Best Versus Fighting Games Franchises
Versus fighting games, also known as head-to-head fighting games, are a subgenre of fighting games in which two or more players compete against each other in one-on-one matches. The genre is characterized by its competitive nature, fast-paced gameplay, and focus on character-specific abilities and strategies.
Over the years, numerous versus fighting games franchises have emerged, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics, character roster, and lore. Some of the most popular and critically acclaimed franchises include:
Street Fighter
Capcom’s Street Fighter is widely regarded as the pioneer of the versus fighting game genre. The franchise debuted in 1987 and has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. Street Fighter is known for its iconic characters, such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Guile, as well as its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the use of special moves, combos, and super moves.
Mortal Kombat
Midway’s Mortal Kombat is another legendary versus fighting game franchise. The series is known for its over-the-top violence, gore, and fatalities. Mortal Kombat also features a diverse cast of characters, including ninjas, warriors, and monsters, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles.
The King of Fighters
SNK’s The King of Fighters is a team-based versus fighting game franchise. The series is known for its large roster of characters, which includes representatives from various SNK franchises, such as Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, and Ikari Warriors. The King of Fighters also features a unique gameplay system that allows players to create teams of three characters and switch between them during matches.
Guilty Gear
Arc System Works’ Guilty Gear is a visually stunning and technically demanding versus fighting game franchise. The series is known for its fast-paced gameplay, unique character designs, and intricate combo system. Guilty Gear also features a unique story mode that explores the lore and relationships between its characters.
BlazBlue
Arc System Works’ BlazBlue is another popular versus fighting game franchise. The series is known for its large roster of characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. BlazBlue also features a unique gameplay system that allows players to use special moves and combos to build up a meter that can be used to activate powerful "Drive" abilities.
Persona 4 Arena
Atlus’ Persona 4 Arena is a spin-off of the popular Persona role-playing game series. The game features a roster of characters from Persona 4, as well as new characters created specifically for the game. Persona 4 Arena is known for its unique gameplay system that combines traditional fighting game mechanics with elements from the Persona RPG series, such as the use of Personas and elemental affinities.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Bandai Namco’s Dragon Ball FighterZ is a versus fighting game based on the popular Dragon Ball anime and manga series. The game features a roster of characters from the Dragon Ball universe, as well as new characters created specifically for the game. Dragon Ball FighterZ is known for its fast-paced gameplay, beautiful graphics, and faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball source material.
Granblue Fantasy Versus
Cygames’ Granblue Fantasy Versus is a versus fighting game based on the popular Granblue Fantasy mobile game. The game features a roster of characters from Granblue Fantasy, as well as new characters created specifically for the game. Granblue Fantasy Versus is known for its unique gameplay system that combines traditional fighting game mechanics with elements from the Granblue Fantasy RPG series, such as the use of summons and elemental affinities.
Which Franchise is the Best?
The question of which versus fighting game franchise is the best is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, some factors to consider when evaluating a franchise include:
- Gameplay mechanics
- Character roster
- Story mode
- Graphics
- Online multiplayer
Ultimately, the best versus fighting game franchise is the one that provides the most enjoyable and rewarding experience for the player.
