Technologies and accessibility, fun and competition, respect for the past, and the ability to innovate. There are many elements that must be balanced in order to create the perfect blend of 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 demanding yet most affectionate societies of all. For this reason, ranking the best titles available on PlayStation 5 without leaving out some of the best-loved franchises or disappointing some fans of the genre is indeed a difficult task. The best fighters boast improved gameplay and unique mechanics, not to mention great depth, character, and strong balance.
10/10 MultiVersus
The real competitor to Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. MultiVersus is a gritty game that offers immediately fun gameplay for all ages, but purists can show their noses at its relatively simple basic mechanics and lack of depth typical of the genre. The list presents a wide range of characters among the most popular Warner Bros. IPs.
The game includes, among other things, DC Universe superheroes, Looney Tunes, and Cartoon Network’s iconic stars. MultiVersus allows you to create matches that are both strange and exciting. The player base has quickly reached exorbitant numbers, and a lot of new characters will be added over time. It might not be a fighter to take seriously, but it’s a silly blast.
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, slowing the pace of skill-based matches.
Patience and strategy are crucial, because any blow can be fatal. Each struggle feels rewarding and conveys the spirit of sword fighting. However, the poorly optimized network icon and the lack of content at launch brings this rather cool title back. An upcoming update to the loopback network ensures that Haohmaru and the rest of the cast have a bright future.
8/10 Mortal Kombat 11
NetherRealms Studios has managed to set a new standard for single player offerings in fighting games, which has never been a strong point of these titles. With Mortal Kombat 11, the cinematic nature of the plot has reached its highest level yet.
Some may consider the gameplay a bit “unreal”, compared to other fighters, and its grim and destructive nature is not successful with everyone. Despite that, this title is great fun and more flowery than any other Mortal Kombat game. It has also been greatly expanded by Aftermath, a DLC that expands the story mode and sees the return of historical characters like Sheeva and Fujin (as well as the emergence of unusual kombatants like Robocop).
7/10 The fifteenth king of fighters
The latest installment of the long-running SNK series released in 2022 marks a great return to this saga. The iconic team-based battle system is back and better than ever.
King Of Fighters XV picks up and improves the Rush mechanic introduced in the previous chapter, and also enriches the combat system with some new features. Max Mode and Shatter Strike make every battle more exciting and exciting. Online multiplayer overshadows the lack of single player content, thanks to the net undo icon and a plethora of game options and modes.
6/10 Street Fighter V
One of the most controversial episodes in the historical Capcom franchise, Street Fighter V recently reached an amazing milestone: it became the best-selling title in the series (per WCCF Tech), removing the legendary Street Fighter 2 into second place.
After a rather tepid release, Street Fighter V was able to get back on its feet again, and the return of what seemed like a serious knockout for the entire series. The final update, six years after the game’s original release, ends Street Fighter V’s path to redeeming season after season. It helped improve the title which, finally, looks complete, exciting and interesting.
5/10 Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Hidden Variable Studios has managed to earn a place of honor in the upper echelons of fighting games, despite the team’s humble origins. Originally launched in 2013, Skullgirls is still updated today with new content: new characters, scenarios, and board packs that keep the game fresh and fun.
The gameplay feels smooth, nostalgic and balanced, and a fully dubbed story mode and GGPO network icon decorate both offline and online game modes. More icing on the cake is provided by Michiru Yamane’s jazz soundtrack, as well as the groovy and varied Cuphead-esque animation.
4/10 Dragon Ball FighterZ
Arc System Works has done justice to one of the most popular animations of all time. With stunning and technically immersive 2.5D graphics, Dragon Ball FighterZ offers the most realistic picture of all the epic clashes and special moves that came out of the pen of Akira Toriyama.
Moreover, the gameplay is quite solid and features amazing combos and a fast-paced 3v3 structure. Every match is exciting and ready to give you an exciting final touch. The list is extensive and lets you play characters from every important Dragon Ball story. However, the slightly underwhelming story setting softens the title’s brilliance a bit.
3/10 Tekken 7
The latest chapter in the legendary series born on PlayStation 1, Tekken 7 aptly concludes the Mishima saga. The titles run the toughest of feats, satisfying purists and newcomers. The gameplay does not betray its roots, and new mechanics such as Rage Art, Rage Drive and Power Crush make the battles more technical and flashy without compromising the game’s balance.
The game features an impressive roster of characters, great customization possibilities, and powerful online modes. Probably the best 3D fighting game available in the current generation.
2/10 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection bundle includes a great piece of franchise history and captures the childhoods of many fans. It’s not just an exercise in nostalgia, but much more importantly, a compilation of some of the best 2D fighting games ever.
The offline experience is like having a hallway that can be accessed from your comfortable sofa. Being able to have titles like the unforgettable Street Fighter III: Third Strike or Street Fighter Alpha 3 is a must for both veterans and “new rivals”. Unfortunately, a weak network token prevents this group from taking the gold, but there is no denying the attribution of these addresses. Fighting game lovers will have a blast with this game.
1/10 Comet Gear -Strive-
Arc System Works masterpiece. The studio has transcended the narrow, technical experience that has been refined over the previous seasons 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 simplistic and fun for newcomers. Each character is unique and well distinguished in the way it plays. The game features remarkable depth in its mechanics, excellent grid code to undo, and an exciting soundtrack from Daisuke Ishiwatari. Packed with content, genre fans of all skill levels will find plenty to enjoy here.
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