Best Fighting Games

Over forty years ago, Sega’s Heavyweight Champ hit arcades across Japan and the US. It was the very first video game to feature hand-to-hand combat, and consequently, a title well known for being recognized as the first game in the niche fighting genre.

During this time, it was almost impossible to enter an arcade and not be confronted with a brand new fighting game that involved battles among characters with fascinating abilities. While many were practically the same, those that were brave enough to break new ground paved the way for the future of fighting games.

With the development of home consoles and personal computers, we saw plenty of compelling new additions to the genre — games that we have conveniently listed in this very guide. You see, these days, fighting games thrive on both PC and home game consoles, rather than classic arcade machines as they did in the late ’70s and early ’90s.

In more recent years, we’ve even seen some modern fighting games make their way to hand-held devices such as the Nintendo Switch and the PS Vita for everyone to have fun with.

The thing is, given how old the genre is, it’s often tricky to know which fighting games are considered to be “the best of all time”. To help you out a little, we’ve created this convenient guide on the top 10 best fighting games ever created so that you know exactly what you should be playing in 2020.

You may also like this list of the best video games to play high.

Spoiler warning: We will be discussing plot/ending details throughout this article. 

#1 Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting

Release Date: June 10, 1992

Back in 2018, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the beloved Street Fighter series, an outstanding milestone for a franchise that is not merely running but is still continuing to gain attention to this day.

The original game in the series — an arcade game released in 1987 — was the very first fighting game to include special attacks that later became a genre staple. Street Fighter was also the first fighting game to utilize six-button controllers after Capcom made the sensible decision to remove its pressure-sensitive pads from the market.

With that being said, if there’s one specific title we can thank for inspiring the fighting games we know and love today, it has to be Street Fighter II. As a matter of fact, Street Fighter II is so successful, that it was followed by a long list of updated versions, each with refined graphics, polished gameplay, as well as a new and exciting character roster.

While some were mediocre, others were innovative and generally entertaining, although nothing quite compares to Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting.

Street Fighter II Turbo Gameplay

As you would assume, the basics of Street Fighter II Turbo are comparable with every other fighting game on the market: two badass characters are pitted against one another in the classic side-view perspective. Both of the characters have a convenient health meter above their screen so that you know exactly who’s about to get KO’d first.

The first player to win 2 out of the three rounds first wins the fight. You get the idea. The main difference when it comes to Street Fighter II Turbo is that the game speed is increased.  This is all thanks to the new Turbo mode that allows you to change the speed of the game using stars.

If you don’t know what we’re speaking about, stars basically indicate the game’s speed: the more stars you have, the faster the game will become. At the maximum number of stars (four), Street Fighter II Turbo runs quickly, meaning you’ll have to think of your feet.

Additionally, new special techniques for certain characters have been added to the game, such as Chun-Li’s Kikoken and Dhalsim’s Yoga Teleport. Characters even have a brand-new color scheme in Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting aside from M. Bison who still rocks his original design as the default scheme.

Street Fighter II Turbo Graphics

When Street Fighter II was originally released back in 1991, players simply didn’t appreciate just how fantastic the graphics were. While most side-scrolling games at the time were fairly basic and generally unsophisticated, Street Fighter II boasted lively animations that some players may even remember from the arcade.

As to be expected, the most recent versions of the game feature improved gameplay in addition to enhanced visuals that take gaming to another level. Street Fighter II Turbo, in particular, boasts sharper graphics and energetic animations comparable to the original arcade game. While it doesn’t look as razor-sharp as some of the more recent fighting games made for modern screens, Street Fighter II Turbo is undoubtedly charming.

Street Fighter II Turbo Story

When it comes to Street Fighter II, nobody truly understands what went down. Who won the Street Fighter II tournament? We have no idea. What we do know, however, is that M. Bison — a recurring villain in the Street Fighter franchise — is back and holds another tournament to get even with those who ruined the Psycho Drive.

