Fighting Games: A Longstanding Genre in the Gaming Industry
Fighting games have consistently been among the most popular segments of the gaming industry, a trend that has persisted for many years. Iconic franchises like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Virtua Fighter, and Street Fighter stand out, alongside a variety of smaller titles that have garnered dedicated fan bases. Each generation of home video game consoles has explored this genre, although it took some time for the genre to truly evolve. We have taken a retrospective look at all nine generations of gaming consoles to identify the standout fighting game from each, considering their influence on the gaming landscape, public reception, and their representation of the fighting genre.
1) Heavyweight Champ
**1st Gen: Atari Pong | Coleco Telstar | Magnavox Odyssey**
The inaugural console generation lacked games that could be classified strictly as fighting titles; however, Heavyweight Champ (1976) emerged as a notable exception. This arcade game featured a unique control system for its time, utilizing boxing glove controls that allowed players to throw high and low punches by moving their hands up and down. The game presented a side-view of two boxers rendered in monochrome sprites. As the first title to introduce hand-to-hand combat, Heavyweight Champ significantly influenced the genre, despite its stark differences from later iterations.
2) Combat
**2nd Gen: Atari 2600 | ColecoVision | Intellivision | Magnavox Odyssey 2**
In the second console generation, options for fighting games were limited, and the primary contender was Combat. While many would argue that it doesn’t fit the traditional definition of a fighting game, the title was significant in bringing competitive gaming to home consoles. Due to the technical constraints of the time, the game’s mechanics were simplistic, focusing on vehicle-based combat rather than direct fighting. Combat became a staple for Atari 2600 owners as it was bundled with the console and offered 27 different gameplay variations.
3) Karate Champ
**3rd Gen: Atari 7800 | Nintendo Entertainment System | Sega Master System**
With the arrival of the third generation, advancements in graphics and technology allowed for a more engaging fighting game experience. Karate Champ emerged as the leading title of this era, being one of the first to feature one-on-one combat between players. The game set the groundwork for future fighting games, with an updated version introducing multiplayer mode and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Though it may seem outdated by today’s standards, Karate Champ was instrumental in shaping the fighting genre.
4) Street Fighter II Turbo
**4th Gen: TurboGrafx-16 | Genesis | NeoGeo | Super Nintendo Entertainment System**
The fourth generation marked a turning point for the fighting game genre, with consoles finally able to deliver true fighting games. Among the standout titles, Street Fighter II Turbo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is often regarded as the pinnacle. This iteration vastly improved upon the original Street Fighter, introducing many conventions that are now staples in the genre. With faster gameplay and new special moves, Street Fighter II Turbo remains a beloved classic and is often hailed as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
5) The King of Fighters ’98
**5th Gen: 3DO | Jaguar | PlayStation | Nintendo 64 | Neo Geo**
The fifth generation saw the release of numerous impressive fighting titles, but The King of Fighters ’98 stands out as a top contender. Initially exclusive to the SNK Neo Geo, a high-end console known for its arcade-quality games, it was challenging for many gamers to access this title at home. However, when it eventually became available on other systems like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, it introduced innovative gameplay that broadened the genre’s appeal.
6) SoulCalibur II
**6th Gen: GameCube | Dreamcast | PlayStation 2 | Xbox**
The release of SoulCalibur II in 2002 catapulted the franchise to fame, becoming a beloved title across multiple platforms, including the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. During a time when arcade gaming was declining, the home console versions delivered exceptional quality, often surpassing their arcade counterparts. Featuring a captivating storyline, diverse characters, intricate moves, and excellent hit detection, SoulCalibur II remains a classic, even seeing a new port on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
7) Ultra Street Fighter IV
**7th Gen: PlayStation 3 | Wii | Xbox 360**
While many might believe that the Street Fighter franchise peaked with Street Fighter II, they may overlook the significant impact of Street Fighter IV, released in 2008. This title revitalized the series and set the stage for Ultra Street Fighter IV in 2014, which incorporated player feedback to refine its design. Released on platforms including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and available on Steam at launch, it became a critical addition to the fighting game landscape.
8) Mortal Kombat 11
**8th Gen: Nintendo Switch | PlayStation 4 | WiiU | Xbox One**
For those who missed earlier Mortal Kombat titles, Mortal Kombat 11 has emerged as the definitive fighting game of the 8th generation. Despite the legendary status of the original Mortal Kombat, its console versions didn’t match the arcade experience. However, Mortal Kombat 11 rectified this with substantial enhancements and was made available on all major platforms, excluding the Wii U. While the reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, is also well-received, many fans regard Mortal Kombat 11 as the series’ crowning achievement.
9) Tekken 8
**9th Gen: Nintendo Switch 2 | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S**
As of 2025, Tekken 8 is considered the leading fighting game of the ninth generation, despite the fierce competition from titles like Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero on the Switch 2. This iteration stands out as the finest in the Tekken series, featuring an immersive story mode and innovative player-versus-player combat. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts stunning graphics, solidifying its position as a top contender in the current gaming landscape.
Honorable Mentions
Determining the best fighting game for each console generation is a challenging endeavor, and some remarkable titles inevitably missed the list. To acknowledge these, several games deserve honorable mention, including various iterations of Super Smash Bros. and Killer Instinct, which are both highly regarded in the genre. Additionally, fan favorites like Mortal Kombat II for the Genesis, Marvel vs. Capcom, Injustice, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, Pokkén Tournament, and Virtua Fighter also warrant recognition. Which fighting game from any console generation tops your list? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
