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2D fighting games have a special charm about them that a 3D fighter just can't match. Maybe it's the complex simplicity about them. Or perhaps that back-against-the-wall feeling you get when a character rushes in on you is what makes them so irresistible.
Whatever it is, 2D fighters seem to be making a comeback and we couldn't be happier. Recent games like Skullgirls and Injustice are a sign that the genre is still beloved by gamers everywhere, so we decided to sit down and figure out our 25 Best 2D Fighting Games of All Time. Did your favorite titles make the list? Click through and see for yourself.
Be sure to note: 2D fighting games are defined by whether or not they're fought on a 2D plane, so even a game with 3D graphics like Super Smash Bros. Melee still qualifies for this list. Trolls, you have been warned.
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Primal Rage
Publisher: Atari Games
Our favorite characters: Diablo, Armadon
Primal Rage was cool in the arcade, but a bitch to play at home. The controls were so awful! Still, having the ability to fight a giant ape against a T-Rex is pretty hard to beat. Oh, and here's a little tip: be sure to avoid Chaos' farts and piss. Cause, y'know, we're sure that those both sounded really appealing to you.
Eternal Champions
Publisher: Sega
Our favorite characters: Jonathan Blade, Trident, Xavier Pendragon
Sega's leap into the fighting market gave us this unique (and hard!) 2D fighting game. The character roster was distinct, featuring players that hailed from a number of different time periods (sort of like Time Killers, though, not as on-the-nose), but the true highlight was the battle stages, where you were able to deliver fatalities that were specific to each level. Also, it doesn't hurt that it was gory and had some pretty cool music for its time. We love it.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Zero, Rocket Raccoon, Ghost Rider, Strider
Though nowhere near as good as Marvel vs Capcom 2, Ultimate MvC3 was certainly still worth your time, ramping up the franchise's air combos and cross-overs in ways that had never been done before. We especially liked the new characters like Rocket Raccoon and Ghost Rider, who came in with a bang to stir up an already-chaotic series. It wasn't the mind-blowing sequel we had been hoping for, but it was good enough, and sometimes, that's all you need.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Publisher: Aksys Games
Our favorite characters: Ragna the Bloodege, Noel Vermillion, Litchi Faye-Ling
BlazBlue, developed by Arc Systems Works, looks like Guilty Gear, but doesn't exactly play like it. Not that much, anyway. Its system is a bit more lumbering, and not as easy to pick up. Still, once you get into doing rapid cancels and counters, you'll find a thoroughly engrossing fighting game. Put in those extra hours in Training mode; the payoff is more than satisfactory.
Street Fighter X Tekken
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Ryu, Dhalsim, Yoshimitsu, Heihachi
Though it didn't change the world like some people (okay, just us), thought it would, Street Fighter X Tekken combines two very different fighting games into one with suprising ease. Sure, it plays more like Street Fighter than Tekken, but that's only because Capcom was behind development for this version. Will Namco ever take their turn with the rumored Tekken X Street Fighter follow-up? Well, here's hoping. As long as it doesn't end up like the awful Street Fighter EX series, then we're game.
Marvel Super Heroes
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Wolverine, Juggernaut, Iron Man
Better than its predecessor, X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes opened up its character options by expanding within the Marvel universe, allowing you to do battle with fan favorites like Spider-Man and Captain America. However, the most notable aspect of the game was its gem-collecting system. The feature allowed you to boost different attributes like Speed and Strength by earning the Infinity Gems of Power, Time, Space, Reality, Soul and Mind, which was accomplished mainly through beating certain opponents in the Arcade mode. This mechanic was a big difference-maker for the title and, as a result, the game still feels fresh today.
Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Hsien-Ko, Morrigan Aensland, Lord Raptor
Introducing fan favorite, Hsien-Ko, Darkstalkers was more fluid than the first title in the Night Warriors franchise and, thankfully, didn't take that aspect as far as we would see in the third. Of course, when you talk about about Darkstalkers, though, you can't forget to mention the killer chain combos that came with it. Outside of the Capcom vs. series, Night Warriors is probably our favorite 2D series from Capcom. We want another one.