His evil scheme is to use the fighters in his wicked plan to dominate the world. Alas, Bison is once again defeated in Street Fighter II Turbo by a hidden character known as Akuma who uses his Raging Demon attack to kill his soul. After murdering Bison, Akuma challenges you to a battle as a substitute final boss so long as specific gameplay requirements are met.

Street Fighter II Turbo Thoughts

To tell you the truth, there aren’t that many fighting games (or video games in general) that can be deemed timeless, but Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting is certainly one of them.

It could even be said that Street Fighter II — or Street Fighter in general — is a pioneering title that has inspired many of the fighting games that we know and adore today. Which is exactly why it deserves to hold the title of “the best fighting game of all time”.

#2 Runner-Up Fighting Game: Tekken 3

Release Date: March 20, 1997

It’s true that not many games manage to withstand the test of time, but despite being released 23-years ago, Tekken 3 still manages to uphold its relevance. While the latest games in the franchise are certainly impressive, nothing quite compares to the admiration most of us felt when we first saw Tekken 3.

Needless to say, it was revolutionary; not many fighting games had ever looked, played, or even sounded so good — especially at the time of its release. Although it doesn’t quite beat Street Fighter in our eyes, Tekken 3 is certainly an impressive fighting game that deserves a place high up on our list.

Tekken 3 Gameplay

There’s no denying that Tekken 3 was (and still is) one of the most outstanding sequels of its time, which probably explains why it’s considered to be one of the most highly valued fighters on the market. When it comes to gameplay, Tekken 3 manages to maintain the same core fighting system as Tekken 2 while refining combat for the better.

Namco managed to do this by removing the ridiculous moon jump that made players leap higher than Shulk in Super Smash Bros, allowing characters to jump more realistically to dodge most ground attacks.

I say “most ground attacks” as you could no longer dodge every single ground attack in Tekken 3 as you could in Tekken 2. Instead, the game allows players to sidestep in and out of the background to dodge enemy attacks without having to jump into space to avoid them.

Additionally, new enhancements include more escapes from stuns and tackles, faster recoveries from knockdowns for a chance to beat knowledgeable opponents, as well as brand-new combo throws and some more badass moves.

Tekken 3 Graphics

To this day, Tekken 3 remains an attractive looking game that still appeals to a great number of players all over the world. When the game finally made its way to the PlayStation in 1998 — a year after the release of the arcade game — the graphics were virtually identical.

Both versions of the game feature revamped character designs and scenes that still look remarkable, even after 23-years. This is exactly why it has been highly rated by video game magazines including GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and the official PlayStation magazine.

Tekken 3 Story

One of, if not the most impressive aspects of the Tekken series is its outstanding story of betrayal, relationships and, as to be expected, fighting. In the third installment, Namco made the brave choice to remove Kazuya Mishima — the poster boy of the Tekken franchise — and replace him with an equally important character known as Jin Kazama.

Coached by his grandfather Heihachi Mishima, Jin wants to get even after the likely death of his mother, an important character named Jun Kazama who was targeted by Orge. Set fifteen years after the King of the Iron Fist Tournament 2, Jin begs his grandfather to help him become strong enough to face Ogre himself.

Tekken 3 Final Thoughts

Tekken 3 is a classic, must-play fighting game that many of us still admire to this day. While it doesn’t quite beat Street Fighter II in our eyes, it’s still an outstanding fighting game that’s definitely worth playing in 2020.

Which is exactly why it deserves the second spot on our list of the top 10 fighting games of all time. If you simply can’t get enough of Tekken, then you may be interested in learning about the latest news and rumors surrounding Tekken 8.

#3 Most Violent Fighting Game: Mortal Kombat X

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Time and time again, NetherRealm Studios has proven that it can develop an iconic fighting game that could be considered timeless, though none can hold a candle to Mortal Kombat X. It’s gripping, deeper, mechanically refined, and very, very bloody.

