Accessibility and technicism, fun and competition. Respect for the past and the ability to invent. It is not easy to find the right balance for fighting games, which are one of the most rewarding and long-lasting genres in video gaming.
Many of the longest-running series ever made continue to shine. New stars are also born under the guidance of one of the most loving and demanding communities. It is difficult to rank the best titles available on PlayStation 5 without ignoring some of the most beloved franchises and disappointing some genre fans. The best fighters have refined gameplay and unique mechanics. They also offer great depth and personality and solid balance.
MultiVersus 10.
Ultimate is the real rival to Super Smash Bros. MultiVersus arena brawler offers instant fun gameplay for all age groups, but some may be disappointed by its lack of depth and simple core mechanics. You can choose from some of the most recognizable Warner Bros. IPs to be part of this roster.
The game features, among others, the DC Universe heroes, Looney Tunes and iconic Cartoon Network stars. MultiVersus lets you create match that is both bizarre and exciting. The playerbase is rapidly growing and many more characters will be added in the future. It may not be a fighter to take super seriously, but it’s a silly blast.
Samurai Shodown: 9/10
The iconic SNK CORPORATION franchise, almost thirty years since its original release, is back in fashion. Samurai Shodown brings slow-paced, skill-based matches to a world that is dominated by endless combos, high-octane gameplay and endless combinations.
As any blow can be fatal, patience and strategy are vital. Every clash is rewarding and evokes the excitement of a sword fight. The title’s potential is limited by a poor optimization of the netcode and lackluster content at launch. Haohmaru, along with the cast, have a bright future due to the rollback net updates.
8/10 Mortal Kombat 11
NetherRealms Studios managed to set new standards for fighting games’ single player offerings, which have never been a strong point of these titles. Mortal Kombat 11 brought the cinematic aspect of the story to its highest heights.
The gameplay may be considered a little ‘clunkier’ by some, in comparison to other fighters, and its grim and gory nature isn’t a hit with everyone. This title is still great fun, and it’s more outrageous and crazy than any Mortal Kombat game. Aftermath has been added to the game, which expands the story mode and brings back historical characters like Sheeva and Fujin. It also introduces Robocop and other extraordinary kombatants.
7/10 King Of Fighters XV
This 2022 release marks a significant return to the SNK series. The classic team-based battle system has returned and is even better.
King Of Fighters XV improves and refines the Rush mechanic and enriches combat with new features. Every fight is made more exciting by the Max Mode and Shatter Strike. Thanks to the rollback netcode as well as a wide range of game options and modes, the online multiplayer far outweighs the absence of single-player content.
6/10 Street Fighter V
Street Fighter V, one of the most controversial episodes in this iconic Capcom franchise, recently achieved an amazing milestone. It became the best-selling series title (per WCCFTech), relegating Street Fighter 2 to second.
Street Fighter V is now back on its feet after a slow launch. This reversed what was a potentially dangerous knockout for the series. The Definitive Update, six years after the game’s original release, finishes Street Fighter V’s path of season-by-season redemption. This helped to refine Street Fighter V’s title, which now feels complete, exciting, and fun.
5/10 Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Hidden Variable Studios has managed to obtain a place of honor in the upper echelons of fighting games, despite the team’s humble origins. Skullgirls was originally launched in 2013. The game is still being updated with new content. New characters, scenarios and palette packs keep it fresh and entertaining.
The gameplay is nostalgic, balanced, smooth and enjoyable. There’s a story mode with fully-dubbed narration and the GGPO code that can be used online and offline. Michiru Yamane’s jazz soundtrack and Cuphead-esque animation add a layer of sweetness.
Dragon Ball FighterZ – 4/10
Arc System Works did a great job of capturing the spirit of one iconic anime. With its technically stunning and immersive 2.5D graphics, Dragon Ball FighterZ delivers a larger-to-life portrait of all the epic clashes and special moves that came out of Akira Toriyama’s pencil.
The gameplay is solid and includes spectacular combos as well as a fast-paced 3v3 format. Each match is exciting and will deliver a thrilling finish. You can play characters from all the major Dragon Ball stories. A slightly underwhelming story mode does dull the title’s shine a little bit, however.
3/10 Tekken 7
The Mishima saga has been concluded with the latest chapter in the legend franchise, Tekken 7. This title does the most difficult of feats while pleasing both purists as well as newcomers. The gameplay doesn’t abandon its roots. Rage Art and Rage Drive make fighting more complex and fun without compromising the game’s balance.
It boasts an impressive roster of characters, a lot of customization options, and solid online modes. It’s perhaps the most compelling 3D fighting game currently available.
2/10 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection includes a significant piece of Street Fighter’s history. It also embodies the childhood memories of many Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection fans. It’s not just a nostalgia exercise, but also a collection 2D fighting game masterpieces.
It’s like being able to access an arcade from your couch. Being able to get your hands on titles like the unforgettable Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike or Street Fighter Alpha 3 is a must for both veterans and “new challengers.” Sadly, a poor netcode prevents this collection from getting the gold, but there’s no denying the pedigree of these titles. This title is sure to please fans of fighting games.
1/10 Guilty Gear-Strive
Arc System Works’s masterpiece. This studio surpasses all the technical expertise that was gained through the previous chapters. Guilty Gear-Strive- is the most refined fighting game in the history of the generation.
It is both complex and easy to learn, but also fun for beginners. Each character is well-defined and unique. The game features a deep gameplay mechanic, a fantastic rollback netcode, and an electrifying music from Daisuke Ichiwatari. Genre enthusiasts of all skill levels will find plenty to enjoy in this game.