Attempting to rank the best fighting games is difficult, How to determine and rank placement for each one? Do you base it on popularity? Style? How do you judge?
Fighting games are considered one of the oldest competitive eSports around, It can be argued that some titles influence popular culture and the cultural landscape around the world.
Even if you don’t play them, it cannot be denied that they have embedded themselves as a basic and integral part of culture, and society.
”Games can be the tasks and delivery valves for our nervousness, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and frustration with everyday life. They can be apparatuses for correspondence for self-revelation”
In this article, We take a stride backwards and gander at the overall scene of the FGC (Fighting Game Community). Contemplating all the years and styles of fighting games to be released, we narrow it down to our top 5.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Skullgirls is a 2D fighting game. This is a heightened version of Skullgirls Encore. Skullgirls 2nd Encore contains all the DLC characters and stages. In case you are searching for another fighting game insight and you’ve some way or another figured out how to stay away from Skullgirls since the release in 2012. Skullgirls 2nd Encore is your chance!
The mechanics of the game’s combat is comfortable and familiar to someone that has played a fighting game like Street Fighter. There is a plethora of special moves and combo sets to be combined with light, medium, and strong punches with kicks. The battles are fast-paced and special moves are performed with quarter circles.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate crossover fighting game formed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and distributed by Nintendo in 2018. This is considered one of the best fighting games to be released. The roster is filled with fantastic characters and is not as fast as Melee. Just like every version of Smash, numerous characters from different video games fight on multiple different stages against other video game characters.
This is a substantial recommendation if you own a Nintendo Switch. There are so many modes available in this edition and the gameplay runs smooth. Occasionally there are some issues with the matchups online however, the majority of the time that might be caused by connection choice or issues. Nintendo tends to release additional DLCs and characters to the game, allowing the game to be more appealing to the casual player. Additional add-ons always keep the SMASH community going and exciting.
Tekken 7
Tekken 7 is a fighting game created and distributed by Bandai Namco Entertainment. This version is the ninth instalment of the franchise. It is a wonderful addition to the franchise and players continue to play it with season passes that have been released. Tekken 7 is the final instalment of the character Heihachi however, the online capabilities are what allow competitors to continue competing.
The game is considered three-dimensional, allowing possibilities of combos and gameplay to be endless when facing another player. Features such as Rage, extended combos, and slow-mo finishes are what make this fighting game stand out. Tekken is a mental exercise in the attempt of defending and striking your opponent. It can be complex and fast-paced with amazing graphics.
Guilty Gear-Strive
Guilty Gear Strive is the twenty-fifth delivery in the Guilty Gear franchise. This version of the game is expected to be the final or complete remaking of the established franchise. The game contains three primary modes. These modes include offline mode, versus modes, and story mode. The game maintains the usual five-button layout with a dash. Players can dash with the traditional => =>. Wall-Break is new to the system in gameplay.
There have been some lobby issues with the game which lowered its placement on our list, regardless of the popularity of the game.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
Street Fighter is one of the most established fighting games to be introduced to the gaming world. It is still exceedingly popular and continues to be one of the highlights in the esports world. Street Fighter V: Champion Edition was released on February 14, 2020. This never version of Street Fighter V includes all content from the original release and Arcade Edition. The addition of V-Skill II delivers more options and intensity to the player’s combat system.
On April 6th, 2021, Capcom held a spring update stream. Information regarding the Season 5 Street Fighter roster was released. Street Fighter 5 director, Takayuki Nakayama stated that the character’s development has been reworked compared to her last appearance in Street Fighter IV. The approach is a more technical style with new combos. Her gameplay from casual players and pro players seems more publicly positive than negative.
In addition to this announcement, we were given a quick look at a new character in development by the name of Akira. The additions to this version of the game are always embraced and keep the Street Fighter community returning for more.
Honourable Mentions:
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, Killer Instinct 3v3, and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate.