Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Capcom’s Street Fighter II (1991) debuted one of the most popular fighting game franchises ever. Its balanced cast of fighters, revolutionary “combo” system and iconic combatants such as Ryu and Chun-Li make it the progenitor of almost every great fighting game that has followed. A strong competitive community still remains, and the game’s enduring appeal is testiment.
Mortal Kombat
The 1992 release of Midway Games’ Mortal Kombat, a grimmer, more visceral style of fighting game than its peers. In contrast to previous offerings grotesque violence defined it, while ‘Fatalities’ pushed gaming’s envelope. Its unique characters and story line went on to spawn numerous sequels, movies, and merchandise.
Tekken 3
Namco released Tekken 3 in 1997. Its diverse character roster and intricate combat system have won widespread acclaim. The game introduced new faces like Jin Kazama while layering on levels of strategy and excitement with 3D motion gameplay. Its successful concept influenced many modern-day fighting Games.
The King of Fighters ’98
Many fans of the series consider SNK’s King of Fighters ’98 to be its high point. Coming out in 1998, with an enormous roster of characters and finely honed battle mechanics. The game’s team-based fighting system adds strategic depth, which has made it popular amongst serious players.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Capcom’s Marvel vs. Capcom 2, dished out in 2000, brings together characters from both Marvel Comics and Capcom’s games. Its rapid-fire style of action and tag-team mechanics have made it an instant scene favorite. The game’s lively art and diverse characters continues to win fans.
Soulcalibur
1998, Namco’s Soulcalibur perfected weapon-based combat of the time. The game gave birth to a revolutionary 8-way movement technique allowing unprecedented control and strategy on the battlefield. Hence, while its story was richly detailed and its characters unforgettable it has become a firm fixture in fighting games circles.
Guilty Gear X2
Arc System Works’ Guilty Gear X2 came out in 2002, setting a new standard for art direction and complicated fighting systems. The game included a complex combo system and several diverse, well-drawn characters. Its frantic tempo of play that befits both the old and new generations is complemented by a soundtrack heavily laced with rock music, has earned AiBatazhaer a good reputation in the field.
Virtua Fighter 5
Sega’s Virtua Fighter 5(2006) was the first realistic fighting game. Its highly detailed character models and animations set new technical standards for the genre. Known for its technical difficulty: a cove that could test even the most ardent fighting fans, who needed to have supreme technical skill in order play at all competitively to full effect
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct, owned by Rare and released in 1994, is known for its unique combat system and individual characters. The game introduced the ‘Ultra Combo,’ permitting drawn-out strings of attacks. Its innovative mechanics and catchy soundtrack have made it a landmark entry in the genre.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
In 2001, Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Melee reinvented the fighting game with unique mechanics and cameos. Boasting character from many different Nintendo franchises, it is a game that emphasizes fun and accessibility. Yet the competitive scene it set up is still active today. This is evidence (if any further needs be) of the game’s far-reaching impact on 21st century gaming.