Skullgirls
Publisher: Konami
Our favorite characters: Peacock, Ms. Fortune, Painwheel
Now here's a recent 2D fighting game: Skullgirls' bright visuals remind us of an Arc Systems Works game, but its combo system is its own separate monster. We dig the wacky characters as well as its all-girl cast--even if we still haven't quite figured out why they made Beowulf a woman yet--making it a series that we'll be hoping to see some more installments from in the very near future.
Super Street Fighter IV
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Mech-Zangief, Vega, Violent Ken, Hakan
Believe it or not, Street Fighter IV is our least favorite SF in the series. Well, besides the original Street Fighter, of course, but who plays that anyway? The problem with Street Fighter IV, though, was that it all kind of felt like a 3D retread of SF II. Super SF IV, on the other hand, was a little better, and it introduced a lot more new characters who felt novel and unique, most notably Hakan, the Turkish oil wrestler. Don't ask.
Overall, though, the gameplay worked well and what came out of it was a great-if-not-totally-phenomenal game. It may not be canonical for the Street Fighter series, but it's darn close.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Publisher: SNK
Our favorite characters: Gato, Tizoc, Rock Howard
Introducing Geese Howard's son, Rock Howard, Garou: Mark of the Wolves is a little known gem that would probably be better remembered for the series it comes from, Fatal Fury. Truth be told, though, it's probably closest to Street Fighter 3 due to the fact that none of the characters from FF, besides Terry Bogard, actually show up here, thus explaining why the game's title is unaffiliated with the Fatal franchise. But, apart from this, Garou was super balanced and beautiful. It's one of SNK's strongest titles to date and has done more than enough to earn its accolades.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Publisher: Nintendo
Our favorite characters: R.O.B., Snake, Sonic
Brawl may not have been as good as the previous Super Smash Bros. title, Melee, but it also didn't have to be. Brawl makes its own identity through its line-up. There's a huge roster, with some crazy and pretty unexpected faces making appearances here like Sonic (?!) and Snake (?!?!). If only playing online wasn't such a hassle. Damn you, friend codes!
King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match
Publisher: SNK
Our favorite characters: Geese Howard, Mr. Big, Wolfgang Krauser
A lot of people call this the best of the King of Fighters titles. We wouldn't go that far (as you'll see later), but it's still hard to argue with a game that allows you to play with Geese Howard, Mr. Big, and Wolfgang Krauser, all on one team. While Ultimate Match didn't feel all that different from KoF 98--which came out a whole decade earlier--it still provided everything we wanted in a KoF title: lots of characters and cool teams. We approve.
Killer Instinct 2
Publisher: Rare
Our favorite characters: Kim Wu, Maya, Glacius
Not quite as good as the first, Killer Instinct 2's greatest strength and weakness were one and the same: it played too much like Killer Instinct. Still, that's not entirely a bad thing at all, especially with a game as strong as KI. Adding in four new characters, while subtracting four originals--despite the fact that Cinder and Riptor were AWESOME--KI2 was fun while it lasted, but ended up not feeling like the major step forward that it could have been. A solid game, but not enough so to overshadow its predecessor.
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite games: R. Mika, Karin, Cody
The best of the Alpha games, this title introduced new supers--FYI, we don't care that it makes us boring to say that we're X-ism kind of people--as well as a slew of new characters. That was exactly what made this game so great too: just how massive it was. We played this title for hours and still felt like we had so much to explore. It's a deeply rich fighting game that deserves your patience and time, especially when you face-off with Bison in the end. Dude's a bitch to take down, but that's what makes it feel so damn good when you finally do.
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Our favorite characters: The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter
It's crazy to think that such a recent game could be so high on this list, but NetherRealm Studios has proven themselves yet again by developing this stellar fighting game--even if it does kind of feel like the last Mortal Kombat game with DC characters subbed in. What we love about this title, though, is how well it fits that comic book universe. It offers a lot of fan service--like, Solomon Grundy? Are you kidding us?!--but is also easy to pick up, and a blast to play.
