Battle competitions have existed for centuries in human history, making it unsurprising that an entire gaming category is devoted to them. Fighting games, in particular, offer some of the most thrilling experiences for players, especially when enjoying them with friends. They are easily accessible, quick to learn, and boast numerous fascinating characters.
Yet, these games extend beyond mere one-on-one combat. They harbor some of the most captivating narratives in gaming history, brimming with intricate lore. Let's delve into a selection of titles that not only excel as fighting games but also immerse players in intricately woven worlds rich with compelling backstories.
1. Mortal Kombat
The original Mortal Kombat, debuting in 1992, shocked gamers worldwide with its gruesome gameplay, packed with brutal fatalities. Fast forward to Mortal Kombat 11, and the series remains as intense as ever. It boasts top-notch visuals, voice acting, action sequences, moves, and finishing moves, placing it among the best in the fighting game realm.
However, Mortal Kombat isn’t solely defined by its gore or combat techniques. It stands as a vast repository of unique narratives, each character possessing their own rich backstory. Furthermore, the game's profound lore has been pivotal in its expansion across various mediums, spanning animated series, live-action shows, movies, casino games, card games, musical albums, novels, comics, and more.
2. Injustice: Gods Among Us
Injustice: Gods Among Us presents a fighting game that introduces a distinct universe housing renowned DC characters engaged in an intricate, story-focused campaign. However, beyond the battles, the game intricately weaves individual motivations for each superhero and supervillain based on specific lore. It unveils detailed backgrounds that explain what drives them to clash.
Released in 2013 by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment for seventh-generation consoles, Injustice: Gods Among Us is a three-dimensional fighting game. Its success led to a remarkable sequel, unveiling an entirely fresh superhero universe brimming with captivating details and additional lore.
3. Fatal Fury
Legend of the Hungry Wolf, also known as Fatal Fury, stands as a fighting game series crafted by the esteemed developers at SNK. Initially an Arcade exclusive in 1991, it swiftly made its way to platforms like Super Nintendo, X68000, Neo Geo CD, and Sega Genesis. This classic 2D fighting game revolves around the narrative of Terry and his brother Andy, both adopted sons of a renowned martial artist.
Fatal Fury serves as the foundational basis for the King of Fighters franchise. It not only delves into the backstory of a key character from the spiritual spin-off but also enriches the tournament's lore, providing deeper insights.
4. Guilty Gear
Guilty Gear, often overlooked in the realm of fighting games, started as a niche creation by publisher Arc System Works, which is why it never attained the same widespread acclaim as titles like Street Fighter or Tekken in the genre.
However, despite this, Guilty Gear boasts one of the most compelling narratives in fighting game history. Developed by the same creators responsible for the richly imaginative world of BlazBlue, it shares a deep lore and stands apart from mere tournament-based fighters like PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Smash Bros.
5. The King of Fighters
The King of Fighters stands as another underappreciated fighting game series, often overlooked despite its roster of distinct fighters and a meticulously crafted lore that has continuously grown since its inception in 1994.
Similar to Street Fighter and Tekken, The King of Fighters has transformed into a complete 3D fighting game while retaining the classic 2.5D camera angle. Its storyline revolves around the prestigious King of Fighters tournament, boasting captivating lore that adds depth to the competition.
6. Tekken
It's widely argued that Tekken stands out as one of the premier narrative-focused fighting games. Its inaugural release in 1994 swiftly gained renown for its rapid three-dimensional gameplay mechanics and astonishing moves. With a lineup of over 18 playable characters, each fighter possesses their own backstory, adding depth to the game.
Much like Street Fighter, Tekken endeavors to broaden its lore with the forthcoming installment in the series, Tekken 8. Although details remain scarce, the game promises to elevate the longest-running narrative in fighting games, leveraging next-gen visuals and gameplay mechanics to reach new heights.
7. Street Fighter
Street Fighter, an iconic fighting game series originating in the late 1980s Arcade era, quickly found its way to platforms like Atari and various home consoles. Its legacy is marked by a wealth of history, in-game narratives, and an unparalleled 30-year backstory development that remains unmatched among titles in its category.
Currently in development for PC and consoles, the latest addition to the Street Fighter franchise, Street Fighter 6, is being crafted by Capcom. Powered by the remarkable RE Engine, known for its contributions to titles like Resident Evil Village and Devil May Cry 5, the sixth installment aims to build upon the established lore of its predecessors, promising an expansion of the game's rich narrative tapestry.
8. BlazBlue
BlazBlue stands as a enduring series of fighting games that commenced in 2008 with BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. This 2D title introduced a narrative set in a post-war setting, tasking players with defeating an SS-class rebel known as Grim Reaper and claiming the bounty.
Every installment within the BlazBlue series intricately weaves a rich lore around a mystical realm that teetered on the brink of annihilation due to the threat of the formidable entity known as the "Black Beast." Filled with fantastical elements, the series offers a captivating combat system that is both enjoyable and visually striking.
9. Skullgirls
Skullgirls stands among the most beloved fighting games, holding a depth of lore that often surprises players upon exploration. The game unfolds within the confines of Canopy Kingdom, a setting reminiscent of a 1940s-style country, where participants aim to secure the Skull Heart by triumphing over adversaries in a tournament-style competition.
Offering a rich and intricate backstory, Skullgirls emerges as one of the most captivating entries in the fighting game genre. Originally released in 2012 for seventh-generation consoles, it was subsequently adapted for eighth-gen consoles, Arcade, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS platforms.
10. WWE 2K22
WWE 2K22, the most recent addition to the enduring WWE game series, debuted in March 2022. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, this triple-A tier fighting game has garnered high acclaim. It stands as one of the top-rated WWE simulations available across platforms like PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
This game serves as a showcase for the premier wrestling company globally, encapsulating the sport's extensive history through its 2K Showcase mode. Laden with authentic wrestling lore, it presents a must-experience journey for every fan.
>>> Read more: 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games To Play In 2024
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