With the advent of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, the realm of fighting games is set for a resurgence. We’ll be reacquainting ourselves with numerous characters that have graced our screens for the past quarter of a century. While some characters will engage in fierce competition to earn the title of top martial arts master, others will do battle to save the world yet again. Given this exciting backdrop, we thought it fitting to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, back to the days when we first encountered these iconic figures on arcade machines. In this article, we will delve into the five best arcade fighting games.
Related: 4 Games You Can Never Play Again
Best Arcade Fighting Games
There’s a single guideline we’ve adhered to in assembling this list: Focus on the first games of each series. We’re well aware of the greatness of Street Fighter II, but we’ve chosen not to include it here. Therefore, as you peruse the following list, you’ll discover a comparative analysis of the debut games from these legendary series.
Here’s the top five arcade fighting games:
- Street Fighter
- Mortal Kombat
- Tekken
- King of Fighters ’94
- Final Fight
Anyone who was of an age to frequent the arcade halls during their heyday will appreciate just how pivotal these games were. Fast-forward to 2023, and it’s possible to relive these classics on a PC via emulators. Granted, they may not spark the same excitement as they did in their original form, but it’s still a fascinating exercise to revisit these games and see how these legends were first forged.
Related: 5 Best PlayStation Games on PC
5. Final Fight – 1989
We’re aware that Final Fight doesn’t fit the traditional mould of a fighting game. Nevertheless, it merits a place on this list for two key reasons. Firstly, it stands as one of the all-time greats within the “Beat-em-up” genre. The game set a standard with its innovative mechanics and introduced us to the ever-charismatic Mike Haggar, securing a permanent spot in our gaming affections.
The second reason is rooted in its intriguing development journey. This project initially began as Street Fighter II. However, upon witnessing the 1987 release of Double Dragon, Capcom decided to change tact and repositioned the game within the beat-em-up genre. This decision enabled Street Fighter II to evolve into the game we recognise today and allowed Final Fight to carve out its own distinctive path.
4. King of Fighters ’94 – 1994
While the King of Fighters (KOF) series may not always spring to mind as the archetypal fighting game, it is undeniably a classic of the genre. First developed for the Neo Geo MVS arcade systems in 1994, the game has seen a longevity that has allowed it to reach as far as the PlayStation 5, nearly three decades later. As of now, the series boasts more than 24 titles, including main and side games.
The game has always maintained a strong affiliation with Eastern culture, as evidenced by the distinctly Japanese influence reflected in its characters. Despite its initial underwhelming reception in Western societies (Particularly in the United States), the value of the KOF series has been increasingly acknowledged over time. While Street Fighter might be universally recognised, KOF ’94 is a title that holds its own in terms of mechanics.
3. Tekken – 1994
Cast your mind back to the 1990s. Street Fighter II had launched in 1991, quickly securing its place as the premier fighting game of its era. Everyone was entranced by Ryu and the might of 2D fighting games was such that they were shaping the industry. Amidst this landscape, the Mortal Kombat series was carving out a niche for itself with a notably darker ambiance. Then came Tekken, revolutionising the genre with the introduction of 3D models.
In a newly three-dimensional landscape where characters could navigate accordingly, Tekken certainly raised eyebrows. Despite its original Arcade release, it was rapidly ported to the PlayStation 1 just a year later – a testament to the project’s technological prowess. With 17 playable characters, Tekken represented a trove of combinations for its time.
As we find ourselves in 2023, we, along with the rest of the gaming community, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tekken 8.
2. Mortal Kombat – 1992
Mortal Kombat established itself as more than a mere fighting game from the very outset. It not only succeeded in redefining the genre but managed to eclipse even the phenomenal success of Street Fighter II. But how did it achieve this feat? Through a darker atmosphere, grittier characters, and the first-ever fatalities.
The importance of the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1, due for release on May 19, lies in its roots tracing back to the initial 1992 release. We all anticipate a return to these origins with a childlike enthusiasm. It stands as an incontrovertible truth that Mortal Kombat holds a place amongst the all-time greatest fighting games. The point becomes particularly poignant if you ever frequented an arcade during that era and played as Scorpion.
1. Street Fighter – 1987
The impact of Street Fighter in the gaming world is a well-acknowledged fact. The inaugural Street Fighter stunned everyone back in 1987, at a time when video games were in their fledgling state. Many of us vividly remember our first encounter with Ryu or our inaugural rivalry with Ken. Yet, the true ascendance of this saga came with Street Fighter II.
Echoing sentiments shared previously about Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter II is undeniably one of the best fighting games ever created. It’s impossible to forget the thrilling introductions to characters like Blanka, Guile, Chun-Li, Zangief, or Dhalsim. If the current anticipation for Street Fighter 6 is anything to go by, the laurels undeniably rest with the phenomenal success of the second game.
That’s it for now on the best arcade fighting games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mortal Kombat 1 a Remake?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is not a remake but rather a reboot. Hence, it does not retell the story of the first game released in 1992. Instead, it weaves an alternative narrative based on the events at the conclusion of Mortal Kombat 11. Set to launch on 19th May 2023, the game rewrites the series’ storyline, promising different tales for the familiar characters. In this unprecedented twist, characters like Scorpion and Sub-Zero may potentially ally themselves to fight on the same side.
Which Street Fighter Is the Best?
Several contenders vie for the title of the best Street Fighter game. The most obvious choice is Ultra Street Fighter 4, which represents the most refined iteration of the fourth instalment. With its addition of new characters and impeccably balanced mechanics, it reigns supreme in the competitive realm. Another worthy candidate is Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike, released in 1999. Its excellence is commendable, especially considering it followed the monumental success of SF2. Our final nominee is Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers. Beyond being the optimal version of the second game, it also distinguishes itself with a compelling single-player scenario.
Will Tekken 8 Be on Last Gen?
No, Tekken 8 will not be available for the previous generation of consoles. The upcoming game is being exclusively developed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Although the game is set to feature next-generation graphics, its release date remains undetermined. While its Steam page has been accessible for a while, it is uncertain whether the game will be launched in 2023. The developers are expected to provide more information in the upcoming months.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
