Top 10 Best Fighting Games of All Time

A 2D fighting game developed by RevergeLabs and published by Autumn Games in 2012. Skullgirls was released on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in North America, Europe, and Australia. With a cast of alluring characters and unique tag-team fighting gameplay, you'll be captivated for hours. Playing among eight different female characters, each character has unique combo and attack moves. The gameplay mechanics are akin to classic fighting games; buttons are simplified into light, medium, and heavy.

However, applying them in combat is equally challenging. Even the easy mode becomes difficult for newcomers. The voice acting and background music in Skullgirls bring their own flavor as each character's dialogue is perfectly matched to the game's melody. The stunning 2D animations and narration of Skullgirl make this game stand out from other fighting games regardless of having fewer characters.

Developer: RevergeLabs
Publisher: Autumn Games
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Arcade, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Linux, OS X, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S

Upon release, Soulcalibur 6 received critical acclaim, becoming a commercial success. It was initially released on the Namco System 246 arcade board in 2002, before being ported to PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox in 2003. Soul Calibur 6 builds upon its predecessor and offers significant improvements to its mechanics along with new enhancements. Like any other fighting game, it features Arcade, Training, and Online modes. What sets Soul Calibur 6 apart is its introduction of two different modes with RPG elements.

Libra of the Soul provides you with a storyline, leveling up, and gear purchasing along with missions to complete. Its two new mechanics are reversal, functioning akin to rock-paper-scissors, and another mechanism is the soul charge, where you deal increased damage to your enemies. Soul Calibur 6 boasts weapon-based combat with sharp visuals and each player's unique moves will leave you craving for more.

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios, Dimps Corporation
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Street Fighter EX2+ is hailed as the most iconic fighting game of all time, becoming Capcom's best-selling game for two decades and generating over $10 billion in revenue when accounting for its arcade editions. Street Fighter EX2 Plus evokes nostalgia for arcade cabinets, where buttons were pounded. Now you can play in the comfort of your own home. The game pays homage to the street fighter ex2 arcade cabinet and enhances its combat mechanics.

The moves are simple yet flashy, Successfully executing all three super moves will leave you with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Timing and countering opponent's attacks make street fighters exciting to play. Street Fighter EX2+ sets the standard for the genre, paving the way for many new fighting franchises like Mortal Kombat. Street Fighter 2 has become one of the most ported games of all time, with eight different versions of the game released, each with updated mechanics, graphics, arcade cabinets, etc., with the latest version

Developer: Akira
Publisher: Capcom, PlayStation
Release Date: December 24, 1999
Platform: Arcade, PlayStation

Developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Tekken 7 is the seventh installment in the Tekken series and serves as the final chapter of the Mishima Saga. It's also the first game to use the Unreal Engine. Engage in the King of Iron Fist Tournament and defeat your opponents to unlock each character's story. Its colorful characters and fluid combat combinations make me want to explore more combos. It feels liberating to play with the three-dimensional stages, where you can sidestep to evade enemy attacks.

Tekken 7 is set immediately after the events of Tekken 6 and focuses on the events leading up to the final showdown between Kazuya and Heihachi Mishima. Now with more health bars, you can slam your opponent into walls and keep them there, though it requires mastering intricate combos. Character customization is absurd, sometimes breaking the color scheme of a serious cutscene but adding a fresh dimension to the visuals. You can get wild with fashion items and experiment with different costume combinations. Playing Tekken 7 with friends while your characters sport goofy hats creates a uniquely fun atmosphere during battles.

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2015
Platform: Arcade, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Naruto's combat mechanics differ from any other fighting game. The fast-paced combat with stunning visuals keeps me coming back for more. You can execute a basic attack with just one button, but there are other mechanics like charging chakra, throwing projectiles at enemies, and the ultimate button that make the battles complex. The latest release of the Storm game series even has an expansion following Boruto as he embarks on his journey throughout the series. Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is the pinnacle of the Storm series, featuring refined combat, exquisite graphics, and over 100 playable characters.

You can also switch in and out of different characters to perform unique combos. Some characters can be unlocked in story mode, and later you can select and play them in arcade mode. Progressing through the games feels like playing through an interactive anime. While the reception for this game was modest upon release, Storm 4 has been improved through its patches and expansions. It continues the storyline of the Fourth Shinobi World War right up to the conclusion of the anime.

Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: Namco-Bandai
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

The epic crossover fighting game, Marvel VS Capcom 3, was developed and published by Capcom in 2000. Originally released in Japanese arcades, it was later ported to Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, and iOS over a span of 12 years. The vibrant characters in this dazzling clash hail from the Marvel vs. Capcom universe. As the name suggests, you're introduced to 36 different characters from the Marvel and Capcom realms battling it out.

The colorful and vibrant characters of Marvel VS Capcom 3 light up the screen with their ultimate moves. If you're a pro player, you'll spend hours mastering every character as each one comes with unique special moves and super combos. In the game, players assemble a team of characters to try and take down their opponents. You can select characters from the Marvel VS Capcom universe and use the standard tag team gameplay mechanics from the previous installments. The game features three-on-three gameplay, a new assist system, and smoother controls.

Developer: Capcom, Fighting
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Mortal Kombat II is a fighting game released for electronic gaming in 1993 by Midway. It was later ported to home consoles, including Amiga, Game Boy, Game Gear, Sega Genesis, 32X, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and various PlayStation controllers.

Mortal Kombat is synonymous with violence, but that's where all the fun lies. The Player Mechanic slowed down by eliminating mechanical running steps but upgraded other combat mechanisms, leading to balanced gameplay. Playing aggressively won't suffice in this new commercial franchise. Players need to play smart and focus on attack sequences. However, a new mechanic allows players to perform fatal blows when their health is thirty or lower.

True to its name, Mortal Kombat II is the second game in the Mortal Kombat series, succeeding Mortal Kombat. The deadly fight elevated the game to new heights, improving every aspect of the combat mechanism. Its polished graphics of brutality give the sensation of a scene straight out of a movie.

Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC SA (Steam), Shiver Entertainment (Switch)
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

Injustice 2: Rise of the Titans serves as the sequel to Injustice: Gods Among Us in 2013, released in 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with the Microsoft Windows version launched later that year. Injustice 2 improves upon every aspect of its predecessor. Its balanced combat system allows you to inflict environmental damage and sometimes execute combinations up to 64 times. While its combat mechanics are slightly challenging to master, they provide absolute joy to players when mastered and executed flawlessly.

The game, based on the DC Universe, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The main storyline revolves around Batman and his efforts to rebuild society after the downfall of Superman's regime. The best part of Injustice 2 is its Multiverse mode, where you can level up your fighter, earn and equip stat-boosting items that will aid you in progression mode later. DC has crafted an incredible game, assembling heroes from its universe to battle each other. It's a blast to defeat your friends with DC heroes.

Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: May 11, 2017
Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The renowned King of Fighters series by SNK has a long and illustrious history, holding a special place in the hearts of many fighting game enthusiasts. First released on NeoGeo in 1994, it has remained faithfully operational ever since. However, KoF XIV in 2016 marked the series' first transition to 3D, and the results were truly impressive. Like most SNK fighting games, The King of Fighter 14 employs a basic four-button fighting style of light and heavy punches and kicks.

The game The King of Fighter 14: Reign of Champions features a complex mechanics requiring players to hit the buttons precisely. The movements and combos of each character are intricate and demand the combination of buttons sometimes feeling unconventional. It's the kind of game that tests you every round. However, playing with friends is immensely enjoyable as you juggle hitting the buttons while attempting to land combos. It requires patience and focus to execute flawlessly but once connected, you'll strike each note perfectly.

Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK, Atlus USA, Deep Silver
Release Date: August 23, 2016
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Arcade

Get ready for an intense training session because Super Smash Bros Ultimate: Battle Royale has enabled 8 players to battle it out in one arena. Fighting against 7 other players in a single arena is truly insane. With dynamic levels constantly changing and plenty of customization for characters, you'll feel the intensity of the battle as phases shift and transition into different levels. Super Smash Bros Ultimate is known for its popular multiplayer gameplay, often featured in some of the world's competitive gaming tournaments.

This is the fifth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series and follows the traditional Smash Bros. gameplay style. Nintendo brings players a warm nostalgia by bringing characters from the past twenty years back into the fray. You can play Super Smash Bros Ultimate: Battle Royale as Pikachu, Mario, Sonic, and various other iconic characters. The game also features a fantastic balanced fighting mechanic even in the absolute chaos of an eight-player brawl.

Developer: HAL Laboratory, Sora Ltd, Game Arts, Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: December 7, 2018
Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS