Fighting Games

Super Smash Bros. Melee is a legendary crossover platform fighting game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. Players choose from iconic franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Pokémon, and Fire Emblem to battle on dynamic stages, aiming to knock opponents off the arena rather than deplete traditional health bars. Renowned for its incredible speed, mechanical depth, and competitive longevity, the game supports up to four players simultaneously in chaotic multiplayer matches alongside robust single-player modes. Its enduring legacy has fostered one of the most passionate and long-running esports communities in gaming history.

✦ Best for fighting game fans and esports enthusiasts seeking deep mechanical skill.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 combines the best elements of the franchise into a single thrilling experience. Shao Kahn seeks revenge as his legions attempt to eliminate all Earthrealm souls, and Queen Sindel awaits her evil king to reunite and take control of both realms. Players can jump straight into the action with 23 immediately available characters like Reptile, Cyrax, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Jax, Katana, and Sonya. Enjoy various game modes including one-on-one, two-on-two, and the intense 8-fighter tournament against computer opponents.

✦ Best for retro arcade enthusiasts wanting a large 23-character fighting roster.

Mortal Kombat: Special Forces is a 2000 action-adventure spin-off putting players in control of the Special Forces agent Jackson 'Jax' Briggs. Set before the events of the original Mortal Kombat tournament, the game details Jax's dangerous mission to track down the criminal mastermind Kano and rescue his missing partner, Lieutenant Sonya Blade. Players navigate through complex 3D environments, utilizing an arsenal of heavy weaponry and devastating martial arts combos. As the story unfolds, Jax finds himself pulled deeper into the supernatural conspiracies of the Mortal Kombat universe, culminating in an unforeseen and dramatic climax against his arch-rival.

✦ Best for lore completionists and retro action fans wanting a jax and kano backstory.

Mortal Kombat II is a classic arcade fighting game developed by Midway that expands upon its predecessor with enhanced mechanics and deeper mythos. Players travel to Outworld to battle formidable new combatants under the watchful eye of the brutal ruler Shao Kahn. Featuring expanded finishing moves and a roster of legendary characters like Kitana, Mileena, and Kung Lao, the game delivers intense competitive action. Earthrealm's defenders must overcome extreme danger to prevent Outworld from conquering their home.

✦ Best for retro fighting game fans wanting classic arcade action against shao kahn.

Super Smash Bros. is a crossover fighting video game featuring characters from several different Nintendo franchises, marking the first installment in the celebrated series. Unlike traditional fighting games that rely on depleting an opponent's life bar, players must knock opposing characters off the stage while managing a damage percentage meter. Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, the game combines frantic multiplayer action with familiar items and power-ups. It supports various gameplay modes, allowing both solo players and groups to enjoy fast-paced, platform-style combat across stages themed after classic Nintendo universes.

✦ Best for nintendo fans and party gamers seeking multiplayer crossover fighting.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the third installment in the beloved crossover fighting game series, following up on Super Smash Bros. Melee. It retains all core mechanics of the franchise, including damage meters, stocks, and Smash-style attacks, while introducing devastating super attacks called Final Smashes. Players can also dive into a brand-new side-scrolling platform adventure mode titled The Subspace Emissary, where Nintendo's iconic heroes unite to stop the Subspace Army and the ultimate mastermind, Tabuu. With support for both single-player and multiplayer modes, it delivers an unforgettable crossover showdown.

✦ Best for nintendo fans seeking a massive crossover fighting game with an adventure mode.

Virtua Fighter 2 is a groundbreaking 3D fighting game originally released in the arcades and later brought to home systems, renowned for its smooth texture-mapped polygons and deep martial arts combat mechanics. Players choose from a diverse roster of fighters, each utilizing authentic fighting styles ranging from Jeet Kune Do to Bajiquan, competing in fast-paced hand-to-hand combat arenas. Building upon its predecessor, the game introduces refined ring-out mechanics, highly responsive controls, and distinct character movelists that reward precision, timing, and strategic mastery. Whether playing solo or challenging friends in multiplayer, it remains a pillar of arcade fighting game history.

✦ Best for retro gamers and fans of deep martial arts combat.

Fighters Megamix is a classic 1996 arcade fighting game developed by Sega AM2 that brings together characters from various Sega franchises, including Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers. Known for its fast-paced combat engine and unexpected roster additions like the car from Daytona USA and the bean from Dynamite Dux, it delivers a uniquely chaotic competitive experience. The game expands upon the mechanics of Virtua Fighter 2 while introducing new features such as guard cancels and wall-less arenas. Players can experience the historic crossover across single-player arcade ladders and head-to-head multiplayer battles, solidifying its place as a cult classic of the Sega Saturn and arcade eras.

✦ Best for retro fans seeking classic sega crossover arcade fighting action.

Virtua Fighter Animation brings the iconic blocky polygons and martial arts action of the beloved anime and arcade classic to home consoles. Players can choose from a roster of distinct fighters, each utilizing real-world martial arts disciplines ranging from Jeet Kune Do to Pro Wrestling. Developed by Aspect and published by Sega, the game combines fast-paced 1D-plane 3D fighting mechanics with nostalgic charm. Whether battling through single-player arcade ladders or challenging a friend in multiplayer, it delivers a faithful slice of mid-90s fighting game history.

✦ Best for retro gamers and classic fighting game fans.

Virtua Fighter 3 is a legendary 3D arcade fighting game developed by Sega AM2, utilizing the powerful Model 3 hardware to deliver unprecedented visual fidelity and fluid character animations. Introducing revolutionary mechanics like the evade button and uneven terrain arenas that dynamically affect gameplay, it elevated the tactical depth of the franchise. Players can choose from a diverse roster of returning and new martial artists, each with distinct fighting styles ranging from Jeet Kune Do to Sumo. Known for its high skill ceiling and emphasis on fundamental execution over frantic button mashing, it remains a milestone in the history of competitive fighting games.

✦ Best for fighting game enthusiasts seeking deep tactical combat and retro 3d visuals.

Virtua Fighter 10th Anniversary is a special release commemorating the legacy of SEGA's pioneering 3D fighting franchise. Developed by Sega AM2 and published by Enterbrain for the PlayStation 2, it blends the beloved mechanics of Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution with nostalgic, low-polygon character models reminiscent of the 1993 arcade original. Fans and newcomers alike can experience precise martial arts combat enhanced by refined balancing and the unique visual throwback. It serves as both a tribute to arcade history and a polished competitive fighting experience for enthusiasts of the genre.

✦ Best for classic fans wanting retro polygonal models and solid vf4 mechanics.

Soul Edge is a groundbreaking 3D weapon-based fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Namco. Released in arcades and later ported to home consoles, it introduced players to historical fantasy combat where characters wield distinct swords, spears, and axes in fast-paced duels. The game is renowned for its cinematic presentation, innovative weapon-durability mechanics, and the introduction of iconic characters like Mitsurugi, Sophitia, and Siegfried. Its critical acclaim paved the way for the celebrated Soulcalibur franchise.

✦ Best for retro fighting fans seeking a revolutionary historical fantasy weapon battler.