Art of Fighting follows Yuri Sakazaki as she is kidnapped by unknown assailants, prompting her big brother Ryo Sakazaki and his friend Robert Garcia to search for her in the streets of South Town. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover clues about their family's connection to the mob and a figure from their past.
The gameplay in Art of Fighting deviates from traditional fighting games. Players have access to a Spirit meter, which decreases as special moves are performed. The Spirit meter can be replenished, but this leaves the player vulnerable to attack. A critical hit can only be executed when the health is low and the Spirit meter is full.
The Art of Fighting arcade version restricts players from selecting Mr. Big and Mr. Karate as playable characters.