Top 10 Best Fighting Games For All Ages
Fighting game genre offers something for every type of player – be it experienced tournament competitors or casual gamers looking for something more accessible – with its variety of offerings for both.
Some titles on this list have charmed gamers with their intricate storytelling while others have revolutionized combative gameplay. From timeless classics to cutting-edge modern masterpieces, here are 10 of the best fighting games suitable for players of all ages.
1. Tekken 7
Tekken 7 is the pinnacle of its legendary series and an absolute blast to play, whether you just want to mash buttons and watch combos happen or engage in special moves such as combo assist mode for beginners and Rage Arts and Power Crush mechanics that add depth to combat.
Visuals in PS4 Pro (or high-end PCs) with 4k resolution and wide color palette make for an exceptional viewing experience, particularly with slow-mo camera movements and super moves to visually inform players that something exciting is taking place and help keep up with the action.
Skullgirls excels at intuitive fast-paced combat with characters reminiscent of early Disney cartoons. Additionally, this game looks the part and its jazzy soundtrack provides an excuse to stop pummeling your opponent every so often and enjoy its beautiful vistas.
2. Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 is an outstanding fighting game. Building upon the foundations set by its 2015 predecessor, this installment features more complex character progression and an intriguing narrative arc. Furthermore, some clunky mechanics from previous installments of Mortal Kombat such as X-ray moves and Fatal Blows were refined further for improved playability and victory in tight matches.
It features some exciting new moves (overhead hops and escape rolls) as well as various ways of outwitting opponents (two separate defensive and offensive meters). Finally, load times have drastically decreased so you can easily breeze through both Klassic Towers campaigns and return directly to action!
Content has also been increased significantly, including an expanded roster and the debut of a time-shifting feature. Unfortunately, however, some fan favorites like Smoke, Ermac and Reptile remain missing from this version of the game.
3. Street Fighter V
Street Fighter V is designed for professional gamers, and Capcom recognizes this by including an expansive roster of downloadable characters, an ad-supported Extra Battle mode, and cinematic Story mode – plus their ambitious Kagemusha netcode that promises seamless online play.
But it also provides an impressive online meta-framework, letting you earn Fight Money through Ranked Matches and find rivals through the ‘Fighters Network’. However, where real magic occurs is with EX Attacks which transform any fight into an intricate chess match as you search for opportunities to unleash scene-stealing EX Attacks that turn it into a tactical contest with powerful attacks that annihilate foes with increased damage levels – using V-Trigger systems gives this franchise an entirely unique feel that proves its strength as an investment in its future success!
4. Guilty Gear Xrd
Guilty Gear Xrd from Arc System Works is the latest entry into its beloved anime fighter franchise, boasting flashy yet technical combat as fans have come to expect from Arc. Plus it adds some new surprises!
Notable among these new features is YRC, which allows players to cancel any move that has failed or been blocked – creating more defensive and offensive possibilities while emphasizing managing meter.
Other additions include Bread and Butter combos, Story Mode and Beast Mode — which transforms any character into a giant killer machine – along with training, challenge and versus modes as well as a brand new mission mode that teaches not only combos but also practical strategies – creating one of the most comprehensive fighting games out there.
5. BlazBlue
BlazBlue features fast-paced combat, unique fighting moves and a unique Drive button system which gives each character their own distinctive feel – for instance Ragna can use his drive button to heal himself slightly while Tager can magnetize an enemy and pull them towards powerful grabs.
This game boasts an expansive roster and glossary, as well as numerous modes that cover character-centered stories in an arcade mode, Grim Abyss – a survival mode wherein items will aid your descent through an abyss while collecting, score attack mode and score attack mode.
Although its short story and roster may turn off some fans, this fighter still delivers plenty of depth and an easily understandable control scheme for newcomers to the genre.
6. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Bandai Namco has produced an array of Dragon Ball tie-ins in recent years, yet few have captured its energy quite like this 3v3 fighter from Arc System Works. While others utilise traditional 3D gameplay mechanics, this version opts for structured 2.5D action that offers plenty for fans of the genre to enjoy.
As soon as a character is downed, an incredible visual transition occurs whereby another player flies into the arena to face them off against. It’s a small detail but one which helps reinforce that you truly are playing in the Dragon Ball universe.
Though it contains some slight missteps, this exuberantly entertaining fighting game deserves the consideration of both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, its accessible yet complex approach make this an excellent fit for players of all skill levels; veterans won’t feel overwhelmed.
7. Soulcalibur 2
Soul Calibur II is the multiplatform sequel to a game which set a standard in fighter games. From its cinematic opening sequences and eight-way run system allowing more fluid dodging/parrying to its impressive selection of game modes – Soul Calibur II stood out as the benchmark among fighters.
One of the hallmarks of the original was its seamlessness; this was in part thanks to the clever Guard Impact system, where attacks often varied or delayed timing for varied effects. Furthermore, combo strings were deemphasized so as not to lock someone into an extended juggle state.
This sequel improves on its predecessor in virtually every respect, yielding an addictive weapon-based fighting game with classic appeal.
8. Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct was revived with its own reboot in 2013. This game brought with it rollback netcode – now standard in fighting games across the board – as well as free-to-play model that continues its development with titles like MultiVersus.
This game is highly accessible, featuring an open combo system which makes for straightforward button mashing while offering room to explore and discover. Furthermore, an extensive tutorial mode ensures an optimal experience.
Few games showcase simplicity as successfully as Divekick, an accessible full-fledged fighting game without blocking and walking that only requires pressing two buttons to attack. Its stripped down design encourages players to focus on spacing and positioning and is one of the few easily accessible fighting games with enough depth for long play sessions; Divekick truly is pure joy!
9. Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla quickly rose to become one of the top PC games, before spreading across consoles and phones as well. Offering fast-paced multiplayer action that rivals Super Smash Bros, at least when played using controllers, Brawlhalla remains an engaging experience that anyone would find enjoyable.
Players play as various legends from different eras invited to Valhalla for an eternal tournament. While on the surface it seems simplistic, this title offers depth in attacks and combos which will surely impress any fighting game enthusiast.
The game offers Online Ranked 1v1 or 2v2 fights, couch party mode with up to 8 friends playing together, exhibition mode, Training Mode and much more. Weapons play an essential part in combat, with blasters and swords performing best for ranged fighting while katars and gauntlets can provide closer combat action.
10. Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo icons from various corners of gaming universe fight across stages designed by Ignition Studios. Players stab, shoot, bludgeon and otherwise generally knock one another unconscious – yet all violence in this family-friendly title focuses on building up damage rather than going for headshots.
Smash Ultimate’s learning curve can be more of a steep than other titles, due to characters not having pre-built combos that you can utilize immediately and requiring an in-depth knowledge of all available tools and mechanics. But simple adjustments like disabling grab tech or increasing aggressive movement speed help to keep things moving at an accelerated pace.
Super Smash Bros is ultimately an ode to video games. A clear appreciation for Nintendo’s storied legacy can be felt throughout its massive roster of 70+ fighters and creative references.