10. Jump Force
Jump Force is in one word, a spectacle. For those not familiar with Shōnen Jump, they’re responsible for such famous series as Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Yu-gi-oh, and many more. In short, this game has a fantastic roster of characters from many of these series. Perfect for fighting game fans that also share an interest in anime with their friends, this is definitely one you’ll be inviting people over to play.
9. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
Among the most famous fighting game series, Marvel vs Capcom has been a staple of the genre since 1994. This latest iteration has highs and lows, but it’ll be the highs that you remember it for - the fast-paced tag team battles, the innovative new Infinity Stone mechanics, the bright and attractive background visuals, and the 30-character roster from across the worlds of Marvel and Capcom.
8. Guilty Gear Strive
Don’t let the anime visual style fool you - Guilty Gear Strive is an incredible fighting game experience, a visual marvel and an underappreciated gem whatever your outlook on Japanese animation. It’s also the perfect place to pick up the series if you’ve overlooked it in the past, as the mechanics have been balanced to welcome beginners while maintaining the rewarding complexity and combos that long-term fans have come to love.
7. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Anyone who’s seen an episode of the Dragon Ball Z anime will know exactly why it lends itself so well to fighting games - the huge energy attacks, the over-the-top feats of strength, the transformations and the combos all make the perfect recipe for memorable fights. It also features an awesome original story, rather than rehashing the anime like other Dragon Ball games. Anime fan or not, this is without a doubt one of the best fighting games of this generation.
6. WWE 2K Battlegrounds
After the hot mess that was WWE 2K20, the developers have decided to offer a palette cleanser in the form of 2K Battlegrounds. A much more over the top affair, with arcade-style grappling, cartoony graphics and outlandish weapons, it’s a tonne of fun seeing these larger than life characters looking even larger than life. Plus you can throw your opponent into the mouth of a waiting crocodile - what more could you want?
5. EA Sports UFC 4
UFC 4 is definitely a case of evolution, rather than revolution. It adds some welcome features and tweaks some of the weaker areas of its predecessor, but broadly speaking, it’s more of the same. That’s not a bad thing, as a thriving online scene and narrative-driven career mode make it a tempting prospect. If you enjoy mixed martial arts and the previous entries in the series, you’re certain to enjoy this.
4. Street Fighter V
The most recent addition to the legendary Street Fighter series, Street Fighter V has a roster of 16 classic characters, with 4 being brand new to the series. While initially a sparse offering, updates since release have made it into the game it was always meant to be, with substantial new game modes and awesome new mechanics, like the V-trigger moves. A game that truly lives up to the reputation of the series.
3. Injustice 2
Injustice is a fighting game populated by all of your favourite DC comics characters, like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. What’s not to love? Coming to your PS4 from the makers of Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2 is not only a hugely technical and surprisingly deep fighting game but also has a fantastically engrossing single-player mode featuring a roster that is sure to make DC Comics fans drool.
2. Tekken 7
Tekken is without a doubt one of the most iconic fighting series in gaming, and Tekken 7 does a fantastic job of carrying the crown. The combat system is tight, responsive and you never feel cheated. The multiplayer is just as fantastic as you’d expected, but the Treasure Battle mode is where you’ll spend most of your single-player time - additional character cutscenes, cosmetic items and watchable Tekken history are all waiting for you to unlock.
1. Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat is the fighting series with the most infamous legacy. Well known for fast-paced fights and intense gore, Mortal Kombat has been alive and kicking for nearly 30 years. Mortal Kombat 11 is the pinnacle of everything the series has learned throughout its reign. Constant updates to the game since release have only improved it further, giving it the most refined combat experience in the series to date and a thriving competitive tournament scene. Fatality!