From Street Fighter to Tekken, 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.
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.
10 The Black Heart
Unless you’re fighting as Jason Vorhees, there’s not a lot of the horror genre to be found in fighting games. The Black Heart is a labor of love single-handedly designed by Andrés Borghi over seven years.
The game is somewhat gory like Mortal Kombat but far darker. It’s a shame this game doesn’t have more eyes on it especially as it’s free to download and play.
9 Blade Strangers
How many games have a Binding 0f Isaac x Cave Story crossover? Blade Strangers is like a 2D version of Super Smash Bros. that takes characters from multiple franchises and 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.
8 Lethal League Blaze
Lethal League Blaze is likely one of the best baseball games out there while somehow still being a fighting game. This indie title developed by Dutch developer Team Reptile is a 2D arena fighter where players try to hit a ball at one another until only one player is left standing.
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.
7 Yatagarasu Attack On Cataclysm
With three former SNK and King of Fighters developers behind the game, it’s no wonder Yatagarasu Attack On Cataclysm was successful on Indiegogo. The game is reminiscent of the popular Street Fighter III: Third Strike and 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.
6 Rivals of Aether
When it comes to platform fighters, Rivals of Aether is 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 game has Ori on the character select screen?
Those sick of Nintendo stifling competitive play for Super Smash Bros. or who have enjoyed Brawlhalla might want to hop on this bandwagon early to grind and get good at this fantastic game. Oh, it also has a visual novel spinoff.
5 Catherine & Catherine Full Body
Before readers raise their eyebrows, Catherine has been considered a competitive fighting game and was even featured at EVO. With games like Super Street Fighter Puzzle Turbo II out there, it shouldn’t be that hard to believe that this puzzle game is actually 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 are major differences between the two titles that 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.
4 Pocket Rumble
Inspired by SNK’s classic fighting games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, Pocket Rumble is one of the best fighting games for the Nintendo 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 the best netcode around, making online battles crisp to play and watch.
As most fighting game players aren’t focused on the Switch, Pocket Rumble flew 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.
3 Vanguard Princess
Vanguard Princess was developed by Tomoaki Sugeno who is known for his work on Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and The 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.
2 Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Far too few fighting game fans knew about Them’s Fightin’ Herds when it was originally announced for the EVO Online lineup. It was initially a My Little Pony fangame but there’s no way even the most hardcore fighting game fans can ignore its fun gameplay and tight mechanics.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds is one of the best games to have online sporting with mind-blowingly good netcode.
1 Dong 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 Die is 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 to see 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 play so why miss out on a chance to experience what Dong Dong Never Die has to offer?
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