Fighting games have carved out a special niche in the gaming world, captivating players with their intense multiplayer focus. These virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect arena for gamers to test their skills against friends or online opponents, creating thrilling competitions and memorable experiences.
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Over the years, developers have delivered a plethora of iconic titles, each contributing to the evolution of the genre. In curating this list of the top 30 best fighting games of all time, we've considered factors like popularity, industry influence, depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the fighting game landscape. Whether you're a veteran or new to the genre, this collection offers a mix of timeless classics and modern masterpieces to explore.
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Table of Content ---
Mortal Kombat Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition SoulCalibur Skullgirls: 2nd Encore Lethal League Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Samurai Shodown Ultra Street Fighter IV Super Street Fighter II Tekken 3 Injustice 2: Legendary Edition Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes Guilty Gear Strive Arcana Heart The King of Fighters XIII Dragon Ball FighterZ Mortal Kombat 9 Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] Super Smash Bros. Brawl Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Them’s Fightin' Herds Tekken 8 Super Street Fighter IV Super Smash Bros. Melee Granblue Fantasy: Versus Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Capcom vs. SNK 2 Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Street Fighter 6 0 0 Comment on this Mortal Kombat
Image: syfy.com
Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 13, 1993Developer: Midway
Our journey begins with the legendary *Mortal Kombat*, released in 1993. As one of the pioneering titles during the early days of home consoles, it set a benchmark that inspired countless developers. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, establishing the core gameplay mechanics of arenas, two-fighter battles, and combos. While *Street Fighter* had its stronghold in the East, *Mortal Kombat* captured the Western market, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry despite no longer being playable today.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy
*Killer Instinct* may not have the same widespread recognition as *Mortal Kombat*, but it has garnered a dedicated following for its well-balanced gameplay and dynamic action. The game's energetic soundtrack adds to the excitement, with each character boasting a unique musical theme that enhances their persona. The diverse roster, featuring everything from street boxers to werewolves, offers a low entry barrier, allowing even newcomers to execute stylish combos with ease.
SoulCalibur
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project Soul
*SoulCalibur*, launched in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, remains a visual masterpiece. Its grounded combat, focused on weapon-based battles, set it apart from its contemporaries. The ability to move in 3D space, akin to *Tekken*, added depth to the gameplay, making it a standout title that continues to be revered in the genre.
Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: July 7, 2015Developer: Hidden Variable Studios
*Skullgirls: 2nd Encore* stands out with its distinctive art style and visual flair. Despite a modest roster, each character's unique story mode and meticulously crafted movesets offer a delightful learning experience. While it didn't revolutionize the genre, its solid execution makes it a notable entry in the fighting game canon.
Lethal League
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team Reptile
*Lethal League* breaks the mold with its innovative mechanic of battling via a baseball, offering a fresh take on the traditional fighting game formula. The fast-paced action, coupled with an energetic soundtrack, makes it a must-try for veterans seeking something new and exciting.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
Capcom's collaboration with Tatsunoko resulted in *Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars*, a crossover that, while simpler in combat mechanics, found immense popularity in Japan. Its colorful and quirky design makes it a fun choice for casual gaming sessions with friends.
Samurai Shodown
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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATION
*Samurai Shodown* brings a more deliberate and visually stunning approach to fighting games, inspired by classical Japanese art. Its slow, thoughtful gameplay and the intricate swordplay offer a unique experience that appeals to both fighting game enthusiasts and fans of Japanese aesthetics.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: Capcom
*Ultra Street Fighter IV* built upon the success of its predecessor, introducing new fighters and moves while refining the balance. Despite initial issues on the PS4, its availability on Steam ensures a smoother experience, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
Super Street Fighter II
Image: x.com
Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: Capcom
*Super Street Fighter II* is an iconic classic that set the stage for the genre's commercial success. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed locations were revolutionary for their time, drawing gamers to arcades worldwide.
Tekken 3
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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: Namco
*Tekken 3* became a cultural phenomenon, known for its innovative graphics and mechanics like sidestepping and parrying. Its vibrant and engaging combat system made it a staple on the first PlayStation, highly recommended for anyone yet to experience this classic.
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease Date: March 28, 2018Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC
*Injustice 2* brings the DC universe to life with its roster of iconic characters. The game's accessible yet deep combat system allows players to engage at various skill levels, making it a standout title in the Western fighting game scene.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
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Metascore: 82Release Date: March 23, 2000Developer: Capcom
*Marvel vs. Capcom 2* is beloved for its extensive character roster and dynamic three-on-three battles. Despite legal issues delaying its sequel, it remains a fan favorite, though it may not have aged as gracefully as some other classics.
