The Cream of the Crop
This is the pinnacle of fighting; these are the best entries of the best franchises. There are a lot of fighting games out there and a lot of mediocre ones so long lasting franchises are usually a sign of quality but when one has a dozen entries or more, it’s hard to know which are the ones to play and which should be avoided. These are the ones that should be played by every enthusiasts or newcomers to understand why these franchises are so beloved.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
The precise controls, diverse character roster, and deep mechanics make it a timeless classic in the competitive fighting game scene.
Mortal Kombat XL
Known for its visceral and brutal combat, Mortal Kombat XL captivates players with its cinematic story mode, extensive character customization, and iconic fatalities.
Killer Instinct
With its unique combo system, dynamic graphics, and constant updates, Killer Instinct maintains its appeal by combining nostalgia with modern gameplay innovation.
Tekken Tag Tournament
The tag team mechanics, robust character customization, and fluid 3D fighting engine contribute to Tekken Tag Tournament’s enduring popularity.
King Of Fighters 98 Final Edition
As a devoted fighting game enthusiast who experienced the release of King of Fighters 98, the game holds a special place in my heart for its timeless appeal. The roster, featuring an extensive and diverse array of characters, remains unmatched, with each fighter meticulously balanced to ensure competitive gameplay.
Crossovers
The best part of fighting games is everyone has his/her favorite characters from different franchises, imagining if Ryu from Street Fighter can take the Terry from Fatal Fury is the kind of what if we all love. Here we have some of the best games that allow these scenarios to play out.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Boasting an unparalleled crossover of gaming icons, Super Smash Bros Ultimate is beloved for its accessible yet deep gameplay, diverse stages, and a massive character roster that appeals to players of all skill levels.
Capcom vs SNK 2
Celebrated for its expansive character roster from two legendary companies and its intricate groove system, Capcom vs SNK 2 offers a satisfying blend of strategic depth and fan service.
Tatsunoko vs Capcom
This fast-paced and visually stunning crossover excels with its unique character lineup, accessible controls, and engaging gameplay, earning a special place in the fighting game community.
Street Fighter X Tekken
The fusion of two iconic franchises, diverse character interactions, and the innovative gem system make Street Fighter X Tekken a captivating crossover experience.
Marvel vs Capcom 2
Marvel vs Capcom 2 is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with my passion for fighting games. The frenetic, tag-team gameplay introduced an exhilarating level of chaos, requiring not only skillful execution but also strategic team composition. The flashy, over-the-top super moves and the dynamic synergy between characters created an electrifying atmosphere that fueled countless arcade sessions and heated home battles.
Underrated & Underappreciated
Like I mentioned, the plethora of fighting games that exists make it very difficult for titles without a huge marketing budget to break out; here are some games that might not have the brand recognition as juggernauts like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat or are tied to a franchise with a lot of mediocre games BUT every single game here is a masterpiece.
Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown
Praised for its realistic fighting physics, deep mechanics, and technical gameplay, Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown stands out as a pinnacle in 3D fighting games.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
With its stunning visuals, faithful Dragon Ball representation, and accessible yet deep combat system, Dragon Ball FighterZ captivates both fighting game enthusiasts and fans of the anime.
Guilty Gear Xrd
Known for its breathtaking 2.5D visuals, eclectic character design, and complex mechanics, Guilty Gear Xrd showcases Arc System Works’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Blazblue Central Fiction
This anime-inspired fighter stands out for its intricate plot, diverse character roster, and complex mechanics, offering a rich experience for both casual and competitive players.
Soul Calibur 2 Gamecube
Beyond its exceptional weapon-based combat and stunning visuals, the inclusion of Link from The Legend of Zelda added an extra layer of magic. The meticulously crafted stages and diverse cast of fighters, each with their unique weapon styles, ensured that every match was a visually captivating and strategically engaging experience.
No One Makes Fighting Games Like SNK
There are a lot of talented fighting games developers out there but SNK is in a league of their own; the cheer number of games and franchises they’ve started is astounding; furthermore, every system, gameplay loop, feature that are quintessential to contemporary fighting games can be traced back to a SNK game.
Samourai Shodown 5 Perfect
Known for its strategic weapon-based combat, distinctive characters, and a return to the series’ roots, Samurai Shodown V Perfect is a beloved installment in the Samurai Shodown series.
Last Blade 2
Renowned for its elegant 2D sprite art, deep sword-based combat system, and captivating atmosphere, Last Blade 2 remains a gem in the realm of classic fighting games.
NeoGeo Battle Coliseum
Featuring a diverse lineup of characters from various SNK titles, NeoGeo Battle Coliseum excels with its tag-team mechanics and nostalgic appeal for fans of classic arcade games.
SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos
This crossover title is appreciated for bringing together characters from SNK and Capcom in a unique 2D fighting experience, offering fans a dream matchup between iconic fighters.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Released at a time when 2D fighters were evolving, Garou stood out with its fluid animations and refined mechanics. The game’s hand-drawn art and meticulous attention to detail showcased SNK’s commitment to quality, contributing to the title’s enduring appeal; with its perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, it remains a testament to the evolution of the genre and an essential chapter in the history of 2D fighting games.
