If you’ve ever been happy to perform a Fatality to perfection, you’ll know that fighting games have enjoyed absurd popularity, from arcades to home consoles. Here’s a look back at the greatest fighting games of all time.
With their unique blend of skill, strategy and direct competition, fighting games attract a dedicated fan base all over the world. Iconic titles have become pillars of gaming culture.
The competitive nature has also contributed to the emergence of an active community of professional players and prestigious tournament events. Follow our list:
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The greatest fighting games of all time
Street Fighter II (1991)
Street Fighter II is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time due to its enormous influence and lasting impact on the genre. Released by Capcom, this title revolutionized fighting games with its distinctive characters, in-depth game mechanics and the introduction of the combo system.
Street Fighter II estabeleceu os fundamentos do que viria a ser conhecido como o padrão ouro dos jogos de luta, inspirando inúmeros outros títulos e uma comunidade de jogadores apaixonados em todo o mundo.
Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Mortal Kombat II is a landmark in fighting games, notable for its frantic gameplay and violent visuals. This game improved and expanded many of the elements that made the original Mortal Kombat popular, including an expanded character roster, more elaborate special moves and even bloodier fatalities. Mortal Kombat II has established itself as one of the greatest fighting games of all time, becoming a true classic.
Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Super Smash Bros. Melee, released for the Nintendo GameCube, is one of the most influential and beloved fighting games of all time, mainly for its unique approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on direct attacks to reduce the opponent’s health, this Nintendo title adopts a game mechanic where players try to throw their opponents off the stage.
Tekken 3 (1997)
Tekken 3, developed by Namco, is often cited as one of the greatest fighting games of all time due to its deep gameplay, impressive graphics and diverse character roster.
With the introduction of new characters such as Jin Kazama and Hwoarang, as well as significant improvements in game mechanics and graphics compared to its predecessors, Tekken 3 captivated players all over the world. Its accessible gameplay, combined with the strategic depth of the moves and combos, solidified its position as an enduring classic in the world of fighting games.
Virtua Fighter 5 (2006)
Virtua Fighter 5 is revered for its technical and realistic approach to fighting games, as well as its focus on depth and precision of movement. It challenged players to master a variety of unique fighting styles and received critical acclaim. It remains a favorite among fighting game enthusiasts for its unique and challenging approach to the genre.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is celebrated as one of the greatest fighting games of all time. With a vast selection of iconic Marvel and Capcom characters, players could assemble dynamic teams of heroes and villains for intense, action-packed 2D battles.
SoulCalibur (1998)
Namco’s SoulCalibur is often praised for its smooth gameplay, impressive graphics and strategic depth. Set in a medieval fantasy world, the game features a variety of skilled characters armed with unique weapons, each with their own distinct fighting style. SoulCalibur is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time, setting a new standard of excellence in the genre.
King of Fighters ’98 (1998)
King of Fighters ’98, by SNK, is revered as one of the best and most balanced fighting games in the King of Fighters series. With a vast selection of characters from various SNK franchises, fast gameplay and deep game mechanics, the game captivated players with its intense fighting action and exciting tournaments.
King of Fighters ’98 is often cited as the high point of the series due to its polished gameplay and its ability to appeal to both casual fans and competitive players.
Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- (2014)
Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, from Arc System Works, is acclaimed for its impressive visual aesthetics, vibrant soundtrack and complex gameplay. This game in the Guilty Gear series introduced cel-shading graphics that mimic traditional 2D animation, giving it a unique and striking appearance.
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (2009)
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, from Arc System Works, is known for its frantic gameplay, captivating story and diverse roster of characters. This game in the BlazBlue series has enhanced and expanded on the elements that made the original BlazBlue popular, offering new characters, improved game mechanics and a more immersive story experience.
