The fighting game genre has a rich storied past that dates back over thirty years. Popularized in the golden age of arcades, while incredible modern fighting games such as the more recently released Guilty Gear Strive are frequently pushing the envelope for the genre, countless classic fighting games were released throughout the 90s and 2000s.
Luckily, even if you don't have the original hardware on which these games were first released, many classic throwback fighting games are still available on modern consoles, with several outstanding classics being available on the PS4.
10 Ultra Street Fighter 4
While for some, Street Fighter 4 may not feel like the oldest game around, but it was initially released in 2008. Street Fighter 4 was the first core entry in the Street Fighter series since 1997 and is considered to be the game responsible for reviving the fighting game genre.
Ultra Street Fighter 4 is the definitive version of the game, featuring a massive and diverse roster of characters, featuring footsies-based gameplay the series is known for, rewarding strong fundamentals.
9 Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
The fifth installment in the iconic Virtua Fighter series of 3D fighting game series, Virtua Fighter 5 was originally released in 2005 and is often regarded as one of the strongest entries in the series.
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is an HD remake of Virtua Fighter 5, featuring the same core gameplay but with updated visuals, music, and online functionality. The game even offers retro visual options in the form of the Legendary Pack DLC that can create a more retro-feeling experience.
8 Fatal Fury Special
Veteran fighting game developer, SNK has released a plethora of their classic titles on modern consoles, allowing modern audiences to easily experience classic fighting game gameplay. The first SNK game on this list, Fatal Fury Special was originally released in 1993 and is an updated version of Fatal Fury 2.
With fifteen playable characters, Fatal Fury Special is a great starting point for those unfamiliar with SNK fighting games, featuring a solid combo system and special super moves called desperation moves.
7 The Last Blade 2
The Last Blade is one of the most underrated fighting game franchises of the 90s, not having seen a new core release since The Last Blade 2 in 1998.
The game features high-risk, high-reward gameplay, featuring two selectable fighting styles, one focusing on speed and another focusing on raw damage, and a deflecting system that allows players to parry their opponent's attacks
6 The King Of Fighters '98
To this day the King of Fighters franchise is the premier fighting game franchise developed by SNK. A footsies-focused series that rewards strong fundamentals, the franchise has players assemble teams of several characters, defeating an opponent once each member of their team has been taken out.
While the majority of the entries in the series are available to play on the PS4, many tote The King of Fighters '98 as the most outstanding entry in the series due to its refined gameplay and sizable roster.
5 Samurai Shodown 4
Samurai Showdown is a weapon-based fighting game franchise that is known for the absurd damage output of each character on the roster, allowing rounds to end after only a handful of hits.
Released in 1996, Samurai Shodown 4 is often regarded as one of the most notably polished entries in the franchise, featuring a sizable roster and the tense gameplay the series is known for, in which one well or poorly timed attack could lead to victory or defeat.
4 Art Of Fighting Anthology
The Art of Fighting is one of the earliest fighting game franchises to hit the market, dating back to 1992. While this franchise was compiled into an anthology for the PS2 in 2007, this same anthology was ported to the PS4 in 2017, allowing the three core entries in the series to be played on the console.
The Art of Fighting franchise is quite influential, innovating the genre by being the first fighter to include super moves, something now synonymous with the genre.
3 Guilty Gear
The Guilty Gear franchise has received a great deal of attention due to the more recent success of Guilty Gear Strive. However, every entry in the Guilty Gear series is quite distinct when compared to its contemporaries.
Originally released in 1998, the first entry in the Guilty Gear franchise is a great choice for anyone interested in the history of the franchise, distinctly featuring a distinct tension gauge that greatly increases a character's strength as damage is dealt.
2 Garou: Mark Of The Wolves
The last SNK fighter on this list, Garou: Mark of the Wolves is a cult classic with incredibly fine-tuned gameplay. Garou: Mark of the Wolves is the final entry in the Fatal Fury series, taking place in the distant future and introducing a new protagonist in the form of Rock Howard, son of the series antagonist, Geese Howard.
The game totes gorgeous sprite work and several unique gameplay systems such as the "Just Defend" system that rewards players for well-timed blocks.
1 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
As the name would imply, this collection was released as part of the thirtieth anniversary of the iconic Street Fighter series. This collection features a mammoth amount of content, containing nearly every core entry in the franchise from the very first game in the series to the release of Street Fighter 4.
This means that this collection features games such as the first modern fighting game, Street Fighter 2, a stylish Street Fighter Alpha series, and one of the most mechanically robust fighters of all time, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike.