10 Greatest Fight Game Series Of All Time
Fighting games have been a beloved staple of the video game industry for decades, capturing the hearts of players worldwide with their intense combat, epic storylines, and iconic characters. From classic 2D fighters to the latest 3D brawlers, the genre has evolved and innovated to deliver unforgettable gaming experiences to fans of all ages.
With so many iconic franchises to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the very best of the best. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 greatest fight game series of all time. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the adrenaline-fueled battles that have kept us on the edge of our seats for years. So, get your controllers at the ready, warm up your fingers, and join us as we explore the greatest fighting games ever made!
Street Fighter
The Street Fighter series is often regarded as the most influential fighting game franchise of all time. With its iconic characters, special moves, and combo system, it has spawned countless imitators and has remained relevant for over three decades.
“Street Fighter” is one of the most iconic and influential fighting game series of all time, developed and published by Capcom. First released in 1987, the series has since become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its memorable characters, deep combat system, and competitive gameplay. With over 49 million copies sold worldwide, “Street Fighter” has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and has inspired countless imitators and spin-offs.
The series’ gameplay centers around one-on-one battles between a diverse roster of characters, each with their unique fighting styles and special moves. Players must master the intricacies of the game’s combo system to chain together devastating attacks and emerge victorious in epic battles. The series has continually evolved and innovated over the years, introducing new mechanics, characters, and stages with each new iteration.
“Street Fighter” has also spawned a multimedia franchise, including anime adaptations, comic books, and even a live-action film adaptation. Unfortunately, the reception of the 1994 film “Street Fighter” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme was not as positive as the game series. Despite the star-studded cast, the movie was criticized for its poor script, cheesy dialogue, and inaccurate portrayal of the game’s characters. However, the film has since gained a cult following for its over-the-top action and unintentional humor.
Despite its ups and downs, “Street Fighter” remains a beloved franchise that continues to captivate fans around the world. With the release of each new game, fans eagerly await the chance to pit their skills against others in the competitive arena, proving that the spirit of the fight is alive and well in this legendary series.
Mortal Kombat
The Mortal Kombat franchise is known for its brutal and bloody fights, signature finishing moves, and storyline that revolves around a tournament to determine the fate of the world. It’s one of the most recognizable and iconic fighting game series of all time.
“Mortal Kombat” is one of the most iconic and controversial fighting game series of all time, developed by Midway Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Since its debut in 1992, the series has been known for its graphic violence, over-the-top fatalities, and diverse roster of characters. Despite the controversy, “Mortal Kombat” has remained popular with fans, selling over 79 million copies worldwide.
The series’ gameplay centers around one-on-one battles between a wide range of characters, each with their unique fighting styles and special moves. What sets “Mortal Kombat” apart from other fighting games is its trademark fatalities, which allow players to brutally finish off their opponents in a variety of gruesome ways. The series has also introduced other unique features over the years, such as the “Test Your Might” mini-game and the “X-Ray” move that allows players to see the damage they’re causing to their opponent’s bones.
The “Mortal Kombat” franchise has extended beyond the gaming world to become a multimedia juggernaut, with a successful movie and TV franchise that has captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. With its graphic violence and iconic characters, the franchise has lent itself well to adaptations in other media, with various movies and TV shows offering different takes on the world of “Mortal Kombat.” Whether it’s the faithful adaptation of the 1995 movie or the recent gritty reboot, the franchise has something for everyone.
Despite the mixed reception of the movie and TV franchise, “Mortal Kombat” remains a beloved series that continues to captivate fans with its thrilling battles and unforgettable characters. With the recent release of a rebooted film adaptation and a new game in the series, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. For fans of visceral, hard-hitting fighting games, “Mortal Kombat” is an experience that can’t be missed.
Tekken
Tekken is a 3D fighting game that is known for its deep combat system and diverse roster of characters. It’s one of the most popular fighting game franchises in the world, with over 50 million copies sold.
For fans of fighting games, “Tekken” is a series that needs no introduction. Developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, “Tekken” has been a mainstay in the fighting game genre since its debut in 1994. The series is known for its deep combat system, diverse roster of characters, and engaging storyline, all of which have helped it sell over 53 million copies worldwide.
One of the defining features of the “Tekken” series is its unique 3D combat system, which allows players to sidestep and dodge attacks in addition to the traditional blocking and attacking. This system adds a layer of depth to the game’s combat, making it a favorite among both casual and hardcore players. The series also features a wide range of characters, each with their unique fighting styles and backstories, making it easy for players to find a character they can relate to.
In addition to its success in the gaming world, “Tekken” has also had some success on the big screen, with the 2009 movie adaptation “Tekken” receiving mixed reviews. While the movie was praised for its fight scenes and visual effects, critics criticized its poor script and lack of character development. However, the “Tekken” series has continued to thrive in the gaming world, receiving critical acclaim and remaining a popular choice among fighting game fans.
Overall, the “Tekken” series is a must-play for anyone who loves fighting games, with its deep combat system, engaging storyline, and diverse roster of characters. And with new games and updates still being released, the series shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. For those who haven’t yet experienced the thrill of “Tekken,” now is the perfect time to jump in and see what all the fuss is about.
Super Smash Bros.
The Super Smash Bros. series, which debuted in 1999, is a unique fighting game that features characters from various video game franchises battling it out on a 2D platform. It’s a fan-favorite and has a dedicated competitive scene.
“Super Smash Bros.” is a beloved fighting game series developed by Nintendo that has been entertaining gamers since 1999. This crossover game features characters from various Nintendo franchises like Mario, as well as guest characters from other companies like Sonic The Hedgehog, all battling it out in iconic stages from their respective games. With over 63 million copies sold worldwide, “Super Smash Bros.” has cemented its place as one of the most popular fighting games of all time.
The series is known for its accessibility, making it easy for players of all skill levels to pick up and play, while also offering enough depth for more experienced players to master. Each game in the series adds new characters and features, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The games also feature a variety of modes, including a classic arcade-style mode, a multiplayer mode, and even a robust single-player adventure mode.
Despite its success in the gaming world, “Super Smash Bros.” has not yet made the leap to the big screen, although rumors of a potential movie adaptation have circulated for years. Regardless, the series has continued to thrive in the gaming world, with the latest installment, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” receiving critical acclaim and breaking sales records upon its release in 2018.
Overall, “Super Smash Bros.” is a one-of-a-kind fighting game series that brings together beloved characters from various Nintendo franchises and beyond, all for the purpose of fun and friendly competition. With its accessible gameplay, deep mechanics, and seemingly endless replay value, it’s no wonder the series has captured the hearts of gamers young and old for over two decades.
Soulcalibur
The Soulcalibur series is known for its weapons-based combat and its use of 3D graphics. It’s one of the most visually stunning fighting game franchises and is widely regarded as a technical masterpiece.
“Soulcalibur” is a thrilling fighting game series developed by Bandai Namco that has been wowing fans since its debut in 1995. Known for its weapon-based combat and stunning graphics, the series has sold over 17 million copies worldwide and has become a staple in the fighting game community.
The series features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique weapon and fighting style. The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with players able to execute complex combos and special moves. The games also offer a variety of modes, including a story mode, arcade mode, and online multiplayer, providing players with endless hours of gameplay.
Throughout the years, “Soulcalibur” has continued to innovate and evolve, with each new installment introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and features. Each game in the series, was released to critical acclaim, cementing the franchise’s status as one of the greatest fighting game series of all time.
Overall, “Soulcalibur” is a series that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate players with its thrilling combat, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. With a loyal fanbase and a legacy that spans over two decades, it’s clear that “Soulcalibur” is a series that will continue to leave its mark on the gaming world for years to come.
Guilty Gear
Guilty Gear is known for its fast-paced gameplay, unique characters, and heavy-metal-inspired soundtrack. It’s a favorite among hardcore fighting game fans and has a dedicated competitive scene.
“Guilty Gear” is an electrifying fighting game series developed by Arc System Works that has been captivating players since its debut in 1998. Known for its fast-paced gameplay, unique characters, and heavy metal soundtrack, the series has gained a dedicated following over the years.
The series has sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide, a testament to its popularity among fighting game fans. The games feature a diverse roster of characters, each with their own distinct personality and fighting style. The gameplay is fast, fluid, and intense, with players able to execute complex combos and special moves.
While the series hasn’t had a movie adaptation, it did inspire a manga in 2003 called “Guilty Gear Xtra.” The manga was well-received by fans and featured many of the characters and themes from the games.
Throughout the years, the “Guilty Gear” series has continued to innovate and evolve, with each new installment introducing new mechanics, characters, and features. “Guilty Gear Strive” was released in 2021 to critical acclaim, praised for its stunning visuals, rock-solid gameplay, and robust online modes.
Overall, “Guilty Gear” is a series that has earned its place among the greatest fighting game series of all time. With its unique characters, lightning-fast gameplay, and heavy metal soundtrack, the series offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to please fighting game fans. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, “Guilty Gear” is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter was the first 3D fighting game and is known for its emphasis on realism and technical gameplay. It’s a favorite among fans of traditional martial arts and has a dedicated competitive scene in Japan.
When it comes to fighting games, “Virtua Fighter” is a name that cannot be left out. Developed by Sega AM2, this classic 3D fighting game series has been around since 1993 and is known for its deep gameplay mechanics and technical fighting system.
Upon its release, “Virtua Fighter” was a groundbreaking game that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in 3D fighting games. It was praised for its fluid animations, lifelike character models, and intuitive controls. The series received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
The “Virtua Fighter” series has always been known for its focus on technique and strategy, making it a favorite among fighting game enthusiasts. The gameplay is centered around timed moves and counters, making it a game of chess-like strategy as much as it is about fast reflexes. Each character has a unique fighting style, and mastering them requires patience, dedication, and practice.