Trust me when I say that at the end of a fight, Jules and Vincent won’t be the only ones who need hosing down by The Wolf. Needless to say, the new fatalities in Mortal Kombat X are gorier and more absurd than ever before, so if you’re squeamish, we suggest playing something a little less grim.

Having said that, even if you aren’t very squeamish about blood, chances are you’ll cringe at some of the fatalities in this violent Mortal Kombat game.

Mortal Kombat Gameplay

As with any fighting game on the market, Mortal Kombat X requires you to choose the fighter that you feel comfortable using, which is now more complex than ever before. With this game, NetherRealm Studios made the brave decision to add eight brand-new characters to the already lengthy roster, but the fun doesn’t end there.

All of the 24 characters in Mortal Kombat X have three distinct variations to choose from right before a fight, each with improved normal attacks in addition to unique special moves. In turn, every fighter has three distinct play styles that you’ll have to learn to beat the competition.

Another feature that adds complexity is the returning super meter that allows you to perform special moves depending on how many bars you use — similar to the Super Combo Gauge introduced in Super Street Fighter II Turbo.

By using the meter, you can choose to either enhance a move using one bar on the meter, use the Breaker using two bars, or perform X-Ray moves that use up to three bars. X-Ray moves reveal the inside of your opponent as you break every bone in their body in slow motion. They’re essentially Mortal Kombat’s equivalent of Super Moves yet more graphic and honestly fairly horrifying.

Mortal Kombat Graphics

Compared to the latest games in the series, Mortal Kombat X looks fairly average. On the other hand, compared to the previous games in the series, Mortal Kombat X is a very good looking fighting game. Sure, everyone looks like they have a rare skin disease due to the sweat that forms on characters during a fight. But if you can look past the fact that everyone looks like a reptile, you’ll realise that Mortal Kombat X doesn’t actually look that bad.

At least, it doesn’t look bad when you compare the game with its predecessors.

Mortal Kombat Story

If you’re a fan of the series, then you may already be aware that Mortal Kombat X is a direct sequel to the 2011 reboot that builds on the framework of the ninth main game — both in its refined technical performance and its story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the best story ever written, but it does a very good job at picking up where the previous game in the series left off.

With 12 chapters in total, Mortal Kombat X tells a story that occurs 25-years after Mortal Kombat 2011. Every chapter focuses on a single character and contains fights, cut-scenes, mini-games, and quick-time events for you to participate in.

Mortal Kombat Final Thoughts

As a whole, Mortal Kombat is a timeless and iconic franchise that isn’t coming to an end any time soon. Mortal Kombat X, in particular, could be considered one of the greatest Mortal Kombat games ever created, which is exactly why it deserves the third spot on our list. Even if you’re familiar with the series, there’s a lot to learn in Mortal Kombat X thanks to the addition of new characters and character variations.

That being said, the learning curve isn’t too steep for Mortal Kombat newbies, so don’t be put off by the sheer number of combos you’ll have to learn. Oh, and if you’re squeamish, make sure you have a vomit bad on-hand before you start performing those gruesome X-ray moves.

#4 Best Modern Fighting Game: Soulcalibur VI

Release Date: October 19, 2018

I won’t lie, I don’t have youthful memories of playing Soulcalibur on Nintendo’s GameCube or Sega’s Dreamcast like some of you reading this may have.

Though I do have some very fond memories of kicking ass in Soulcalibur VI: the sixth installation in the series that follows the disappointing Soulcalibur V, a game many players may remember from 2012. Even hard-core fans were seriously (and understandably) frustrated by just how terrible Soulcalibur 5 was. Luckily, after six long years, Namco redeemed itself by developing a masterpiece known as Soulcalibur VI.

Soulcalibur VI Gameplay

As a whole, Soulcalibur has always been an accessible fighting series that appeals to players old and young, and Soulcalibur VI enhances this in many ways. When it comes to combat, Soulcalibur VI prides itself in being responsive, fresh, and very rewarding. One thing we admire most about the game is the simplicity of its combat system.

