204050953/https://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/action/fatalfurymarkofthewolves/review.html/|archive-date=February 4, 2009}}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://uk.dreamcast.ign.com/articles/166/166258p1.html|title=Fatal Fury: Mark of The Wolves Review|website=IGN|access-date=October 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007042313/http://uk.dreamcast.ign.com/articles/166/166258p1.html|archive-date=October 7, 2008}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[TouchArcade]]''
| rev1Score = iOS: 4.5/5<ref name="toucharcade">{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/02/23/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-review/ |title='Garou: Mark of the Wolves' Review – When Butt Fights Dong, We All Win |last=Dotson |first=Carter |date=2015-02-23 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=2018-11-06}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''Meristation''
| rev2Score = 8/10<ref name="meristationrev"/>
| rev3 = ''GameRevolution''
| rev3Score = B+<ref name="gamerv"/>
| rev4 = ''TeamXbox''
| rev4Score = 7.5/10<ref name="teamxbox"/>
| award1Pub = [[GameSpot]]
| award1 = Best Fighting Game ([[2001 in video gaming|2001]])<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p3_16.html GameSpot:Video Games PC Xbox 360 PS3 Wii PSP DS PS2 PlayStation 2 GameCube GBA PlayStation 3<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205011140/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p3_16.html |date=February 5, 2009 }}</ref> 
}}
Critical response to ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' was positive. [[GameSpot]] referred to it as both one of SNK's last great Neo-Geo games, as well as one of the last great games for the Sega Dreamcast ever.<ref name="gamespotrev"/> Meristation said the game innovated the fighting engine of ''Fatal Fury'', with both T.O.P and Just Defense standing out as good features in the review.<ref name="meristationrev">{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2009/06/26/analisis/1245996240_018964.html|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves|website=Meristation|date=June 26, 2009|access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref> [[Destructoid]] referred to ''Garou'' as "one of the greatest games of all-time", and called it "essentially a flawless fighting game", praising its sprite animations, musical score, detailed stages, fighting mechanics, and likable cast. However, they criticized the PS4 and Xbox One releases for being straight arcade ports that had no online mode or other extra features contained in the Xbox 360 version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-one-of-the-greatest-games-of-all-time-hits-ps4-and-xbox-one-today/|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves, one of the greatest games of all-time, hits PS4 and Xbox One today|website=Destructoid|access-date=September 21, 2024|date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> Comparisons with ''[[Street Fighter III]]'' were common: [[Game Revolution]] remarked how both games were alike in that they each had redrawn sprites, new fighting mechanics, and featured almost entirely new casts of characters, in addition to likening the Just Defense system to Street Fighter III's parry system. They also praised its character animations, musical score, tight controls, and depth as well.<ref name="gamerv"/> 3DJuegos called it the ''Street Fighter III'' of SNK due to the largely new cast and new game mechanics, as well as one of SNK's best fighting games ever created. Like other aforementioned reviewers, they too praised the fighting mechanics, stage design, and musical score, but warned against playing the mobile versions with touch controls rather than a standard controller.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/garou-mark-of-the-wolves/analisis/only-winners-150303-7276|title=Análisis de Garou Mark of the Wolves. Only Winners|website=3DJuegos|date=3 March 2015 |access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref> IGN also compared the gamestyle with ''Street Fighter II'' but lamented the poor netcode.<ref name="ign"/> Vidaextra found the Just Defended command similar to the Parries from ''Street Fighter III'', as both can offer the player strategic defensive methods to win their fights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vidaextra.com/analisis/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-espectacular-final-saga-fatal-fury|website=Vidaextra|access-date=September 23, 2024|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves Espectacular Final Saga Fatal Fury|date=27 January 2021 |language=Spanish}}</ref>

In its review of the Dreamcast port, IGN praised the depth of Garou's gameplay mechanics such as the T.O.P system and Just Defense, as well as the character animations and special effects. They said that while the character sprites themselves weren't as detailed as those in ''[[Guilty Gear X]]'', their animations were among the best ever in a 2D fighting game. They also drew comparison with another contemporary fighting game, ''[[Marvel vs Capcom 2]]'', in praising the visual appeal of special effects during combat. However, they criticized the game for its character balance, claiming some characters were a bit better than others, as well as criticizing its stages, which they called "a bit plain", and the lack of modes and longevity within the game. They said that the game lacked modes to appeal to the average gamer incentive like ''[[Street Fighter Alpha 3]]''{{'}}s World Tour Mode. Despite these criticisms, IGN said the game was nevertheless "definitely a worthy purchase".<ref name="ign"/> [[TouchArcade]] was surprised by the game's accessibility as the T.O.P. system made the special moves easy to use, with each character bringing their own unique gameplay mechanics, but still found the iOS port to have complicated buttons.<ref name="toucharcade"/>  Though the Xbox port was notable for having an online mode, it suffered criticism for being a bit sluggish.<ref name="gamerv">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/garou-mark-of-the-wolves|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001124259/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/garou-mark-of-the-wolves|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves Review|website=GameRevolution|access-date=September 21, 2024|archivedate=October 1, 2015}}</ref> The Xbox version was also criticized for unfitting controls to the point TeamXbox instead recommended newcomers to try the ''Street Fighter'' series.<ref name="teamxbox">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1727/Fatal-Fury-GarouMark-of-the-Wolves/p1/|website=TeamXbox|access-date=September 21, 2024 | title=Fatal Fury: Garou-Mark of the Wolves Review (Xbox 360)| date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307005158/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1727/Fatal-Fury-GarouMark-of-the-Wolves/p1/|archive-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> The lack of modes was another issue by Meristation.<ref name="meristationrev"/> PCMag, in its review of the PC Steam port, enjoyed the gameplay and art design but lamented the poor framerate. They compared the Just Defense system with ''Street Fighter III''{{'s}} parry system, criticizing it for being less rewarding than Capcom's take.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-for-pc|title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves (for PC) Review|website=PCMag|access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref> Nintendo Life enjoyed the familiarity of the new characters such as Kim's sons, Rock being a hybrid of Geese Howard and Terry Bogard, and heroine B. Jennet. They compared the tactical feel of the gameplay to ''Street Fighter III'' and found the visuals as striking as previous ''Real Bout'' subseries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/garou_mark_of_the_wolves_neogeo|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=September 21, 2024 | title=Garou: Mark of the Wolves Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) | date=11 May 2017 }}</ref> On a more negative note, TeamXbox criticized the lack of a notable storyline, as the characters have few interactions to explain their motivations to participate in the fighting tournament.<ref name="teamxbox">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1727/Fatal-Fury-GarouMark-of-the-Wolves/p1/|website=TeamXbox|access-date=September 21, 2024 | title=Fatal Fury: Garou-Mark of the Wolves Review (Xbox 360)| date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307005158/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1727/Fatal-Fury-GarouMark-of-the-Wolves/p1/|archive-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref>

In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' in their January 1, 2000 issue as being the most-successful arcade game of the month.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=602|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=1 January 2000|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> In ''GameSpot''{{'}}s article "The History of SNK", ''Garou'' and ''[[The King of Fighters '99|The King of Fighters '99: Evolution]]'' were described as one of the best fighting games on the Dreamcast.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6089278/p-22.html|title=The History of SNK, page 22|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531074723/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6089278/p-22.html|archive-date=May 31, 2009|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2009}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'' named ''Mark of the Wolves'' the "Best Fighting Game of 2001". It was also nominated for the publication's annual "Best Game No One Played" and "Best Dreamcast Game" prizes among [[console game]]s, but lost these respectively to ''[[Victorious Boxers: Ippo's Road to Glory]]'' and ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]''.<ref name=bestworst2001>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803185618/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 | author=''GameSpot VG'' Staff | date=February 23, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was also nominated for "Outstanding Fighting Game Sequel" by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers, but lost to ''[[Dead or Alive 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://navgtr.org/2001-awards/ | title=2001 Awards NAVGTR | website=NAVGTR National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | publisher= | access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> ONE37pm listed it as the 11th best SNK game, calling it accessible, refreshing, and appealing enough to compete with Capcom's acclaimed ''[[Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.one37pm.com/gaming/snk-fighting-games|title=The 20 Best SNK Fighting Games|website=ONEP37pm|access-date=September 9, 2024|date=January 9, 2024|author=Jones, Elton}}</ref> [[Arc System Works]] developers also called ''Garou'' one of their favorite video games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2016/07/18/garou-mark-of-the-wolves-is-coming-to-the-ps4-and-ps-vita/|title='Garou: Mark Of The Wolves' Is Coming To The PS4 And PS Vita|website=Forbes|access-date=September 21, 2024|date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> Despite regarding it as one of the best SNK games released, the game had poor visibility as the Dreamcast version was only released in Japan and North America while the PlayStation 2 port took a few years to be released and wasn't available in all regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/29/reportajes/1582969977_909030.html|title=Cinco recreativas que salieron a destiempo|website=Meristation|access-date=September 21, 2024|date=February 21, 2020}}</ref> They also regarded it as a classic game still outstanding for modern gamers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2018/11/07/reportajes/1541572569_853273.html|title=Juegos de lucha clásicos para consolas actuales|website=Meristation|access-date=September 21, 2024|date=November 7, 2018}}</ref> Polygon acclaimed the highly regarded spritework, which many feel is only matched by games such as ''3rd Strike'' and ''[[The King of Fighters XIII]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/5/13/8595963/a-pixel-artist-renounces-pixel-art|title = A pixel artist renounces pixel art|website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date = 13 May 2015|access-date = 29 April 2021|archive-date = 24 April 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210424080605/https://www.polygon.com/2015/5/13/8595963/a-pixel-artist-renounces-pixel-art|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Legacy===
