Fighting video games have a long history since they were invented in the 1960s. Back then, the games were available on arcade machines. Later on, developers created fighting games for consoles, and the entire genre exploded.
Today, you can play fighting games on a myriad of devices, from smartphones to desktop computers. That said, some games are better designed than others. Some are more interactive, have evolved storylines and better mechanics.
Here, we’ll list some of the best fighting video games in 2021. Let’s get started.
1—Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat is a classic. First released in 1992 by developer Midway Games, this franchise rose to become one of the biggest video games of all time. The 11th edition of the game is a refinement of MK9 and MKX.
That means Mortal Kombat 11 doesn’t attempt to deviate from its identity. For clarity, the franchise has always been a simple game to play. You use two buttons to attack, two buttons to defend and one button to block.
The only changes made to the new version is that it has two action meters instead of one. In one meter, you manage your offense gameplay. In the other, you manage your defense techniques.
With that in mind, MK11 is available in both 720p and 1080p. It supports PS4, Xbox One, Windows, and Nintendo Switch. What’s more, it features both a single and multilayer-mode, making it perfect for playing solo or cherishing with friends in your free time.
2—Street Fighter V: Arcade
When Capcom released Street Fighter V in 2016, they received immense backlash from fans for locking basic content in the free version. The publisher remedied that mistake with Street Fighter V: Arcade.
This game is feature-rich, highly tuned for immersive gameplay and also introduces a single-player mode to feed your nostalgia. The franchise comes with six chapters, and you need to face an opponent in every level to advance.
Like the best online blackjack games, Arcade comes with bonuses. For example, there’s a barrel-busting mini game that gives you a break from the main story modes. Then, at often times, former fighter Shen Long will appear randomly to challenge you for a fight.
Another significant bonus is an artwork unlock feature. You reveal beautiful pieces of art every time you meet certain conditions. Although it might sound lame, the unlock feature gives you a reason perform at your level best.
3—EA Sports UFC 4
In UFC 4, EA Vancouver attempts to please both casuals and hard-core MMA fans. Unlike UFC 3, this game is more technical. Sure, you can throw and check kicks, deal devastating blows and make submissions.
But the game isn’t as fact as the previous version. With this sequel, EA increased stamina and resilience to players so much that most attacks aren’t rewarded as they should. To be clear, you need to punch your opponents on the head to take them down.
Otherwise, blows to the gut, ribs and even legs might not cause any harm to your opponent. That said, UFC 4 has improved drastically in the ground game. There are two main ways to submit fighters: the chokehold and joint submission.
In either situation, you use the default commands to attempt a submission or to defend yourself from one. Another improved area is knocking out your opponent while on top of him. The blows might not feel heavy but they often lead to a TKO.
4—God of War: Ascension
If you’ve been playing fighting games for a long time, you must have nostalgia for the memories created by playing Ascension on PS3. For the uninitiated, this action game stars Kratos, a powerful man who later turned into a vengeful monster.
Ascension is a bloody, fast-paced action masterpiece. Every punch, every kick and every beheading provide instant gratification. That’s not just because of the game’s excellent mechanics. The graphics, sound effects and story line are all artfully designed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Of course, Kratos’ might play a big role on why this game is so exciting. His strikes are precise and damaging. Also, he can switch into a ball of fire, a demon, a slab of ice or shock enemies with his lightning strikes.
Unlike most games, Ascension gives you a fair chance at winning boss battles. In fact, some players think the game’s boss battle are too simple and formulaic. But for a first-time player, you can be certain you’ll love the encounters.
5—Dragon Ball FighterZ
Everyone expected this game to be a hit when developer Arc Systems first announced it was working on it. The Dragon Ball series is a huge franchise in the anime world. And it was only befitting to create a video game of the same name.
Although the game’s visuals are a tad disappointing, the mechanics are incredible. You attack with four buttons: light, medium, heavy and a special button. You make special moves by mashing buttons.
For example, completing an auto combo involves clicking the light or medium buttons repeatedly. With that in mind, this game rewards skilled gamers the most. You have to perfect every move to execute them accordingly.
If you’re lucky to play against an equally matched opponent, there’s a chance you could play this game all day long. It’s fluid and satisfying. It’s content rich and takes hours to complete.
6—Tekken 7
The seventh edition of Tekken is arguably the fighting games online. It’s a 3D gam that makes it easy to move forward and retreat, sidestep, jump and crouch using the game’s buttons. The game is jam-packed with characters.
And each character has a detailed story and a range of skill-set that takes days to master. Due to that, most people take an interest in one or two stars—Kazumi, Lucky Chloe, or Raven.
In the usual spirit, Tekken comes with a practice mode. You can practice against AI opponents to improve your skills. But the game is much more intriguing while playing it against a real human opponent.
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