As with many other fighting games, you have three attack buttons: one for vertical attacks; one for horizontal attacks; and one for a kick. The fourth button is used to block enemy attacks to protect yourself in battle. Smash these buttons repeatedly and you’ll notice your character performing some impressive moves.

To make Soulcalibur VI even more accessible, new mechanics have been added to give newbies a chance of winning. One of the new systems is Reversal Edge: a single-button activation aimed at new players that allows you to absorb enemy attacks before triggering a slow-motion, cinematic stats that places you in a “rock, paper, scissors” situation.

The second system known as Lethal Hit is more complex: landing specific moves in the correct conditions (and positions) will send your opponent soaring through the air. It can be fairly difficult to pull off, although it certainly pays off.

Soulcalibur VI Graphics

For a game released in 2018, we have to admit that Soulcalibur VI looks fairly ordinary. While it’s not the worst looking game on the market, it surely isn’t the best looking fighting game ever created.  The stages, in particular, aren’t that interesting and the backgrounds seem lifeless compared with some of the other fighting games out there. Having said that, Soulcalibur VI is still a lovable fighting game that will have you glued to your PC for a while.

Soulcalibur VI Story

The story of Soulcalibur VI returns to its roots as it retells the of the first game in the series. The sixth installment in the series features two different (though equally as important) story modes that cover the same timeline in various ways. Libra of Souls, an RPG-Esque story mode, allows you to create your very own custom character. After this, you get to choose a fighting style before taking on a whole host of missions that see you fighting against some other customized characters in addition to the roster.

The main story, Soul Chronicle, offers a traditional single-player experience as seen in the previous Soulcalibur games. In this mode, you have the option to select the character of your choice to experience their mini-campaign, supplying you with hours of single-player content. You can do this for all of the characters in the game in any order you like.

Every single one of these characters in Soulcalibur VI fits into a specific part of the main story, which eventually tells the complete tale of swords and souls.

Soulcalibur VI Final Thoughts

After the disappointing release of Soulcalibur V, Namco returned with a well-needed installment appropriately named Soulcalibur VI. In spite of the fact that the backgrounds and fighting stages are fairly uninteresting, it’s still one of the absolute best fighting games on the market.

If you’re new to the series, you’ll be happy to know that this game appeals to newcomers owing to the brand-new mechanics made for newbies. But be warned: once you pick up your controller to play Soulcalibur VI, you may not be able to put it down again, at least not for a long while.

#5 Best Fighting Game on Steam: Killer Instinct

Release Date: November 22, 2013

If you’re looking for an extremely entertaining fighting game on Steam, then Killer Instinct may just be for you. As with Soulcalibur VI, Killer Instinct is a game that caters to both pro fighters and noobs owing to how simple it is to build combos during battle.

But that’s not even the best part about it. If you don’t wish to purchase Killer Instinct on Steam, you’ll be happy to know that it’s free-to-play on Windows 10, you only have to buy the characters. While you’ll be limited to only one rotating character, you’ll at least be able to test the game out before splashing the cash on yet another fighting game.

Killer Instinct Gameplay

As with every great fighting game, combat in Killer Instinct is smooth, deep, and extremely entertaining. On top of that, KI is accessible for beginners while supplying the depth that avid players desire. In the beginning, randomly mashing keys will actually create some pretty sweet combos.

However, if you want to achieve maximum damage, you’re going to want to master those sweet 50-hit combos in KI. The longer the combo hit, the more likely your opponent is to use a combo breaker. On the flip side, you could always use a counter breaker to reverse the combo breaker. It sounds confusing, I know, but don’t fret as the tutorial has you covered.

The Dojo Mode in Killer Instinct is a convenient tutorial system made for new players who wish to actually learn how to play the game. It consists of 32 lessons that run you through the basics of Killer Instinct, such as the combo system and movement. Once you feel optimistic, you can begin fighting online against some experienced players. After that, you can test your skills in some ranked games against the pros.

