10. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
The ultimate edition of arguably the most iconic fighting game of all time Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is dripping with nostalgic enjoyment. It features all of the classic characters, a host of new single-player and multiplayer features, as well as two new fighters: Evil Ryu and Violent Ken. As well as the classic modes, it also has a first-person experience, in which you use the Joy-Cons to perform Hadoukens as well as Ryu’s other classic moves to defeat the Shadaloo army.
9. Blazblue Cross Tag Battle
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is undoubtedly the best tag team fighting game on the Switch. Alongside the classic roster of fighters, you can also pick characters from the Persona franchise as well as the popular Rooster Teeth series RWBY in gorgeously rendered 2D action. Expect crazy combos, frenetic action and satisfying victories either with friends or solo.
8. Guilty Gear 20th Anniversary Edition
An anniversary re-release of one of the more hardcore PS1 fighting games, Guilty Gear isn’t for the faint-hearted. Combining twisted anime-style characters with a hard rock soundtrack and a complex combo system, it exudes originality in a genre that all too often relies on tropes and lacks originality. This package also includes the previously digital-only Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R, arguably the best game in the franchise to date.
7. 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 a little more larger than life. Plus you can throw your opponent into the mouth of a waiting crocodile - what more could you want?
6. Pokkén Tournament DX
Taking Pokémon out of the shackles of turn-based combat and into a total brawl. Dipping into the series’ diverse pool of pocket monsters, each fighter has a unique move set to master, allowing for plenty of replayability. A thriving online community makes it an even more enticing prospect, that’s a must-buy for any fan of the franchise.
5. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Part fighting game, part RPG, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is essentially an abridged version of the original anime. You’ll take the role of some fan favourites, including Goku, Gohan, Piccolo and Trunks, as you take on superpowered enemies against a lush, colourful backdrop. It may be a story that’s been told plenty of times before but offers enough surprises to keep it fresh, original and exciting.
4. Dragon Ball FighterZ
The Dragon Ball series has inspired some great fighting games over the years, but FighterZ has got to top them all. With gorgeous animations that make you feel like you’re playing through an episode of the anime, deep but accessible move sets and an original story written by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, there’s plenty for both the hardcore and filthy casuals to enjoy with this entry into the franchise.
3. Mortal Kombat 11
MK 11 is predictably incredible. You can expect the usual affair of tight, fluid mechanics and brutal fatalities that are just as wince-inducing on the tablet screen as they are in docked mode. But it’s the story with which Mortal Kombat stands out from its predecessors. No spoilers, but after the time-shattering events of Mortal Kombat 10, you’ll have to fight different versions of yourself from previous games. Mortal Kombat is one of those franchises that seem to knock it out of the park more often than not, and MK11 is no exception.
2. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
For those joystick junkies who can recognise true pedigree, this is perfection. Comprising of 12 classic releases from the flawed masterpiece that was the first Street Fighter to 1999’s Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, this is an absolutely essential purchase and is sure to even bring a smile to M. Bison’s face.
1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo has been perfecting their Smash Bros series for the past 2 decades, an effort that culminates with the near-obnoxiously good Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The fighting/party game boasts one of the best rosters of characters found in any game ever, ranging from Pikachu to Solid Snake to Sonic and even the Wii Fit Trainer (because why not?), and each character feels unique, with a deep move set and individual play style.
