Fatal Fury First Contact is based on the fighting game Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 for arcade machines. The console version includes both the old fighters (Terry, Giz and Mei Shiranui) and new ones (Rick Strode and Li Xiangfei). In addition, the main character Dominated Mind and the secret boss of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 Alfred are available for battles.

Fatal Fury First Contact offers a single lane combat system to make it easier for beginners to get into the game. At the same time, for more hardcore gamers, there is a deadly mechanic of Potential Power, which can turn the tide of a fight.