於1995年在Neo Geo街機基板（MVS）正式登場，並隨後移植至家用主機AES與Neo Geo CD的《Real Bout 餓狼傳說》（Real Bout Fatal Fury / リアルバウト餓狼伝説），是SNK經典格鬥系列《餓狼傳說》邁向成熟的重要分水嶺。在整體設計上進行大刀闊斧的革新，捨棄前作《餓狼傳說 3》較為沉重且繁複的系統，轉而強調節奏明快、操作直覺與視覺華麗的對戰體驗，成功塑造出一種近乎「格鬥嘉年華」般的熱血氛圍。「Real Bout」之名不僅象徵系統層面的重生，也意味著南鎮霸主基斯·霍華德與泰瑞兄弟之間長年恩怨，正式邁入最終決戰的舞台。

在基本資料與整體表現方面，將Neo Geo的點陣繪圖能力推向極致。相較於前作較為陰暗的色調，改採明亮鮮豔的色彩設計，角色線條更加俐落，動作幀數顯著提升，使整體戰鬥流暢度達到系列新高。場景設計亦大幅進化，「場景破壞」與「邊界擊落（Out of Bounds）」系統成為最具代表性的特色之一。玩家可以將對手逼至場地邊緣，擊毀障礙物後直接將其打出場外，對手可能墜入水中或跌出牆外而立即敗北，這種設計大幅提升對戰的戲劇性與觀賞性。音樂風格則由過往偏重的管弦樂轉為節奏鮮明的搖滾與爵士，搭配清脆有力的打擊音效與豐富的角色語音，使整體氛圍更加熱鬧奔放，彷彿置身一場不間斷的格鬥盛宴。

劇情方面，聚焦於南鎮（South Town）權力核心的最終崩解。曾經墜樓身亡的黑幫帝王基斯·霍華德奇蹟般歸來，再次掌控城市並舉辦「King of Fighters」格鬥大賽，意圖鞏固其霸權。對泰瑞·波格、安迪·波格與東丈而言，這場比賽不僅是實力的較量，更是對過去仇恨的終極清算。故事在基斯塔頂端迎來高潮，當泰瑞擊敗基斯後試圖伸手救援，基斯卻選擇拒絕，帶著狂傲的笑聲墜入深淵，為這段恩怨劃下悲壯句點。這一幕不僅成為格鬥遊戲史上最經典的場景之一，也為後續角色如洛克·霍華德的故事埋下深刻伏筆。

在操作系統上，透過簡化與重組，使戰鬥節奏更加流暢且易於上手。原本複雜的三線系統被整合為更直觀的雙線機制，可以在兩個戰鬥平面之間切換，兼顧戰術深度與操作簡潔。按鍵配置調整為輕攻擊與重攻擊的明確分工，並導入「組合攻擊（Combination Attack）」概念，使連段更具連貫性與爽快感。此外，能量系統的進化亦為本作一大亮點，當能量達到最高狀態且體力降低時，玩家可施展威力驚人的「潛在能力（Hidden Ability）」。這類招式不僅傷害極高，演出效果也極為誇張，往往能在瞬間逆轉戰局，讓每一場對決都充滿高度張力與戲劇性。

市場評價方面，被廣泛視為系列中最具娛樂性與完成度的代表作之一。評論普遍肯定其成功的系統簡化策略，認為它重新找回格鬥遊戲最核心的樂趣——直覺操作、快速節奏與視覺衝擊的完美結合。雖然「場外擊落」機制在競技平衡性上曾引發討論，但也正是這種不可預測性，為街機對戰帶來更多歡樂與戲劇張力。整體而言，本作不僅鞏固《餓狼傳說》系列在SNK旗下的重要地位，也被公認為Neo Geo平台上不可或缺的經典之一。那種熱血沸騰的戰鬥節奏與基斯落幕的悲劇結局，至今仍深植於玩家記憶之中，成為2D格鬥黃金時代最耀眼的一道光芒。

Released in 1995 for the Neo Geo arcade system (MVS) and later ported to home consoles (AES and Neo Geo CD), Real Bout Fatal Fury (リアルバウト餓狼伝説) represents a major turning point for SNK’s long-running Fatal Fury series. The game introduced sweeping changes to both its visual style and gameplay systems, abandoning the heavier and more complex mechanics of Fatal Fury 3 in favor of a faster, more intuitive, and highly dynamic fighting experience. The “Real Bout” title not only signifies a mechanical rebirth, but also marks the climactic resolution of the long-standing rivalry between South Town’s crime lord Geese Howard and the Bogard brothers.

In terms of overall presentation and technical achievement, Real Bout Fatal Fury pushed the Neo Geo hardware to its limits. Compared to its predecessor’s darker tone, this installment features brighter, more vibrant colors, cleaner character outlines, and significantly increased animation frames, resulting in exceptionally smooth combat. One of its most distinctive visual innovations is the introduction of stage destruction and the “Out of Bounds” system. Players can smash environmental barriers and knock opponents out of the arena entirely, sending them plunging into water or crashing beyond the stage for an instant defeat. This mechanic adds a dramatic and cinematic layer to every match. The soundtrack also shifts in direction, replacing orchestral heaviness with energetic rock and jazz influences, complemented by crisp sound effects and extensive voice samples, creating an atmosphere that feels like a high-energy fighting festival.

The story centers on the final collapse of power in South Town. Geese Howard, previously presumed dead after his fall, miraculously returns to reclaim control of the city and organizes a new “King of Fighters” tournament to solidify his dominance. For Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi, this is more than just a competition—it is the ultimate chance to settle a deeply personal vendetta. The narrative reaches its iconic climax atop Geese Tower, where, after being defeated by Terry, Geese refuses his offered hand and instead falls into the abyss with a defiant laugh. This unforgettable moment stands as one of the most legendary scenes in fighting game history and lays the groundwork for future storylines, including that of Rock Howard.

Gameplay-wise, Real Bout Fatal Fury refines and streamlines its mechanics to deliver a more accessible yet strategically rich experience. The previously complex three-plane system is simplified into a more intuitive two-plane system, allowing players to shift between foreground and background layers with ease. The control scheme is also restructured for clarity, emphasizing a balance between light and heavy attacks, while introducing the “Combination Attack” system that enables fluid and visually satisfying combos. The power gauge system receives a major upgrade as well—when fully charged and paired with low health, players can unleash devastating “Hidden Abilities.” These powerful moves not only deal massive damage but are accompanied by dramatic visual effects, often turning the tide of battle in an instant and keeping every match intensely suspenseful.

In terms of reception, Real Bout Fatal Fury is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining and polished entries in the series. Critics praised its successful simplification of gameplay mechanics, highlighting how it recaptured the core essence of fighting games: fast-paced action, intuitive controls, and exhilarating visual impact. While the “Out of Bounds” system sparked some debate regarding competitive balance, its unpredictability also contributed to the excitement and spectacle of arcade play. Overall, the game is considered an essential classic on the Neo Geo platform, solidifying the legacy of the Fatal Fury series. Its electrifying combat, combined with the tragic conclusion of Geese Howard’s story, continues to resonate with players, standing as one of the brightest highlights of the golden age of 2D fighting games.