10. Samurai Shodown
After many years out of the spotlight, the acclaimed Samurai Shodown series returns with a vengeance. With 16 characters returning to do battle in a visually stunning cinematic art style, the tense, exhilarating battles burst off the screen in this stunningly designed and richly-detailed game. The game’s revolutionary Dojo Mode is especially exciting, learning from player patterns and styles to create the perfect adversary.
9. Dead or Alive 6
Boasting the series’ fan-favourite Mass Destruction mode, fighters can use the environment in their attacks in this triumphant return of the celebrated Dead or Alive franchise. With a wide range of incredible locations and notable fighters, the game is a stunning and powerful beat-‘em-up. With a focus on coin and credit collecting to unlock costumes and styles for your fighters, the game is rammed with replayability!
8. UFC 3
With revolutionised fighting movement and new animation technology, UFC 3 is almost photorealistic in its visuals. With every single punch, kick, block and counter captured and animated on cutting-edge animation tech, the game looks and feels authentic and visceral. Packed with game-types like Knockout Mode, Submission Shootout and Stand & Bang, UFC 3 is packed with content and some of the very best and most lifelike visuals seen in gaming.
7. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
The epic clash between two universes is the order of the day in Marvel v Capcom Infinite, pitting endless iconic characters against each other in an action-packed, vibrant and fun fighter. With an interesting story mode alongside the usual multiplayer and arcade modes, this one deserves a place on this list purely for the sight of Resident Evil’s Chris Redfield going toe-to-toe with Marvel’s Thanos. Delightful.
6. Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
In this super-powered sequel to the acclaimed Gods Among Us, Injustice 2 allows players to build and power up the ultimate versions of their favourite DC characters. With endless customisation options across characters’ appearances, skills and fighting styles, Injustice 2 is packed with content. A massive selection of extra playable characters and fighting stages included in the Legendary Edition make this one a must-own.
5. Tekken 7
With all-new battle mechanics like “Rage Arts”, “Power Crushes” and “Rage Drives”, Tekken 7 is certainly the finest and most comprehensive entry in the iconic franchise so far. With a solid roster of over 30 playable characters, the game encourages training and creativity in developing your own deadly fighting techniques and styles – something that will help you power through the game’s powerful and cinematic story mode.
4. Mortal Kombat 11
Featuring more character customisation than ever before in the beloved series, Mortal Kombat 11 allows players to change their fighters’ gear and special abilities to truly make them a force to be reckoned with. Packed with a thrilling campaign and various fighting challenges to test your skills, Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the best games released in the genre to date thanks to stunning visuals and finishing animations. A brilliant game!
3. Dragon Ball: FighterZ
Dragon Ball: FighterZ builds upon what makes the series so loved – spectacular, over-the-top and visually breath-taking fights. Full to the brim with thrilling features, the game excels with its crazy 6-player online party matches that allow for all-out chaotic war! With truly gorgeous anime visuals, the game is clearly a labour of love and plays like a charm. This one deserves its place at the top end of this very competitive list!
2. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
This ultimate tribute to the genre’s finest franchise is an absolute love letter to a bygone era of gaming. Rich in content, this nostalgic anthology package contains a staggering 12 titles that will take you back in time to gaming’s most formative years. The games play as well as they ever did, and the addition of online play here makes the experience all the more exciting. A truly wonderful release that reminds us of the genre’s roots.
1. Soul Calibur VI
When it comes to fighting games, one franchise just does it best. Soul Calibur’s 6th entry is absolutely the best, thanks to beautiful visuals and revamped, precise gameplay mechanics, making the game feel completely polished and made with love. Boasting a complete roster of characters including The Witcher himself Geralt of Rivia, it doesn’t get much better than this. A masterpiece of the fighting genre, and the leader of the pack.