# Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers (Arcade) Introduction ## Overview *Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers*, released in March 1998 by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS arcade platform, is the seventh installment in the *Fatal Fury* series and the third in the *Real Bout* subseries. Set in Southtown, it expands the King of Fighters tournament with 19 playable characters, including returning favorites like Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Geese Howard, plus newcomers Li Xiangfei and Rick Strowd. It refines the three-lane Oversway system, adds new Chain Combos, and introduces Break Shot moves for interrupting opponent attacks. A top-grossing arcade title in Japan (Game Machine, 1998), it was praised for its polished mechanics, vibrant 16-bit visuals, and diverse roster (AllGame: 4/5), though some noted its steep learning curve compared to *Street Fighter Alpha 3*. ## Why Play Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers? *Real Bout Fatal Fury 2* delivers fast-paced arcade fighting in a 1-2 hour single-player campaign and thrilling multiplayer. Players choose from 19 fighters to battle through 10 opponents, facing bosses like Alfred (secret character) or Geese Howard. Using four attack buttons (A/B for Punch, C/D for Kick), players execute Chain Combos, specials like Xiangfei’s Nanpa, and Break Shots to counter moves. The Oversway system (Up/Down + A/C) allows plane-switching across foreground, middle, and background for strategic dodging. Power Gauge moves, like Terry’s Power Geyser, unleash massive damage when full. Its detailed stages, like Rick’s casino, and jazzy soundtrack appeal to *Fatal Fury 3* and *Street Fighter II* fans, distinct from *Tetris Worlds*’ puzzles or *Batman: Gotham City Racer*’s racing. ## Key Features - Fight as 19 characters, including newcomers Xiangfei and Rick - Three-lane Oversway system for tactical movement - Chain Combos and Break Shots for advanced combat - Stunning 16-bit sprites with animated stage details - Competitive multiplayer for local two-player battles - Authentic Neo Geo MVS gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Play Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers Online Play *Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers* (1998, Arcade) instantly on Classic Joy Games with Neo Geo emulators. Available on retro platforms with 4.7/5 ratings from 95 votes. Original cabinets cost $700-$3,000 due to rarity. Use MAME (0.274 recommended) or RetroArch. Strategy: Use Break Shots to counter Alfred’s specials; chain combos for Geese. Cheat: At character select, hold B+C, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Start to unlock Alfred. Note: Some emulators may lag during plane switches or Power Gauge moves. Recent X posts praise *Real Bout Fatal Fury 2*’s fluid animations and Xiangfei’s debut but note its complex inputs (*post:1*). Join Classic Joy Games and rule the King of Fighters now!