To improve your skills even further, you can even watch replays of both your offline and online matches to assess what went wrong. These are automatically captured and archived for you to watch when necessary.

Killer Instinct Graphics

Generally speaking, Killer Instinct has never really been a terrible looking game. But when it finally launched for modern consoles such as the Xbox One, you could tell it had aged. As time went by, the design team naturally had to keep up with the times by improving the visuals for the better. And when the third season was released in 2016, you could tell that the design team certainly raised the bar.

They managed to do this by adding new graphics technology in addition to a dynamic lighting system that made everything appear a little more realistic. As a result, the latest Season of Killer Instinct has never looked so good.

Killer Instinct Story

As you would expect, the story of Killer Instinct has been rebooted since the release of the 1996 game, Killer Instinct 2. Although many components have been adopted from the original KI timeline, the 2013 version of the game features a completely different story that focuses on story-driven combat. Similar to a TV show, the Killer Instinct series has been separated into three different phases known as Seasons that occur in chronological order.

The first season in the series presents eight fighters caught up in a tournament held by Ultratech. The second season follows the story arc of every character throughout the battles versus Ultratech. Season 2 also introduces Gargos into the plot. The third and final season sees you fighting against Garcos in order to stop him from taking over the world.

Killer Instinct Final Thoughts

As a whole, Killer Instinct is a refreshing fighting game that appeals to both pro and noob fighters. The 2013 version, in particular, updates the original game into a refined, competitive fighter that we can’t help but play repeatedly.

It’s smooth, satisfying, and overall a pleasant fighting game that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

#6 Best Fighting Game on Mobile: Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Back in 2017, the popular indie game known as Skullgirls landed on mobile as a free-to-play prequel/spin-off to the original game. A year later, LINE Corporation parted ways with developers Autumn Games and Hidden Variable Studios, resulting in the removal of Skullgirls Mobile from the App Store and Google Play.

Following the shift, a brand new version was shortly re-released under Autumn Games. The relaunch brought a whole host of new updates including ultra-widescreen support for an enhanced gaming experience.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG Gameplay

Released for iOS and Android, Skullgirls: Fighting RPG is a surprisingly tricky game that may take some time to master. As with the original game, the mobile version is full of vivid characters that you can gather, upgrade and customize to suit your playstyle as you search for Skullgirl.

With six game modes and more to come, there is plenty to do in Skullgirls: Fighting RPG. As with every fighting game out there, even if you’re a pro, we advise you to first use the Training room to practice combos and perfect your technique.

Once you feel confident, you can begin fighting against players from around the world in real-time, competitive battles (Versus Mode) that’ll have you glued to your phone for hours on end. To unlock brand-new Fighters that you can use in future battles, you have the option to fight against players in Prize Fights.

Another entertaining game mode is Rift Battles that has you building a defence system and challenging users to earn some rare rewards. There are even some character-specific Daily Events to keep things fresh.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG Graphics

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG is an attractive, hand-drawn 2D game with colorful characters and attractive arenas. Even though every character is completely hand-drawn, Skullgirls: Fighting RPG boasts fluid animations comparable with Cuphead.

According to Hidden Variable Studios: “The amount of animation and design work needed to develop a character for mobile is only 60-70% of the work needed for a full 2nd Encore character — not accounting for all of the overhead that comes with a new content release for consoles.”

Demonstrating just how much work went into the visuals in the mobile version of the game.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG Story

One of the Game Modes that we purposely missed out of the gameplay section is Story Mode. In this mode, your main goal is to search for Skullgirl before she demolishes New Meridian. To do this, you must select your Fighter and battle it out against a range of unpleasant and strong opponents. As a whole, Story Mode in Skullgirls: Fighting RPG is rather short, though it’s still extremely delightful.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG Final Thoughts

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG is an enjoyable yet challenging mobile fighting game that’ll keep you amused for hours.