Despite its popularity and success, “Virtua Fighter” has never had a feature film adaptation, though there have been rumors and speculation about a potential live-action movie for years.
Overall, “Virtua Fighter” remains a classic and respected fighting game series. Its technical gameplay and intricate mechanics have made it a favorite among fans of the genre for nearly 30 years, and it will likely continue to be a staple in the world of fighting games for many years to come.
King of Fighters
The King of Fighters series features a large roster of characters from various SNK franchises and is known for its team-based gameplay. It’s a favorite among fans of classic 2D fighting games.
“King of Fighters” is a classic fighting game series developed by SNK Corporation. The game features a diverse range of characters from different SNK franchises, competing in 3-on-3 team battles. First released in 1994, the series has since grown in popularity and gained a massive following worldwide.
The “King of Fighters” series has received critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay, story, and graphics. The game’s fluid combat mechanics, coupled with its unique team-based gameplay, have made it a favorite among both casual and hardcore fighting game fans. As of 2021, the series has sold over 80 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful fighting game franchises in history.
In 2010, a live-action movie adaptation of “King of Fighters” was released, which received mixed reviews from fans and critics. The movie struggled to capture the essence of the game, with many fans disappointed by its mediocre action sequences and shallow characters. However, despite the mixed reception, the “King of Fighters” movie still managed to attract a considerable number of fans and helped raise awareness of the game series.
Over the years, “King of Fighters” has continued to evolve, with each new installment adding new gameplay mechanics, characters, and storylines.
Overall, “King of Fighters” is a beloved fighting game franchise that has stood the test of time. Its innovative gameplay, engaging storyline, and diverse cast of characters have made it a favorite among gamers and a worthy contender in the world of fighting games.
BlazBlue
BlazBlue is known for its complex storyline, stunning anime-style graphics, and deep combat system. It’s a favorite among fans of anime and manga and has a dedicated competitive scene.
BlazBlue is a fighting game series developed and published by Arc System Works. Known for its visually stunning anime-style graphics, intricate storylines, and unique gameplay mechanics, BlazBlue has been a popular fighting game franchise since its debut in 2008.
The series has been well received by both fans and critics alike, with its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and well-designed characters earning high praise. The series has also been successful commercially, with over 1.7 million copies sold.
BlazBlue has also spawned a number of spin-off games, including the tactical RPG BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend and the visual novel BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend, as well as a manga series and an anime adaptation. The anime series, titled “BlazBlue: Alter Memory,” premiered in 2013 and was well received by fans of the series.
In addition to its games and spin-offs, BlazBlue has also gained a following in the competitive fighting game community, with tournaments held around the world and a strong presence at major events such as EVO.
While BlazBlue has not yet had a feature film adaptation, its popularity and unique characters make it a strong contender for a future adaptation. With its visually stunning graphics and engaging storylines, a BlazBlue film could be a thrilling addition to the world of anime and gaming.
Dead or Alive
The Dead or Alive series is known for its fast-paced, flashy gameplay and its emphasis on female characters. It’s also known for its interactive environments and the ability to knock opponents off cliffs and into danger zones.
As a fighting game series, “Dead or Alive” certainly stands out, and not just because of its focus on female fighters with ample curves. Developed by Team Ninja, this series has gained quite the reputation for its unique fighting mechanics and emphasis on environmental hazards. Since its inception in 1996, “Dead or Alive” has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, cementing its place in the fighting game genre.
The series has been praised for its fluid and intuitive fighting mechanics that revolve around countering and combos, as well as its visually stunning stages that have unique interactive elements that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. The series’ most popular installment, “Dead or Alive 5,” was released in 2012 and was praised for its depth and accessibility, allowing players of all skill levels to jump in and enjoy the game.
While “Dead or Alive” has not had a movie adaptation that was as widely received as some of the other fighting game franchises, it has had several spin-off titles that explore the characters and universe in unique ways. One such spin-off was the beach volleyball game “Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball,” which was criticized for its sexualization of the female characters but still gained a cult following.
“Dead or Alive 6,” was released in 2019 and continues to build on the series’ strengths while introducing new characters and mechanics. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising the gameplay and others criticizing the microtransactions and lack of content.
Overall, “Dead or Alive” remains a beloved fighting game series with a unique focus on countering and interactive stages. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some of the other franchises on this list, its impact on the fighting game genre is undeniable.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our journey through the top 10 greatest fight game series of all time, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia for the incredible moments these games have given us. From the classic 2D fighters that started it all, to the revolutionary 3D brawlers that pushed the boundaries of the genre, these games have stood the test of time and continue to captivate new generations of gamers.
Whether it’s the iconic characters, the deep combat systems, the intense storylines, or the sheer thrill of pummeling your opponents into submission, fighting games offer a unique and exhilarating gaming experience that has no equal. And with new games and franchises constantly emerging, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beloved genre.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the world of fighting games, we hope this list has inspired you to pick up a controller, challenge your friends, and experience the thrill of the fight for yourself. It’s time to unleash your inner warrior and become a champion of the greatest fight game series of all time!