{{main|Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves}}
During the KOF Year-End Party 2005 fan event, illustrator [[Falcoon]] mentioned that a sequel to ''Mark of the Wolves'' for the Neo Geo was around 70% complete, though this never materialized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.snkplaymore.co.jp/event/kof_year-end_party/2005/report/|title=2005 KOF-party|publisher=[[SNK Playmore]]|access-date=2009-01-24}}</ref> In June 2016, SNK revealed production artwork and sprites of the cancelled sequel's characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/317/G031749/20160613002/index_2.html|title=新生SNKのモノ作りはここから始まる。「餓狼MOW2」の話題も飛び出した，「THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV」開発陣インタビュー|publisher=4Gamer|date=June 13, 2016|access-date=July 17, 2016 |language=ja}}</ref> Though [[Akihiko Ureshino]] has not talked about working on the upcoming ''Fatal Fury'' sequel ''Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves'', he sees the Terry from ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves'' as a more fatherly character, having issues adopting Rock Howard, and trying his best to write them together in the spin-off ''[[KOF: Maximum Impact]],'' which takes place before ''Garou'' by his own request.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://note.com/ureshino_te/n/n8c4eac9d36dc|title=【SNK】テリニキ【餓狼】|date=15 March 2022 |language=Japanese|access-date=September 9, 2024}}</ref> Ureshino laments not being able to write his own ''Fatal Fury'' novels, as SNK had been restricting ''Garou'' novelizations since they had already teamed up with [[Kodansha]] and were planning to develop an official story called ''Garou Densetsu Seiden'' on a large scale, whether as a comic or a novel. Ureshino thinks that was probably why he had approached Gamest Z Bunko prior to this about a novelization of ''Fatal Fury 3'' and been turned down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ureshino.hatenadiary.jp/entry/2020/03/12/%E3%80%8E%E9%A4%93%E7%8B%BC%E4%BC%9D%E8%AA%AC_StrayDog%2CStrayWolf%E3%80%8F|publisher=Ureshino Hatenadiary|access-date=September 15, 2024|language=ja|title=『餓狼伝説 StrayDog,StrayWolf』 }}</ref>

''[[The King of Fighters 2003]]'', ''[[The King of Fighters XI]]'', as well as other ''KOF'' games feature Terry's ''Mark of the Wolves'' design, alongside other characters like Gato, Tizoc, and B. Jenet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kof2003|title=King of Fighters 2003|publisher=The King of Fighter 10th anniversary website|access-date=January 24, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303231947/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kof2003|archive-date=March 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/history/history.php?num=kofxi|title=King of Fighters XI|publisher=The King of Fighter 10th anniversary website|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218130004/http://kofaniv.snkplaymore.co.jp/history/kofxi_story/index.php?num=garou|archive-date=December 18, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="characters">{{cite web|url=https://kofaniv.snk-corp.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kofxi|title=The King of Fighters XI|publisher=SNK Playmore|access-date=November 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414020323/http://kofaniv.snk-corp.co.jp/english/history/history.php?num=kofxi |archive-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2022, a new ''Fatal Fury'' game was officially announced. Titled ''[[Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves]]'', the sequel will be [[2.5D]], similar to other contemporary SNK fighting games, and will continue the story of ''Mark of the Wolves'' while also bringing back characters from earlier ''Fatal Fury'' games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/fatal-fury-city-of-the-wolves-announced-at-evo-2023|title=Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Announced at EVO 2023|last=Bankhurst|first=Adam|website=IGN|date=August 5, 2023|access-date=August 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/04/new-fatal-fury-garou-game-adds-terry-bogard-andy-bogard-and-joe-higashi|title=New Fatal Fury / Garou game adds Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi|website=Gematsu|date=April 1, 2023|access-date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> ''City of the Wolves'' released on April 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/03/fatal-fury-city-of-the-wolves-launches-in-early-2025|title=Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves launches in early 2025|website=Gematsu|date=March 17, 2024|access-date=March 17, 2024}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://game.snk-corp.co.jp/official/online/mow/index.php}}
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/562919-garou-mark-of-the-wolves ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''] at [[GameFAQs]]
* [https://www.giantbomb.com/garou-mark-of-the-wolves/3030-10674/ ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''] at [[Giant Bomb]]
* [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7918 ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''] at [[Killer List of Videogames]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/garou-mark-of-the-wolves ''Garou: Mark of the Wolves''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Fatal Fury|state=expanded}}
{{Portal bar|1990s|Japan|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}

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