Even though the characters in Skullgirls: Fighting RPG were completely hand-drawn, this mobile fighting game boasts fluid animations that we can’t help but compare with Cuphead. At this moment in time, a brand-new character is being developed for the game set to release sometime this year, so keep your eyes peeled for future updates.

#7 Best Fighting Game on PC: Dragon Ball FighterZ

Release Date: January 26, 2018

While there are many fantastic Dragon Ball fighting games on the market, some are admittedly mediocre. Fortunately, Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the good ones. You could even say that it isn’t the best one yet. We say this as it appeals to both old and young players across the globe.

Even if you aren’t particularly a fan of the anime series, chances are you’ll be attracted to the action in Dragon Ball FighterZ, which is exactly why it’s here on our list.

Dragon Ball FighterZ Gameplay

Arcade Mode in Dragon Ball FighterZ gives players the option to battle against either the computer or online against real players. If you fancy practising against AI, you have the option to choose between three different courses of varying lengths and difficulty: the Snake Way Course; the Extreme Gravity Chamber Course; and the Hyperbolic Time Chamber Course.

In each course, you face a team of characters that changes depending on how well (or poorly) you performed in the last fights. While this mode can eventually become challenging once you begin to face tougher opponents, it’s a nice place to start refining your skills.

If you want a challenging experience and you wish to fight against players online, FighterZ now has you covered. Unlike the typical menu in an online game, Dragon Ball FighterZ immediately drops you into an online lobby with 64-players with similar experience.

This system makes it easier for players to constantly go head-to-head with opponents looking for a quick fight. If you don’t fancy playing against real people online, you can have fun in the Story Mode that’s full of hours of content.

Dragon Ball FighterZ Graphics

One of the first things you’ll notice about Dragonball FighterZ is just how attractive the game looks. It’s a 3D fighting game played from a 2D perspective that at times, looks even better than the anime series.

When playing this game, your screen will be loaded with special effects and bright colors as you pull off a range of badass attacks. No matter how you look at Dragon Ball FighterZ, the art in this fighter resembles the anime art style better than most Dragon Ball fighting games out there.

Dragon Ball FighterZ Story

After spending time training, new players will benefit from playing the story mode in Dragon Ball FighterZ. This mode is broken down into three individual Arcs that see you gaining control of a range of characters from the DB universe.

As you would expect, each of these chapters varies in both length and difficulty. With that being said, the foundation of the story is slightly baffling. Essentially, this game tells the story of the greedy Android 21: an Android with no control over her appetite.

As the player, your main goal is to defeat her before she gobbles you up, too.

Dragon Ball FighterZ Final Thoughts

Although there have been many Dragon Ball fighting games released over the years, nothing quite beats Dragon Ball FighterZ. It’s complex enough to be relished by hardcore competitors, visually pleasing, and overall a blast to play. Where the past Dragon Ball games have failed to capture the essence of what makes the animated series great, FighterZ has succeeded. This is exactly why both dedicated and even new fans adore this game so much.

#8 Best Superhero Crossover Fighting Game: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Marvel vs. Capcom is a classic fighting game that debuted in arcades back in 1998. Since then, the series has developed drastically, making its way to modern home consoles, PC, and even handheld devices. But there’s one game, in particular, that stands out the most: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Released in 2011, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the well-needed update to Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. As the name implies, it is a crossover fighting game that matches some familiar Marvel superheroes against numerous Capcom characters. Only this game features brand-new fighters, stages and some other new features that we simply can’t get enough of.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Gameplay

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has an impressive roster of 48 characters to choose from, one of the main reasons the game stands out. The Capcom roster comprises characters including Street Fighter’s Akuma and Ryu. On the Marvel side of things, there are numerous characters to choose from including Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America.

These characters, old and new, add variety to the game, making combat extremely pleasant yet fairly challenging. On the topic of combat, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 features team-based, three-on-three action.

Similar to many other great fighting games, action in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is powered by four buttons that allow you to punch, kick, and launch your opponents into the air. If you’re used to more traditional controls, the layout may feel a little strange at the beginning. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t take too long to get used to.

