SNK Corporation has announced that it will add "ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the North Star Gaiden R," a title from the " Fist of the North Star " fighting game series, to the NEOGEO Premium Selection.
" ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the North Star Gaiden R," which was selected as an event title for the " SNK World Championship 2026 Finals," is making a comeback with modern updates such as online multiplayer and new characters.
"ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the North Star Gaiden R" is coming to the NEOGEO Premium Selection!
First released in arcades in 1996, “" Art of Fighting:Dragon Tiger Fist Gaiden," which debuted in arcades in 1996, is set to be released as " ART OF FIGHTING: Dragon Tiger Fist Gaiden R," featuring updates tailored for modern audiences.
YouTube
The trailer also revealed actual in-game footage.
Judging by the trailer, the smooth character movements derived from motion capture seem to have been further enhanced.
We highly recommend watching the trailer to experience the quality for yourself.
Extreme battles reach new heights! Balance adjustments have been made to existing characters.
In "ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the North Star Gaiden R," thorough balance adjustments will be implemented for existing characters such as Robert Garcia and Ryu Sakazaki.
Given that long-time fans have frequently voiced dissatisfaction with the power balance in this series, this update is certainly a long-awaited one.
Furthermore, the game features rollback-style netcode to ensure smooth online matches.
It’s fully in step with the current fighting game scene.
Numerous other updates aimed at enhancing gameplay are also planned, including expanded features in Training Mode.
The game is now more accessible not only to seasoned players but also to beginners who became interested in *Fatal Fury* through characters like Mr. KARATE, who appeared in *Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves*.
A long-awaited debut after nearly 30 years! “King” and “Yuri” have been added as playable characters.
Although "ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the North Star Gaiden R" is a remake, it will also feature new playable characters.
Adding new characters nearly 30 years after the game’s original release is an unprecedented move in the history of fighting games.
New Character: King
PR TIMESA fighter who wields a Muay Thai-based fighting style.
Armed with a calm and composed fighting style and sharp kicking techniques, he has faced off against numerous formidable opponents with his proven skill.
Contrary to his cool demeanor, he possesses a strong determination to protect his family, and his resolve to stay true to his beliefs even in the harshest situations has earned him the support of many players.He is one of the most popular characters in the series, known for his elegant yet practical fighting style.
The first additional character is King.
A familiar face in the “THE KING OF FIGHTERS” series, she is typically known for her proficiency in mid- to long-range combat using projectiles like the “Venom Strike.” How will she perform in “ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon Gaiden R”?
Additional Character: Yuri Sakazaki
PR TIMESA martial artist who has mastered Gokuryu Karate, and the younger sister of Ryo Sakazaki.
Despite her cheerful and free-spirited personality, she is a skilled fighter with exceptional combat instincts.
Inspired by past experiences, she took up karate and fights by making full use of dynamic techniques to which she has added her own unique twists.
She is known for her lighthearted, fast-paced battle style and approachable personality.As one of the series’ iconic female characters, she has enjoyed immense popularity for many years.
The second new character is Yuri Sakazaki.
Originally limited to demo scenes in the original version, she has finally joined the roster as a playable character, fulfilling the long-standing expectations of fans.
It will be interesting to see how her light, speed-oriented fighting style—which differs from that of her brother Ryu and Robert—will play out in *ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon Gaiden R*.
Details such as the release date and price for "ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon Gaiden R" will be announced at a later date.
Follow the official NEOGEO X account ( @NEOGEO_JP ) for the latest updates and stay tuned for more news!
| ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon Gaiden R Overview | |
|---|---|
| Title | ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon Gaiden R |
| Genre | Fighting |
| Supported Platforms | Steam |
| Release Date | To be announced at a later date |
| Price | To be announced at a later date |
The manga adaptation of the original work, "Fist of the North Star: Side Story—Orders for Carman," is also available as an e-book!
The manga " Fist of the North Star: Side Story—Orders for Karman " by Etsuya Tenshi, which was previously serialized in Comic GameSt, is now available as an e-book.
Featuring " Carman Cole," a playable character from *Fist of the North Star: Gaiden*, as the protagonist, this compelling story delves deeply into the game’s world.
It is available on the following platforms:
- Amazon Kindle
- BOOK★WALKER
- DMM
- Comic Seamo
- BookLive
- honto
- and other platforms
Why not pick up a copy of "ART OF FIGHTING: Fist of the Dragon & Tiger Side Story R" before its release to help immerse yourself in the game’s world?