Guilty Gear Strive
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System Works
*Guilty Gear Strive* showcases the pinnacle of Arc System Works' creativity with its stunning visuals and intricate combat mechanics. The addition of new features like level wall-breaking enhances the gameplay, making it an excellent entry point for both new and seasoned players.
Arcana Heart
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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki Enterprise
*Arcana Heart* brings an anime-inspired flair to the genre with its all-female cast and unique elemental spirits. Its solid combat and distinctive style make it a compelling choice for fans of anime and fighting games alike.
The King of Fighters XIII
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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK Playmore
*The King of Fighters XIII* is renowned for its complex and unforgiving mechanics, challenging players to master its deep combat system. Its acclaim from both critics and gamers underscores its status as a must-play for those seeking a tough but rewarding experience.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System Works
*Dragon Ball FighterZ* offers a modern take on the beloved franchise, combining stunning graphics with accessible yet deep gameplay. Its epic battles and explosive effects make it perfect for both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.
Mortal Kombat 9
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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm Studios
*Mortal Kombat 9* revitalized the franchise with its focus on balanced, brutal combat. Stripping away unnecessary elements, it set a new standard for the series, maintaining its relevance even alongside newer installments.
Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r]
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease date: August 21, 2018Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
*Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late\[cl-r\]* impresses with its stylish characters and top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation might not appeal to all, its inclusion in EVO 2020 highlights its competitive prowess.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
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Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.
*Super Smash Bros. Brawl* brought together a vast array of Nintendo characters, offering accessible yet deep gameplay. Its massive sales and enduring popularity testify to its appeal across all skill levels.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
*Persona 4 Arena Ultimax* offers a deep dive into the Persona universe with its engaging combat and familiar aesthetics. While it may have a higher entry barrier, it's a rewarding experience for fans of both the franchise and fighting games.
Them’s Fightin' Herds
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Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.
*Them’s Fightin' Herds* is a unique addition to the genre, featuring a cast of animals in serious battles. Its combat system is robust, and its art style, inspired by My Little Pony, makes it suitable for younger audiences.
Tekken 8
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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
*Tekken 8* marks a triumphant return to the series, refining its combat mechanics with minor updates like health recovery. Its top-notch graphics and engaging story scenes make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Super Street Fighter IV
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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: Capcom
*Super Street Fighter IV* introduced significant updates to the original, including new fighters and the ultra-combo feature. Its impact on the series paved the way for future iterations, cementing its place in fighting game history.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL Laboratory
*Super Smash Bros. Melee* is a beloved classic known for its simplicity and depth. Its inclusion in EVO tournaments and the iconic "Wombo Combo" meme underscore its lasting impact on the gaming community.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus
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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: March 13, 2020Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works
*Granblue Fantasy: Versus* combines stunning visuals with a solid combat system. While its move list may seem simple at first, its depth and complexity offer endless possibilities for players to explore.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease date: April 23, 2019Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
*Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate* refined the series' formula with enhanced balance and customization options. Its brutal arenas and combat make it an ideal entry point for newcomers to the genre, despite some grind-related concerns.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: Capcom
*Capcom vs. SNK 2* gained worldwide acclaim for its extensive character roster and engaging combat. While its use of older sprites may disappoint some, its gameplay remains a testament to the genre's Japanese roots.
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
Image: arcsystemworks.com
Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: April 20, 2016Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
*Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code* offers a stylish yet somewhat outdated experience. Its simple combat system and active online community make it a great choice for those looking to dive into the Melty Blood universe.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: February 13, 2014Developer: Arc System Works
*BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger* is a classic 2D fighting game known for its stylish visuals and unique combat system. Despite some technical issues, its engaging story and well-developed characters make it worth exploring.
Street Fighter 6
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Metascore: 92Link: SteamRelease date: June 2, 2023Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
*Street Fighter 6* represents the pinnacle of the genre, offering a balance of simplicity and depth. Its engaging combat, top-notch graphics, and friendly community atmosphere make it a must-play while it remains at the height of its popularity.
Fighting games have maintained a dedicated following, though they remain a niche genre compared to more mainstream titles. Within this niche, however, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Do you have a favorite fighting game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