Unlike combat in Skullgirls, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 encourages long, powerful combos, allowing you to abuse your opponents over and over again. Having said that, at times, it can be frustrating to play against experienced players who know exactly how to pull off those powerful combos. To overcome them, you’ll simply have to train.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Graphics

Even though Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3  is a vivid fighting game with some attractive scenes, at times, the graphics appear a little dark. This isn’t to say that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is an unattractive game. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. On PC, the game even supports 4K resolutions, although if you own an ultrawide gaming monitor, you’re going to have to deal with black bars on either side of your screen.

Either way, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 still looks fantastic.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Story

There is no dedicated Story Mode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Final Thoughts

In spite of the fact that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 doesn’t feature a dedicated Story Mode, it’s still a charming fighting game that has earned its place on our list. With a large roster containing 48 Marvel and Capcom characters, action always feels fresh and fun. Especially when you start learning all of the moves and chain combos used to knock down your opponents with ease in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

#9 Best 2D Crossover Fighting Game: BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

Release Date: May 31, 2018

3D fighters are cool and all, but there’s nothing quite like a 2D crossover fighting game to keep you entertained for hours on end.

More specifically,  BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is an “anime fighter” that includes characters from franchises including BlazBlue, RWBY, Persona 4 Arena, and Under Night In-Birth. Even if you aren’t a fan of anime, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is an approachable fighting game with a unique yet easily understood fighting system that appeals to newcomers.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Gameplay

Gameplay in this 2D anime fighter drastically differs compared with the previous entries of BlazBlue, Arcana Heart, Persona 4 Arena, and Under Night In-Birth. Unlike these fighting games, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle includes 2v2 battles and tag mechanics similar to Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.

With these easy-to-understand mechanics, your ally can be called into battle for special attacks and you can easily switch between your duo with a tap of a button.

As with some of the other fighting games on our list, Cross Tag Battle features over 40 characters each with special moves, light, and medium combos, a reversal attack, and so on. Learning these abilities may take some time, but once you feel ready, the online modes will be waiting for you.

As you would expect, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle features the usual range of online matches including casual, ranked, and fully customizable lobbies. When in-game, everything runs very smoothly, which is to be expected from an Arc System Works game.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Graphics

When it comes to BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, one of the main things that stand out is the stunning 2D graphics. Regardless of whether you play this 2D anime fighter on a home console, PC or a Nintendo Switch, you’ll be happy to know that it looks gorgeous across all screens. Every one of the 40+ characters is fluidly animated and generally pleasing to the eye — one of the reasons we absolutely adore BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Story

In short, the story mode in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle tries to explain why the worlds of BlazBlue, RWBY, Persona 4 Arena, and Under Night In-Birth are all suddenly coming together.

In reality, the story only appears to be featured in the game as an excuse to have all of the characters come together to destroy each other. Not a single one of the episodes seems to provide a real ending, and to tell you the truth, it gets fairly tiring fast.

Overall, it’s a short story stretched out over several hours.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Final Thoughts

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is an interesting 2D crossover fighter with some easy to learn — yet fairly difficult to master — mechanics. Since there are over 40 characters each with unique abilities, mastering the game may take some time, although it isn’t an impossible task. After all, at this very moment, most of us have all of the time in the world. So why not use it to learn how to master some of the best fighting games on the market?

Conclusion

While most of the fighting games on our list could definitely be considered “the best of all time”, Street Fighter II Turbo really takes the cake: it’s groundbreaking, timeless, and generally entertaining. If you cannot agree, feel free to attack me if you dare, but be warned, I will crush you. Do you happen to have a favorite fighting game? Maybe we missed one of your favorites off our list? If so, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

If like me, you grew up playing fighting games on the beloved PSP, then you may be interested in taking a trip down memory lane by spending your time in lockdown playing some of the best PSP games of all time. What better way to spend time stuck at home than reliving some childhood memories with some classic games like Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and Persona 3 Portable?