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (2010)
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, developed by Capcom, is an expansion of the popular Street Fighter IV that brought new characters, refined game mechanics and improved balance. The addition of the FOCUS system allowed players to execute devastating special attacks and impressive combos, increasing the strategic complexity of the game. Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition further solidified the series’ legacy as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Killer Instinct (1994)
Rare’s Killer Instinct is remembered as one of the most innovative fighting games of the 1990s, notable for its fast gameplay, elaborate combos and impressive graphics for the time. The game introduced memorable characters and an exciting soundtrack that contributed to its enduring popularity among fighting game fans.
Dead or Alive 5 (2012)
Dead or Alive 5, by Team Ninja, is known for its fluid gameplay, impressive graphics and focus on the counter-attack-based fighting system. The game introduced new features, such as the Power Blow system and team fighting mode, which increased the strategic depth and fun of the game. With its combination of fast-paced action and stunning visuals, Dead or Alive 5 stood out as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)
Dragon Ball FighterZ, from Arc System Works, is celebrated for bringing the action and visual style of the popular Dragon Ball anime series to the world of fighting games in a masterly way. It offers a wide selection of characters from the Dragon Ball universe, each with their own special moves and unique fighting techniques.
Samurai Shodown II (1994)
Samurai Shodown II, by SNK, is revered as one of the best sword fighting games ever made, notable for its unique atmosphere, strategic game mechanics and memorable characters. Set in feudal Japan, the game features a roster of skilled warriors, each with their own fencing techniques and special moves.
It introduced new game mechanics, such as the “Rage Gauge” system and “Overkill” special moves, which added an extra layer of strategic depth to the battles.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011)
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, from Capcom, is an expansion of the popular Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, which brought an expanded roster of iconic Marvel and Capcom characters, as well as balance adjustments and new game modes.
The inclusion of popular characters such as Deadpool, Vergil and Phoenix Wright, along with the dynamic gameplay mechanics, solidified Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Mortal Kombat 9 (2011)
Mortal Kombat 9 (2011), developed by NetherRealm Studios, is a reboot of the classic fighting game series that revitalized and reinvented the franchise for a new generation of players.
The game brought back the brutality and violence that made Mortal Kombat famous. In addition, the robust story mode and the inclusion of classic and new characters added a new layer of depth and immersion to the experience. It is widely regarded as one of the best in the series and one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Injustice 2 (2017)
Injustice 2, also developed by NetherRealm Studios, is a sequel to the acclaimed Injustice: Gods Among Us, which took the fighting game genre to new heights with its engaging narrative, refined game mechanics and impressive superhero visuals.
With an expanded roster of DC Comics characters, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Flash, the game offers an exciting fighting experience.
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 (2001)
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, from Capcom, is an epic crossover that brought together some of the most iconic Capcom and SNK characters in thrilling 2D battles. The deep game mechanics and strategic combat systems captivated fighting game fans.
The King of Fighters XIII (2010)
The King of Fighters XIII is widely regarded as one of the best games in The King of Fighters series and one of the leading representatives of the 2D fighting game genre.
The inclusion of systems such as Hyper Drive Mode and EX Mode added strategic depth to the battles, while the spectacular special moves and elaborate combos impressed players. It deservedly takes pride of place among the greatest fighting games of all time.
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution (2003)
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution, developed by Sega-AM2, is an enhanced version of the acclaimed Virtua Fighter 4, which further raised the standards of excellence in the 3D fighting game genre.
Tekken 7 (2015)
Tekken 7 is the latest entry in the iconic Tekken fighting game series, which continues to captivate players with its smooth gameplay, charismatic characters and visceral combat. The addition of new features, such as the Rage System and elaborate story modes, has taken Tekken 7 to new heights of excellence.
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (1999)
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, by Capcom, is often cited as one of the best 2D fighting games ever made, notable for its deep gameplay, fluid animation and memorable characters.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, by Nintendo, is an epic celebration of the entire history of video games, bringing together iconic characters from various franchises for frenetic, action-packed crossover battles.
