For as long as we remember, fighting games have been an integral part of video games. The first fighting game ever created was Karate Champ, launched in arcades. Later, Karate Champ got ported to platforms such as NES, Commodore 64, and iOS.
Competitive tournaments would be less exciting if it weren't for fighting games. With new games to play and new combos to learn, fighting games remain relevant in today's gaming world. So if you haven't played a fighting game for a while, pick one up; you won't be disappointed. These are the best fighting games of the 2000s.
Updated March 31, 2022, by Christopher Sanfilippo: The last few years have given us many fighting game landmarks. For instance, SNK revitalized two of their signature fighting series with titles like Samurai Shodown (2019) and The King Of Fighters 15. Furthermore, Arc System Works cemented its reputation as a trailblazer in the genre with Guilty Gear Strive. We've made room for these new entries and examined what fighting game juggernauts we missed.
15 🌼 Injustice 2
Although 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Injustice 2's style of including cutscenes in battle is an excellent effect, cutscenes can be repetitive and disruptive from a competitive standpoint. However, for those who don't care about the competitive aspect of fighting games, Injustice 2 is a fun DC Comics game that contains many of our favorite heroes and villa🔜ins.
A critical flaw of Injustice 2 is the character design of the Joker. Unfortunately, this game contains one of the worst Joker designs seen in a video game or movie. Nevertheless, casual players will get the most enjoyment from Injustice 2 because of its emotional storytelling and superb combos.
14 🌊 EA Sports UFC 3
MMA (mixed martial arts) has become exceedingly popular in recent years. Cage fighting in a lightly regulated environment seems to appeal to viewers. Playing as UFC champions like Connor McGregor, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Ronda Rousey, and Nate Diaz makes UFC 3 one of the better fighting games.
New game modes, precise movements, and the ability to play as Bruce Lee make UFC 3 a knockout. Additionally, this sequel updated the fighters' stats. With an overhaul to gameplay, UFC 3 stands as the most realistic fight game.
13 Dead Or Alive 5 🍌 💧
Team Ninja has developed quite a few action/fighting game hits. However, Dead or Alive 5 has plenty of competition in an already flooded fighting game market. Still, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dead or Alive 5 remains relevant with its skill-based combat that encourages you to practice and learn combos.
Compared to the other 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dead or Alive games, Dead or Alive 5 is not the most significant improvement, but it is still the best game in the series. Being able to play as Hayabusa from the Ninja Gaiden series is one o☂f the reasons we love Dead or Alive 5.
12 Soul Calibur💞 2
168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Soul Calibur's developer, Project Soul, has released some of the most engaging fighting games available. When Soul Calibur 2 launched, each console port featured a unique guest character. Xbox had Spawn, PlayStation 2 had Tekken's Heihachi Mishima, and Nintendo GameCube had Link from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Soul Calibur 2 is regarded as the best game in the series because꧒ of its addictive gameplay. On the other hand, its sequel, Soul Calibur 3, is considered the worst game by fans. However, balanced gameplay and a more striking design are why Soul Calibur 2 surpasses the inferior Soul Calibur 3.
11 ꩲ The King Of Fighters 15
Any fighting game list is incomplete without the contributions of SNK. The company rose to prominence with many fighting game series, including Fatal Fury, The Last Blade, The Art of Fighting, and Samurai Shodown. However, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:The King Of Fighters, a crossover series featuring various SNK characters from across their game catalog, is arguably the company's most well-known.
SNK went through a challenging period in the early 2000s, undergoing bankruptcy. However, the company began a steady resurgence with the formation of SNK Playmore. As a result, the KOF series transformed dramatically, especially in the last decade. However, with enhanced graphics, a bountiful roster, and refined technical mechanics, KOF15 cement𝓀s itself as the signature KOF of the current console generation.
10 Samurai Shodown (2019ꦿ)
SNK is also responsible for one of the best series revivals in the fighting game genre. However, unlike many of its peers, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Samurai Shodown drops complicated combos and fast-paced matches for bloody high-risk/high-reward sword fights. Furthermore, the game's stylized graphics give the feeling of observing a painting on a . Seriously, this game is as beautiful as it is violent!
Another stand-out feature of this latest entry is the abundant gameplay modes, including survival and arcade modes, ghost battles, and several online offerings. The game does have its drawbacks, such as a rather base story mode with a highly cheap boss. Still, these flaws are minor in the perspective of the game as a whole. Therefore, if you wish to become familiar with the series, the latest Samurai Shodown is a fantastic place to start!
9 Street Fﷺ﷽ighter 5
168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Street Fighter 5 did not have an impressive launch, which we'll discuss later. The game lacked several standard fighting game modes and featured a limited roster. Still, as the game's lifespan went on, it made various improvements. These changes include a robust arcade mode, the extra battle challenge mode, a cinematic story mode, and significant additions to the game's roster.
While this title may not have the pizazz or hype of its prequel, Street Fighter 4, it still maintains the series' reputation as a slugger in the genre. Furthermore, the creative choices behind each character's V Skills and V Triggers can make great fun!
8 Street Fig🏅hter 4 ▨
168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Street Fighter 4 is more enjoyable than its sequel. However, Street Fighter 5 came with several flaws, making it less significant among today's fighting games.
Unfortunately, ,
Unfortunately, , "Street Fighter V has an awful survival mode, that's dull as dishwater, with a bunch of punching bag like foes until you get to the overpowered boss." A harsh review, but true nonetheless.
A harsh review, but true nonetheless.
On the other hand, Street Fighter 4 has improved balancing and some of the most awesome combos seen in a fighting game. After a long hiatus, the legendary title revived the dormant Street Fighter series. The game would usher in a new renaissance for 2D fighting games.
7 𝔍 𝓀 Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball's latest fighting game is comparable to other leading fighting games for the first time in a while. Dragon Ball Xenoverse was a hit that had free-flying combat. However, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dragon Ball FighterZ has up close and personal battles from a 2D perspective. With the addition of the Unreal Engine, a Dragon Ball video game has never looked so good.
2D fighting fans who felt let down by Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will find a spiritual successor in this three-on-three Super Saiyan tag-stravaganza! The game has a lightning-quick pace, and flashy super combos wrapped up in an accessible package. So pick up Dragon Ball FighterZ today since both novice and advanced players will enjoy the game.
6 ✨ 🧜 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Many prefer 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Super Smash Bros. Melee over newer games in the series. An influx of characters and stages made it a significant improvement over its predecessor, Super Smash Bros., for the Nintendo 64. The pacing was just right, and every match was a blast. Released on the GameCube, Super Smash Bros. Melee is one classic we wish to beꦯ made available for the Nintendo Switch.
One of the reasons we love Super Smash Bros. is because it contains many of our favorite characters. Super Smash Bros. Melee added 13 characters, including Ice Climbers, Falco, Dr. Mario, Young Link, Marth, and Bowser.