FromStreet FightertoTekken,there are many fighting games known far and wide to even those who aren’t fans of gaming. Fighting games are among some of the most popular esports and show no signs of slowing down.
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As most gamers don’t want to punch their friends in real life, these virtual escapades can be a load of fun. It’s still possible for fans of the genre to get tired of their standard choice of games. Those who go looking will find some fantastic hidden gems out there to sink their teeth into.
10The Black Heart
Unless you’refighting as Jason Vorhees, there’s not a lot of the horror genre to be found in fighting games.The Black Heartis a labor of love single-handedly designed by Andrés Borghi over seven years.
The game is somewhat gory likeMortal Kombatbut far darker. It’s a shame this game doesn’t have more eyes on it especially as it’sfree to download and play.
9Blade Strangers
How many games have aBinding 0f IsaacxCave Storycrossover?Blade Strangersis like a 2D version ofSuper Smash Bros.that takes characters frommultiple franchisesand pits them against each other in battle.
The game is designed to be easy for casual players to learn while still offering something for more seasoned gamers. Several free characters were also added to the game during its first anniversary.
8Lethal League Blaze
Lethal League Blazeis likely one of thebest baseball gamesout there while somehow still being a fighting game. This indie title developed by Dutch developerTeam Reptileis a 2D arena fighter where players try to hit a ball at one another until only one player is left standing.
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The game can be incredibly fast-paced, making fights spectacular to watch. It’s also not too hard for new players to pick up and try. Fighting game fans who give this game a shot will find its unique mechanics refreshing.
7Yatagarasu Attack On Cataclysm
With three former SNK andKing of Fightersdevelopers behind the game, it’s no wonderYatagarasu Attack On Cataclysmwas successfulon Indiegogo. The game is reminiscent of the popularStreet Fighter III: Third Strikeand features togglable commentary from several top figures in the fighting game community.
The game is like a love letter to 2D fighters of yore with better presentation and visuals modern consoles can offer.
6Rivals of Aether
When it comes to platform fighters,Rivals of Aetheris one of the best ones out there that isn’t published by Nintendo. It features incredibly crisp gameplay and has a fantastic character selection. What other fighting gamehas Ori on the character select screen?
Those sick ofNintendo stifling competitive play forSuper Smash Bros.or who have enjoyedBrawlhallamight want to hop on this bandwagon early to grind and get good at this fantastic game. Oh, it also has avisual novel spinoff.
5Catherine & Catherine Full Body
Before readers raise their eyebrows,Catherinehas been considered a competitive fighting game and was evenfeatured at EVO. With games likeSuper Street Fighter Puzzle Turbo IIout there, it shouldn’t be that hard to believe that this puzzle game isactually a good fighting game. Even a lot of fans of the title missed out on its unlockable competitive mode so it’s understandable this one has flown under the radar.
There aremajor differences between the two titlesthat have led to them both having vibrant competitive scenes. Fighting game fans should try to give this one a shot if they’re looking for new forms of competition.
4Pocket Rumble
Inspired by SNK’s classic fighting games on theNeo Geo Pocket Color,Pocket Rumbleis one of the best fighting games for theNintendo Switch. The game features a two-button control scheme, keeping the execution levels simple so players can focus on the fight. The game has some of thebest netcode around, making online battles crisp to play and watch.
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As most fighting game players aren’t focused on the Switch,Pocket Rumbleflew under the radar. Combine that with a missed original release date and unfortunately, a lot of fighting game fans skipped out on this hidden gem.
3Vanguard Princess
Vanguard Princesswas developed by Tomoaki Sugeno who is known for his work onResident Evil 3: NemesisandThe King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood. He programmed the game using the Fighter Maker 2nd engine which was made all the way back in 2002.
There is a competently designed fighter under the layers of dōjin fanservice the game provides that 2D fighting game fans shouldn’t miss out on.
2Them’s Fightin' Herds
Far too few fighting game fans knew aboutThem’s Fightin' Herdswhen it was originally announced for the EVO Online lineup. It was initially aMy Little Ponyfangame but there’s no way even the most hardcore fighting game fans can ignore its fun gameplay and tight mechanics.
Them’s Fightin' Herdsis one of the best games to have online sporting with mind-blowingly good netcode.
1Dong Dong Never Die
Technically, this is cheating as this game was released right on the tail end of 2009, but it’s just too good not to include.Dong Dong Never Dieis almost impossible to describe as it is one of the most over-the-top wacky fighting games ever conceived. It’s likely better for gamers tosee it for themselves.
The game and characters are not only hilarious but well-designed. Even serious fighting game fans could find some joy playing this one.The game is free to playso why miss out on a chance to experience whatDong Dong Never Diehas to offer?
NEXT:10 Best Fighting Games Of The Decade, Ranked (According To Metacritic)