With an impressive roster of fighters, including Mario, Link, Sonic, Pikachu and many others, the game offers an experience that combines elements of platforming and action. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a variety of game modes, including the robust World of Light mode and competitive multiplayer options.
SoulCalibur II (2002)
SoulCalibur II is notable for its smooth gameplay, distinctive characters and in-depth combat mechanics. Its roster of iconic fighters includes guest characters such as Link from The Legend of Zelda. SoulCalibur II introduced new game modes, such as Weapon Master, which added variety and replay value to the experience.
Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors (1994)
Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors is set in a world inhabited by supernatural creatures, the game features a roster of unique characters, each with their own fighting style and special abilities. It introduced the system of “chain combos” and elaborate special attacks, which helped establish its reputation as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 is an expanded version that has further enhanced the elements that have made the Guilty Gear series so popular with fighting game fans. It introduced new characters, balance adjustments and game modes that further deepened the experience.
Dead or Alive 2 (1999)
Dead or Alive 2 is widely recognized for its fluid gameplay, impressive graphics and focus on combat based on counterattacks and environmental interactions. It introduced new features such as the Tag Battle system and the elaborate story mode.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998)
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes is one of the most beloved and influential crossover fighting games ever released, bringing together iconic Marvel and Capcom characters in 2D battles. The diverse list of fighters includes icons such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ryu and Mega Man.
Killer Instinct (2013)
The reboot of Killer Instinct, developed by Double Helix Games and Iron Galaxy Studios, is a reimagining of the classic 1990s fighting game. With an initial roster of characters, including the return of fan favorites like Jago and Glacius, the game offered a frantic and challenging fighting experience.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (2011)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a landmark entry in the renowned Tekken fighting game series, offering a dynamic and exciting fighting experience with the unique mechanics of team battles.
Mortal Kombat X (2015)
Mortal Kombat X is a bloody and thrilling addition to the legendary fighting game series, offering a combination of brutal gameplay, stunning visuals and an engaging story. The introduction of the Character Variations system allows for deeper and more strategic customization of gameplay, ensuring that Mortal Kombat X remains relevant and exciting for long-time fans and new players alike.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction (2015)
BlazBlue: Central Fiction features an expanded roster of fighters, each with their own fighting style and special abilities, allowing players to immerse themselves in fast-paced, strategic combat. In addition, BlazBlue: Central Fiction features stunning visuals, an immersive soundtrack and a variety of game modes that guarantee a complete experience.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (2014)
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is the fourth installment of Nintendo’s popular crossover game series, bringing iconic characters from various Nintendo franchises and other developers to epic battles in dynamic arenas.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U features a variety of game modes, including Smash Tour, Event Matches and Custom Stage Builder, offering a multitude of ways for players to have fun with their favorite characters.
The King of Fighters XIV (2016)
The King of Fighters XIV is the latest entry in the venerable fighting game series, offering a classic fighting experience with an expansive roster of characters, improved game mechanics and updated visuals.
The game features an in-depth story mode, customizable training and online multiplayer options, guaranteeing hours of fun for fans of the series and enthusiasts alike.
List: the 35 greatest fighting games of all time
- Street Fighter II
- Mortal Kombat II
- Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Tekken 3
- Virtua Fighter 5
- Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
- SoulCalibur
- King of Fighters ’98
- Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-
- BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
- Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
- Killer Instinct (1994)
- Dead or Alive 5
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Samurai Shodown II
- Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
- Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Injustice 2
- Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
- The King of Fighters XIII
- Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution
- Tekken 7
- Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- SoulCalibur II
- Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors
- Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2
- Dead or Alive 2
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
- Killer Instinct (2013)
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2
- Mortal Kombat X
- BlazBlue: Central Fiction
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
- The King of Fighters XIV
The fighting genre is one of the most exciting and iconic in the videogame industry, and as you’ve seen in our list of the greatest fighting games of all time, it has provided several timeless icons. Stay on our website for more content on games:
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