Who's Who: the best fighting games of the last decade
Fighting games continue to evolve relentlessly. This genre does not even think of becoming obsolete: new formats, spectacular mechanics and unusual ideas are emerging. Izvestia has compiled a selection of both the biggest modern hits and lesser-known projects that deserve the attention of fans of fighting by the rules and without.
MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls
Screenshot from the game MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls
Release date: August 6, 2026
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5
The champion of the Universe chooses Earth as his next target, and the Marvel heroes must unite against a common threat. The Marvel Tōkon fighting game has changed significantly since the closed beta. Previously, the game encouraged mindless button pressing and turned every fight into a chaotic show, but on release it requires a conscious understanding of the mechanics. The entry threshold has become higher, but every victory feels well deserved. Autocombos and simple controls will help beginners, but for beautiful bundles and competent use of the team you will have to study a lot. The game has become much more interesting for those who are ready to understand the intricacies of a fighting game.
Invincible VS
Screenshot from the Invincible VS game
Release date: 2026
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The first full-fledged fighting game based on the universe of comics and the animated series Invincible, created by former Killer Instinct developers. After an invasion from alternate realities, the heroes and villains of the Invincible universe will have to fight each other. Invincible VS does not try to repeat other team fighting games and focuses on its own mechanics. The main feature is the interactive combo system, where the attacker and the defender constantly try to outwit each other, changing fighters in time and disrupting the opponent's attacks. These "duels within a duel" add depth to the duels, although the fights themselves feel a little heavy. The 18-character roster successfully conveys the abilities of the characters in the animated series, and the short story campaign looks like a full-fledged, albeit unfinished, episode of Invincible.
Street Fighter 6
Screenshot from the game Street Fighter 6
Release date: 2023
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S
One of the best parts of the legendary series, which managed to preserve its spirit and noticeably update the familiar formula. Capcom has redesigned many mechanics and introduced a completely new Drive system that allows you to flexibly control the pace of combat. Thanks to her, you can play aggressively equally effectively, constantly putting pressure on your opponent, or cautiously, building a defense. Street Fighter 6 has a full-fledged World Tour story mode and is perfectly implemented online with a convenient selection of opponents. The roster features both iconic characters and new fighters.
Mortal Kombat 1
Screenshot from the game Mortal Kombat 1
Release date: 2023
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Mortal Kombat 1 has opened a new chapter in the history of this equally great series, retaining everything that fans love about it: brutal duels, spectacular fatalities and a rich story mode. Iconic techniques like Scorpion's harpoon or Sub-Zero's ice abilities have become more spectacular, and the combat system has become smoother. One of the main innovations of the fighting game is the Kameo mechanic, which allows you to summon helper fighters during a duel. It has significantly expanded its tactical capabilities and has been vividly revealed in multiplayer matches.
Tekken 8
Screenshot from the game Tekken 8
Release date: 2024
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
A new level of 3-D fighting games — the latest part of Tekken impresses with modern graphics, and the list of fighters unites both iconic characters of the franchise and brand new heroes. The redesigned Rage system has made the fights more challenging and interesting, and along with the updated combos, the game has been noticeably refreshed. For fans of intense one-on-one duels, Tekken 8 offers a large-scale online mode and an active esports community. The game focuses specifically on PvP battles - there is no separate cooperative campaign here.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Screenshot from the Super Smash Bros. game Ultimate
Release Date: 2018
What to play on: Nintendo Switch
The perfect fighting game for those who like fast, dynamic battles. The game contains all the fighters from the previous installments of the series, as well as many new heroes — just a celebration for fans of game crossovers. Ultimate has significantly expanded the franchise's capabilities with new features. Players can customize their characters' abilities and try out unusual modes like Smashdown. In addition, the project has received new arenas and a large-scale single-player World of Light mode with a gameplay potential of dozens of hours.
King of Fighters XV
Screenshot from the game King of Fighters XV
Release date: 2022
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S
The King of Fighters XV continues the classic traditions of the series: As before, the gameplay is based on 3-on-3 team battles, in which success depends not only on individual skill, but also on the proper selection of characters. The project encourages the thorough development of the combat system, allows you to create complex combinations of strikes and develop your own tactics for each team. Both single-player games and intense fights with friends or online rivals are good here.
Melty Blood: Type Lumina
Screenshot from the game Melty Blood: Type Lumina
Release date: 2023
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
An exciting and versatile anime fighting game that has not gained much fame. At the same time, the game gives beginners a low entry threshold and removes the "ceiling" for sophisticated pros. The project stands out for its anime style (the roster even has popular Internet characters), dynamic duels, and a combat system built around long combinations of punches.
UFC 5
Screenshot from the UFC 5 game
Release date: 2023
What to play on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The best simulator of mixed martial arts. The game focuses on realistic MMA reenactment rather than spectacular but superficial duels. The project impresses with modern graphics and detailed animations. Every punch, low kick, painful or suffocating technique looks as plausible as possible. The roster features both UFC legends and new league stars — you can choose a fighter for almost any style. In career mode, the player can create their own athlete and go from a debutant to a UFC champion, and online multiplayer allows you to test your skills in fights against other gamers.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
