The Best Combat Games for PS4, Xbox One and Switch
Today, gamers are turning to fighting games for a simpler gaming experience. These titles offer a straightforward approach to gaming, with no side quests or extra entertainment. Players can focus on the main goal of defeating their opponents and mastering the game’s mechanics. Fighting games provide an accessible and enjoyable way to enjoy video games without the complexity of modern titles.
Fighting games offer a unique way to experience the nostalgia of classic arcade-style games while enjoying modern features. The objective remains the same: defeat your opponent in an epic battle.
Today’s fighting games offer a more immersive experience than their predecessors, with more characters, combos and better graphics. Whether you prefer a complex game or something simpler, there are plenty of options to choose from - allowing players to customize their gaming experience.
Check the list of Best Fighting Games for PS4, Xbox One and Switch
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Street Fighter V
Patience has paid off for Street Fighter fans. After the success of Street Fighter II, Capcom has released updated versions of each game in the series, adding new features, characters, stages and alternative costs. However, Street Fighter V was initially released with a limited selection and an over-reliance on paid DLC. But now that Capcom has added more content to the game over time, it’s become a must-have title for fans of the series.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition brings together almost all content from previous seasons, with the exception of Capcom Pro Tour and sponsored clothing. The new edition also features balance changes to ensure a more even playing field.
Super Smash Bros.
Masahiro Sakurai declared it a “miracle” that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate exists, allowing players to experience the unique thrill of watching Mario and Zelda battle Ryu from Street Fighter and Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 on a Metal Gear Solid battlefield. This is an experience only the Smash Bros. series can provide, and Ultimate does it bigger and better than ever before.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a massive package, boasting 74 fighters, 108 stages, and 1300 Spirit characters to collect. Its single player adventure mode took 24 hours of gameplay to complete - far more than any of its four predecessors.
Guilty Gear
Despite its underrated status, Guilty Gear is a beloved fighting game series. I recently decided to take the plunge and learn one of the games in depth, starting with Guilty Gear Strive. I’m glad I did, as it has opened my eyes to the depth and complexity of this series that I had previously overlooked.
For over 20 years, Guilty Gear has become renowned for its intricate traditions. From its expansive glossary of terms and numbers to its timeline of events spanning 1998 to 2187, and even a correlation graph that ties together every game in the series, it’s clear why this fighting game is so beloved.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Fans of the iconic anime series Dragon Ball have long been disappointed by the quality of video games based on the franchise. But now, Bandai Namco’s latest release, Dragon Ball FighterZ, has changed that: it is not only the best game in the series to date, but also an outstanding fighting game in its own right.
Arc System Works, the developers behind the acclaimed Guilty Gear Xrd series, have brought their game engine to Dragon Ball FighterZ, creating a stunningly animated fighting game that captures the look and feel of a classic cartoon.
Tekken 7
Tekken 7 is a celebration of the long-running franchise, offering an impressive level of complexity while still remaining accessible to all. With its vast array of customizations and a silly story line, it stands out among the current crop of fighting games such as Injustice 2, Killer Instinct, Street Fighter 5 and Guilty Gear Xrd. The King of Iron Fist Tournament is ready to take on the competition.
Tekken 7 offers a classic fighting experience, with its three-dimensional stages and martial arts-inspired attacks. Movement is key, as carelessly jumping or running can lead to disaster. Projectiles are scarce, placing the focus on close combat.
Soul Calibur VI
SoulCalibur VI marks the return of the beloved weapons-based fighting game series, combining classic elements with new mechanics to create an immersive PC experience. Players can enjoy fast, strategic combat and robust character customization, as well as Reversal Edge and Soul Charge’s Battle Mechanics. The game is perfect for friendly battles or competitive tournaments like Evo.
SoulCalibur VI is a reboot of the series, taking players back to the events of the first game and uncovering a hidden story. After SoulCalibur V’s lukewarm reception, this could be a savvy move – in theory. Unfortunately, Soul Chronicle – the game’s main narrative – is uninspired even by fighting game standards. It follows 21 characters as they grapple with the consequences of a powerful Sword Edge sword.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Mike Epstein tested Mortal Kombat 11 on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, finding that the game’s next-gen optimized technical updates improved its performance. Read his impressions below, followed by the original review of Mortal Kombat 11.
Mortal Kombat 11 has been given a technical upgrade for next-gen consoles, Xbox Series X and PS5. The game’s already impressive visuals have been sharpened, and new features added to make it even better. All players of the game will benefit from these improvements, as Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate has been released to coincide with the next-gen releases.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
I’m passionate about fighting games, so I buy titles to stay up-to-date and join in on tournaments and streams. Initially, I wasn’t interested in Lab Zero Games’ Skullgirls - a 2D team-based fighter - but that changed with the release of Skullgirls 2nd Encore, an upgrade to the base game for just $14.99.
Skullgirls offers a team-based fighting system inspired by Capcom vs. SNK, allowing players to select up to three characters to battle against up to three rivals. This ratio system balances the action, granting bonus health and damage points to teams with fewer combatants than their opponents.
Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3
After a decade of anticipation, Capcom has finally released the sequel to Marvel vs. Capcom 2, one of the most beloved 2D fighting games ever created. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was met with praise for its improvements to the series, but also criticism for its limited modes and roster size. Now, just months later, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is here to address those issues and provide fans with an even better experience than before.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 brings the usual updates to the franchise, including new fighters, stages and features. However, it falls short in terms of new modes and features for retail buyers. Despite this, the game still retains its signature style that has made it a standout in the fighting game genre.
power Rangers
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid proves that a fighting game can still be successful despite its shortcomings. Despite its mobile-game aesthetic, lack of voice acting, limited modes and characters, few stages, and generic music - all compounded by the stigma of being based on a licensed property with a poor video game track record - this nostalgia-filled title succeeds thanks to its solid mechanics and strong characters.
Battle for the Grid is a fast-paced fighting game with a simple control system. Players can choose from light, medium, heavy and special attacks, similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ. Special moves are executed by pressing a direction and button - no complicated entries required.
Final note
Love a good fight? Check out our list of the best combat games for PS4, Xbox One and Switch. Share with friends and let us know if you have any questions.
