Technology and accessibility, fun and competition, respect for the past and the ability to innovate. There are many elements to balance to create the perfect mix for a fighting game, one of the most long-lived and rewarding genres in the video game world.
Some of the longest-running series in history continue to shine and new stars are born under the eyes of one of the most discerning yet most affectionate communities ever. Therefore, it is a difficult task to rank the best available titles on PlayStation 5 without leaving behind some of the most beloved franchises or disappointing some genre fans. The best of the best fighters boast refined gameplay and unique mechanics, not to mention great depth, personality, and solid balance.
10/10 MultiVersus
The real competitor of Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. MultiVersus is an arena brawler that provides instant fun gameplay for all ages, but purists may turn their noses at the relatively simple core mechanics and lack of the genre’s typical depth. The roster features a huge array of characters from the most famous Warner Bros. IPs.
The game includes the DC Universe superheroes, the Looney Tunes and the iconic Cartoon Network stars. MultiVersus allows you to create matches that are both bizarre and exciting. The player base has quickly reached exorbitant numbers and many new characters will be added over time. It may not be a fighter to take super seriously, but it’s a dumb stunner.
9/10 Samurai Shodown
Nearly thirty years after its first, original release, the historic SNK CORPORATION franchise is back in style. In a world dominated by endless combos and high-octane gameplay, Samurai Shodown pulls the handbrake and delivers slow, skill-based matches.
Patience and strategy are key, as any blow can kill. Every clash feels rewarding and conveys the spirit of a sword fight. However, poorly optimized netcode and lack of content at launch hold this potentially great title back somewhat. However, the upcoming rollback net update means that Haohmaru and the rest of the cast have a bright future ahead of them.
8/10 Mortal Kombat 11
NetherRealms Studios managed to set new standards for the single player offering of fighting games, which has never been a strong point of these titles. With Mortal Kombat 11, the plot’s cinematic nature reached its greatest heights to date.
The gameplay might be considered a bit ‘clunkier’ by some, compared to other fighters, and the grim and gory nature isn’t a hit with everyone. Nevertheless, this title is very fun and bombastic and over the top than any other Mortal Kombat game. It’s also expanded significantly with Aftermath, a DLC that expands the story mode and returns historical characters like Sheeva and Fujin (plus the debut of extraordinary fighters like Robocop).
7/10 King Of Fighters XV
The latest installment of the long-standing SNK series released in 2022 marks a great return of the saga. The iconic team-based combat system is back and better than ever.
King Of Fighters XV picks up and refines the Rush mechanic introduced in the previous chapter, and also enriches the combat system with some new features. The Max Mode and the Shatter Strike make every fight even more exciting and spectacular. The online multiplayer overshadows the lack of single-player content, thanks to the rollback netcode and quite a few game options and modes.
6/10 Street Fighter V
Street Fighter V, one of the most controversial installments of this historic Capcom franchise, recently reached an incredible milestone: it became the best-selling title in the series (according to WCCF Tech), relegating the legendary Street Fighter 2 to second place. .
After a rather lukewarm launch, Street Fighter V has once again managed to return to what appeared to be a dangerous knockout for the entire series. The final update, six years after the game’s original release, completes Street Fighter V’s season-after-season redemption path. It helped further refine a title that, finally, feels complete, exciting and fun.
5/10 Skullgirls 2nd encore
Hidden Variable Studios has managed to take pride of place in the higher echelons of fighting games, despite the team’s humble origins. Skullgirls, originally launched in 2013, continues to be updated with new content even today: new characters, scenarios, and palette packs keep the game fresh and fun.
The gameplay feels smooth, nostalgic and balanced, and a fully dubbed story mode and the GGPO net code grace both the offline and online game modes. Further icing on the cake is provided by the jazz soundtrack created by Michiru Yamane, as well as the sublime and varied Cuphead-esque animation.
4/10 Dragon Ball FighterZ
Arc System Works managed to do justice to one of the most iconic anime ever. With its technically stunning and immersive 2.5D graphics, Dragon Ball FighterZ delivers a life-size portrait of all the epic clashes and special moves that came out of Akira Toriyama’s pencil.
In addition, the gameplay is rock solid and features spectacular combos and a fast 3v3 structure. Every match is exciting and ready to bring you a dramatic ending. The selection is wide and lets you play characters from every major Dragon Ball storyline. A slightly disappointing story mode, however, dulls the gloss of the title a bit.
3/10 Tekken 7
The latest chapter of the legendary franchise that was born on the PlayStation 1, Tekken 7, concludes the Mishima saga with dignity. The titles manage to deliver that toughest feat, pleasing the purists and newcomers alike. The gameplay doesn’t betray its roots, and new mechanics like Rage Art, Rage Drive, and Power Crush make combat even more technical and flashy without compromising the balance of the game.
The game has a remarkable number of characters, significant customization options, and solid online modes. It is arguably the best 3D fighting game available on the current generation.
2/10 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection pack contains an amazing piece of franchise history and embodies the childhood of so many fans. It’s not just an exercise in nostalgia, but more importantly, a collection of some of the best 2D fighting games ever made.
The offline experience is like having an arcade accessible from the comfort of your home. Getting your hands on titles like the unforgettable Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike or Street Fighter Alpha 3 is a must for veterans and new challengers alike. Unfortunately, a bad net code prevents this collection from getting the gold, but the pedigree of these titles is undeniable. Fighting game fans will enjoy this one.
1/10 Guilty Gear -Strive-
The masterpiece of Arc System Works. The studio has surpassed the clean and technical experience refined in the previous chapters of the series. Refined in every aspect, Guilty Gear -Strive- is simply the best fighting game of the generation.
The combat system is deep but at the same time streamlined and fun for newcomers. Each character is unique and well characterized in their gameplay. The game has a remarkable depth in its mechanics, an excellent rollback net code, and an exciting soundtrack by Daisuke Ishiwatari. Packed with content, genre fans of all skill levels will have tons of fun here.
0 Comments