For as long as we remember, fighting games have been an integral part of video games. The first fighting game ever created was Karate Champ, launched in arcades. Later, Karate Champ got ported to platforms such as NES, Commodore 64, and iOS.
Competitive tournaments would be less exciting if it weren't for fighting games. With new games to play and new combos to learn, fighting games remain relevant in today's gaming world. So if you haven't played a fighting game for a while, pick one up; you won't be disappointed. These are the best fighting games of the 2000s.
Updated March 31, 2022, by Christopher Sanfilippo: The last few years have given us many fighting game landmarks. For instance, SNK revitalized two of their signature fighting series with titles like Samurai Shodown (2019) and The King Of Fighters 15. Furthermore, Arc System Works cemented its reputation as a trailblazer in the genre with Guilty Gear Strive. We've made room for these new entries and examined what fighting game juggernauts we missed.
15 Injustice 2
Although Injustice 2's style of including cutscenes in battle is an excellent effect, cutscenes can be repetitive and disruptive from a competitive standpoint. However, for those who don't care about the competitive aspect of fighting games, Injustice 2 is a fun DC Comics game that contains many of our favorite heroes and villains.
A critical flaw of Injustice 2 is the character design of the Joker. Unfortunately, this game contains one of the worst Joker designs seen in a video game or movie. Nevertheless, casual players will get the most enjoyment from Injustice 2 because of its emotional storytelling and superb combos.
14 EA Sports UFC 3
MMA (mixed martial arts) has become exceedingly popular in recent years. Cage fighting in a lightly regulated environment seems to appeal to viewers. Playing as UFC champions like Connor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Nate Diaz makes UFC 3 one of the better fighting games.
New game modes, precise movements, and the ability to play as Bruce Lee make UFC 3 a knockout. Additionally, this sequel updated the fighters' stats. With an overhaul to gameplay, UFC 3 stands as the most realistic fight game.
13 Dead Or Alive 5
Team Ninja has developed quite a few action/fighting game hits. However, Dead or Alive 5 has plenty of competition in an already flooded fighting game market. Still, Dead or Alive 5 remains relevant with its skill-based combat that encourages you to practice and learn combos.
Compared to the other Dead or Alive games, Dead or Alive 5 is not the most significant improvement, but it is still the best game in the series. Being able to play as Hayabusa from the Ninja Gaiden series is one of the reasons we love Dead or Alive 5.
12 Soul Calibur 2
Soul Calibur's developer, Project Soul, has released some of the most engaging fighting games available. When Soul Calibur 2 launched, each console port featured a unique guest character. Xbox had Spawn, PlayStation 2 had Tekken's Heihachi Mishima, and Nintendo GameCube had Link from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Soul Calibur 2 is regarded as the best game in the series because of its addictive gameplay. On the other hand, its sequel, Soul Calibur 3, is considered the worst game by fans. However, balanced gameplay and a more striking design are why Soul Calibur 2 surpasses the inferior Soul Calibur 3.
11 The King Of Fighters 15
Any fighting game list is incomplete without the contributions of SNK. The company rose to prominence with many fighting game series, including Fatal Fury, The Last Blade, The Art of Fighting, and Samurai Shodown. However, The King Of Fighters, a crossover series featuring various SNK characters from across their game catalog, is arguably the company's most well-known.
SNK went through a challenging period in the early 2000s, undergoing bankruptcy. However, the company began a steady resurgence with the formation of SNK Playmore. As a result, the KOF series transformed dramatically, especially in the last decade. However, with enhanced graphics, a bountiful roster, and refined technical mechanics, KOF15 cements itself as the signature KOF of the current console generation.
10 Samurai Shodown (2019)
SNK is also responsible for one of the best series revivals in the fighting game genre. However, unlike many of its peers, Samurai Shodown drops complicated combos and fast-paced matches for bloody high-risk/high-reward sword fights. Furthermore, the game's stylized graphics give the feeling of observing a painting on a kakemono. Seriously, this game is as beautiful as it is violent!
Another stand-out feature of this latest entry is the abundant gameplay modes, including survival and arcade modes, ghost battles, and several online offerings. The game does have its drawbacks, such as a rather base story mode with a highly cheap boss. Still, these flaws are minor in the perspective of the game as a whole. Therefore, if you wish to become familiar with the series, the latest Samurai Shodown is a fantastic place to start!
9 Street Fighter 5
Street Fighter 5 did not have an impressive launch, which we'll discuss later. The game lacked several standard fighting game modes and featured a limited roster. Still, as the game's lifespan went on, it made various improvements. These changes include a robust arcade mode, the extra battle challenge mode, a cinematic story mode, and significant additions to the game's roster.
