And in This Corner, Nostalgia Strikes Back!
Get ready, folks! It’s time to dust off your baggy pants, feed your Tamagotchis, and pop the Backstreet Boys back into your Walkman. Why, you ask? Because the best part of the 90s – the fighting games – are back and they’re crashing the party like a kool-aid man through a brick wall!
Breaking Down the Platform Barriers
Remember the good ol’ days when you had to go to an arcade and dish out your hard-earned quarters just to have a muscular stranger named Ryu hurl flaming fireballs at you? Those days are gone, replaced by cross-play technology that erases platform barriers faster than you can say “Hadouken!”
The Big Three Are Coming, Brace Yourself!
Remember Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken? Of course you do, who could forget? Well, hold onto your joysticks, because 2023 is about to go down in history as the year these three franchises got bigger sequels than the Harry Potter series.
Fighting Games for Dummies
If you’re a newbie, don’t sweat it! Free-to-play models are inviting newcomers faster than an old lady offering candy from her van. Not to mention rollback netcode ensures your fights are as smooth as a baby’s bottom – you’ll be executing special moves and beating neighborhood kids in no time!
Introducing Guilty Gear Strive, Soulcalibur 2 and Marvel vs. Capcom 2
The game roster is longer than the line for the bathroom at halftime. Guilty Gear Strive and Soulcalibur 2 have become top picks for both hardcore fans and newcomers. And despite becoming harder to play than finding a clean public restroom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 remains a fan favorite.
They’re Still Kicking and Punching: Skullgirls 2nd Encore, Mortal Kombat X, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Let’s not forget about the ladies. Skullgirls 2nd Encore, a game featuring a doctor who wields medical tools and a corpse in a black bag, is still getting updates in 2023. And if that’s not enough, Mortal Kombat X and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are serving punches and kicks faster than a barista on caffeine.
The Comeback Kids: Tekken 3, Killer Instinct, and Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
The old-timers aren’t sitting this one out. Tekken 3 is making a comeback, offering the thrill of seeing polygons pummel each other in HD. Killer Instinct
Fight Till You Can’t: The Unbeatable Streak of Our Favorite Fighters
With a reputation in mind, the NetherRealm Studios is nothing less than a runaway train. With the ground-breaking launch of Mortal Kombat 9 in 2011, they’ve been giving modern fighting games a whole new meaning. Loaded with a bulk of single-player content, an almost intelligible but equally hysterical story, and a sturdy multiplayer component (that ironically doesn’t always work perfectly), they’re on a roll.
Even though their recent releases have been impressive, Mortal Kombat X stands as a strong pillar, allowing you to make lightning-fast decisions during battles. Its introduction of styles for each character, which limits the special moves you can perform, initially seemed restrictive. But in a plot twist, it ended up providing a sense of freedom not found in MK 11, thanks to a plethora of possible routes and links. But, the real achievement was introducing new characters that have quickly become fan favorites, such as Cassie Cage and Erron Black. Who knew virtual warriors could become heartthrobs, right?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: More than Just a Game, It’s an Ode to Video Game History
Remember when you used to mix all your different action figures and toys into one epic battle? That’s essentially what Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is, but with an actual storyline and developed characters. With over 80 characters to pick from, you can create your dream battles between Solid Snake, Pac-Man, Steve (the dude from Minecraft), and even Sora. It’s the largest gaming crossover event you never knew you needed. So grab that controller and start reliving your childhood fantasies, but this time, with stunning graphics and exciting gameplay!
Tekken 3: A Nostalgic Trip Down the Memory Lane
Before we had the eye-candy graphics and storylines of today, we had Tekken 3. With characters that we all remember, like Gon, King, Jin, Kuma, Nina, and Yoshimitsu, Tekken 3 started the revolution in the fighting game scene. It was not only about the gameplay, but the mesmerizing and thrilling tracks that played while you beat your opponent to a pulp. Now that’s what we call setting the mood.
Killer Instinct: The Game that Punched Above Its Weight
One of the most unexpectedly remarkable comebacks ever, Killer Instinct burst back onto the scene in 2013 and shocked the genre. It was the first major title to introduce rollback netcode, a type of connection that has now become standard in every new fighting game. The game has an extensive tutorial, making it one of the most approachable fighting games out there, but we all know you’ll just skip right over that to start mashing buttons.
The Iconic Virtua Fighter 5: From Cubic Characters to HD Heroes
Remember when Virtua Fighter characters were laughably constructed from squares and rectangles? Fast forward to today, those polygonal gladiators have evolved into stunning HD designs thanks to the Dragon Engine of the Yakuza team. However, the essence remains the same – the fights are still strategic games of chess with a multitude of options and character moves. So, whether you’re an old fan or a new player, Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown promises a face-off experience like no other.
Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike – The Epitome of Confidence and Style
The Street Fighter series has been synonymous with the genre of fighting games since its inception. Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike is, for many, the pinnacle of the franchise. It’s not as visually appealing as its successors, and it’s definitely not as beginner-friendly. However, what it does offer is a high skill ceiling that rewards players who invest time in learning the mechanics of the game.
From the unique parry system to the beautifully animated sprites, 3rd Strike is a game that exudes style and confidence. It remains a competitive mainstay, still played at tournaments, and respected for the depth of its gameplay. The character roster is diverse and interesting, with each character offering a unique playstyle and strategy. It is also highly renowned for its iconic soundtrack that perfectly complements the overall aesthetic of the game.
Guilty Gear Xrd -Rev 2: A Visual Spectacle Like No Other
Guilty Gear Xrd -Rev 2, with its staggering visual design, is an aesthetic marvel that has pushed the boundaries of how a fighting game can look. The beautifully rendered cel-shaded graphics are a visual spectacle, providing a unique artistic style that sets it apart from other fighting games. It’s a fast-paced and highly technical game, known for its intricate combo system and diverse character roster.
With a fascinating blend of rock music and diverse character design, Guilty Gear Xrd -Rev 2 provides an adrenaline-pumping experience that is hard to match. Though it may be intimidating for new players, it provides an extensive tutorial that effectively breaks down its complex mechanics. For those willing to dive in and master the game, Guilty Gear Xrd -Rev 2 offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Dragon Ball FighterZ: Anime Fan’s Dream Turned Reality
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing your favorite Dragon Ball characters duke it out in high-octane battles, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the game for you. Developed by Arc System Works, the game beautifully captures the essence of the beloved anime series, providing a visually stunning and faithful representation of the Dragon Ball universe. From the vibrant color palette to the high-speed aerial combat, Dragon Ball FighterZ makes you feel like you’re part of an episode of the anime.
Featuring an accessible control scheme, the game is friendly for beginners while offering depth for more experienced players. The game also shines with its 3v3 tag team mechanic, offering strategic depth and numerous possibilities for exciting matches. With its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and the authenticity of its representation of the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a must-play for both fighting game and anime fans.
The Future of Fighting Games
As we look ahead, it’s clear that fighting games are evolving in exciting ways. From virtual reality to cloud-based gaming, the future promises new ways to engage in these thrilling battles. Regardless of what technological advancements come, the essence of fighting games—the challenge, the competition, the adrenaline rush—will always remain the same. Here’s to the future and the endless virtual battles that await us!