‘You ruined the game’: Fans divided as Cristiano Ronaldo joins Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Fans are split over Cristiano Ronaldo joining Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, with some excited while others criticise his inclusion in the fighting game.
Fans have reacted with a mix of excitement, confusion, and disappointment following former Real Madrid and Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprise announcement that he will be a playable character in the upcoming fighting game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. While some are thrilled to see the Portuguese football legend in an unexpected new role, others have criticised the move, questioning its logic and impact on the game's legacy.
On Wednesday, the 40-year-old Portuguese footballer took to his X account to break the news. The post immediately ignited debates, with supporters celebrating his crossover into gaming, while long-time Fatal Fury enthusiasts voiced their concerns.
SNK, the developer of the game, confirmed that Ronaldo will be a main roster character rather than a downloadable content (DLC) addition. Branded as CR7, his character is designed to incorporate football-based skills mixed with combat moves, making him a unique but controversial addition. Many gamers have criticised this choice, arguing that a footballer does not belong in a fighting game, especially at the expense of classic characters in the game.
Others have criticised the game's artwork, claiming that Ronaldo’s in-game model lacks detail and realism. A major point of contention is also the fact that another voice actor has been used for his character, which has left some of his most ardent fans feeling disconnected from the representation.
Speculation has arisen regarding SNK’s ownership by Saudi Arabia’s MiSK Foundation, which is linked to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Some believe Ronaldo’s inclusion may be tied to this connection, given that the Public Investment Fund, controlled by the Crown Prince, owns a 75% stake in Al Nassr FC, which is Ronaldo’s current club.
Despite the backlash, there are still fans excited to see Ronaldo in the game. Many of his supporters have defended the decision, seeing it as a fresh and fun addition that broadens the appeal of the game. Others have pointed out that crossover characters in fighting games are nothing new, with franchises often featuring surprise guests from different backgrounds.
The game, set for release on April 24 this year, will also feature classic SNK fighters like Andy and Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, as well as crossover icons such as Ken and Chun-Li from Street Fighter. Whether Ronaldo’s inclusion will ultimately be seen as a bold and successful move or a misstep remains to be seen, but for now, fan reactions remain fiercely divided.