While this title may not have the pizazz or hype of its prequel, Street Fighter 4, it still maintains the series' reputation as a slugger in the genre. Furthermore, the creative choices behind each character's V Skills and V Triggers can make great fun!
8 Street Fighter 4
Street Fighter 4 is more enjoyable than its sequel. However, Street Fighter 5 came with several flaws, making it less significant among today's fighting games.
Unfortunately, according to metro.co.uk,
Unfortunately, according to metro.co.uk, "Street Fighter V has an awful survival mode, that's dull as dishwater, with a bunch of punching bag like foes until you get to the overpowered boss." A harsh review, but true nonetheless.
A harsh review, but true nonetheless.
On the other hand, Street Fighter 4 has improved balancing and some of the most awesome combos seen in a fighting game. After a long hiatus, the legendary title revived the dormant Street Fighter series. The game would usher in a new renaissance for 2D fighting games.
7 Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball's latest fighting game is comparable to other leading fighting games for the first time in a while. Dragon Ball Xenoverse was a hit that had free-flying combat. However, Dragon Ball FighterZ has up close and personal battles from a 2D perspective. With the addition of the Unreal Engine, a Dragon Ball video game has never looked so good.
2D fighting fans who felt let down by Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will find a spiritual successor in this three-on-three Super Saiyan tag-stravaganza! The game has a lightning-quick pace, and flashy super combos wrapped up in an accessible package. So pick up Dragon Ball FighterZ today since both novice and advanced players will enjoy the game.
6 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Many prefer Super Smash Bros. Melee over newer games in the series. An influx of characters and stages made it a significant improvement over its predecessor, Super Smash Bros., for the Nintendo 64. The pacing was just right, and every match was a blast. Released on the GameCube, Super Smash Bros. Melee is one classic we wish to be made available for the Nintendo Switch.
One of the reasons we love Super Smash Bros. is because it contains many of our favorite characters. Super Smash Bros. Melee added 13 characters, including Ice Climbers, Falco, Dr. Mario, Young Link, Marth, and Bowser.
5 Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat X was a critical and commercial success. Mortal Kombat 11 has an increased level of detail for characters and their environments. The dynamic stages of Mortal Kombat 11 are some of the finest we've ever seen in a fighting game. In addition, the lighting effects in Mortal Kombat 11 are much more realistic.
There are too many reasons why Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the most lauded fighting games of the 2000s. Its deliberate pace, precise mechanics, and high-stakes battles make it the kombat king. If you enjoyed MK 10, you would have a fantastic time playing Mortal Kombat 11.
4 Guilty Gear: Strive
Arc System Works never stops surprising us with their innovative fighting game creations! No title speaks more to this truth than the latest addition in the Guilty Gear series, Guilty Gear Strive. Strive served as a light reboot for the series, featuring gorgeous graphics and a more balanced fighting system.
Furthermore, this game has some of the genre's most abundant and comprehensive training resources. The in-depth tutorials cover everything from beginner controls to advanced tactics. Plus, GGStrive's Combo Maker mode allows players to create, share, and learn different combos from each other.
While some initial draws of the series, like Instant Kills, are absent in Strive, the game more than makes up for it with fluid, deep, accessible, and satisfying gameplay.
3 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Few games have accomplished what Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has done concerning its amount of content. As a game that includes every character who has ever appeared in a Super Smash Bros. game, Smash Ultimate is one of the best fighting games ever. It has already outsold Super Smash Bros. for Wii U with 27.4 million copies sold (as of December 2021).
One of the most attractive features of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is its stage-building mode. Like Super Mario Maker., players can design their unique levels with great detail.
2 Tekken 7
This time around, Tekken 7's combos and graphics are improved, leading us to place Tekken 7 in the runner-up spot. In addition, Tekken 7 has less of a chance-based system than other games. Less unpredictability means that players are in control and have an ideal gameplay experience playing competitively. Sure, one can get away with button mashing, but those who learn the game's combos have an edge. For esports tournament clashes, there isn't a choice better than Tekken 7.
1 Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes
The Marvel Vs. Capcom fighting game series has always been popular among fighting game fans and comic book lovers alike. Still, Capcom rocked the video game world in 1999 when they announced the development of the extensive Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes. The game's roster was the largest ever seen in a fighting game up to that point. However, fans were even more excited about its upgrade from two-on-two to three-on-three tag team battles.
Upon its launch, MvC2 lived up to the hype and is still a fan favorite more than twenty years later. The game consistently gets played in competitive circuits, and an active fan campaign, #FreeMVC2, is pushing for a re-release on modern consoles.
Also, this game gave us the classic hook, "I'm gonna take you for a ride." How can you ignore that!?