However, there is one beef that we have with it: we really hate the wager system. Get rid of that and keep everything else, okay, NetherRealm? Thaaaaanks.
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Chun-Li, Twelve, Makoto
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike is a lot better than many people ever gave it credit for. Besides being the final installment to the epic Street Fighter 3 saga, it also added new characters--such as Remy, Q, and Chun-Li--better balance, and even new story beats. Capcom had some balls to change up Street Fighter as much as they did with SF3, and it really paid off with this last chapter. We still love doing parries, and this game is one of the most skill-based Street Fighters of them all.
Samurai Shodown II
Publisher: SNK
Our favorite characters: Nicotine Caffeine, Genjuro Kibagami, Neinhalt Sieger
The greatest Samurai Shodown game of them all--and it's not even a contest--Samurai Shodown II played much tighter than the original and was also much quicker with its rolling mechanics. We also dug the parry system, which predated Street Fighter III by a few years. How about those characters too? You go, Nicotine Caffeine!
King of Fighters XIII
Publisher: Atlus
Our favorite characters: King, Mature, Yuri Sakazaki
The latest and greatest of the King of Fighters games, King of Fighters XIII brought back the multi-bar power gauge from KoF 97, and then sharpened the combat engine to make the gameplay as tight as ever. The graphics are amazing, too. What we love about this game is just how responsive it is, as well as the beefy roster of recognizable names. A hit at EVO both this year, and the last, we predict that XIII will be sticking around for years to come.
Mortal Kombat II
Publisher: Midway
Our favorite characters: Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden
Mortal Kombat II is still the greatest game in the series and here's why: the gameplay hasn't aged, and the characters are the perfect blend of odd and awesome. Truth be told, the latest MK has nothing on this one. Nothing. A step up from the original in every way, MK II was, and still is, a solid, violent fighting game that's an essential title to grab for any serious fan of fighting games. There's a reason why this game gave Street Fighter II a run for its money back when it first came out in arcades, and it all comes down to one word: FATALITY.
Killer Instinct
Publisher: Rare
Our favorite characters: Riptor, Cinder, T.J. Combo
Killer Instinct is just that game that everybody loves. As we mentioned, the first version was better than the second, and this had to do with the fact that it just felt more organic. Nothing was forced. The gameplay was revolutionary at the time, and it still is if you play it at an arcade cabinet. Between the crazy cast of characters (Bring back Riptor!) and the ludicrous combos (Ca-ca-ca-ca-COMBO BREAKER!), the original KI will always have a firm place on this list. We're looking forward to seeing what the new one has in store.
Guilty Gear XX
Publisher: Sammy Studios
Our favorite characters: Bridget, Slayer, Sol Badguy
Guilty Gear XX is the pinnacle of the entire Guilty Gear series because of how it manages to feel like an old-school fighting game, and yet somehow new at the same time. What's innovative about this title is the timing-based fighting system. Always remember: timing is key.
Also memorable about this game were two of our favorite characters from the series, Bridget and Slayer, who could absolutely wreak havoc when properly used. Keep in mind, though: Bridget is a dude! DON'T BE FOOLED.
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Cammy, M. Bison, Joe Higashi
While the first Capcom vs. SNK game was good--though we could've done with six buttons instead of four on this title--the second game took it to a whole new level. The key was in your character selection. Did you want a team of four weaklings, or did you want a one-man powerhouse? The choice was yours in this title, blending SNK and Capcom characters in a way that most cross-over fighting games can only aspire to. So, can we please have another one? Like, now?
Street Fighter 2 Turbo
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Balrog, Ryu, Chun-Li
Street Fighter is the greatest fighting game franchise ever. Fact. And, when it came time to choose which title we wanted to put on this list, our decision was ultimately about figuring out which one was the best from the Street Fighter II collection. We settled on Turbo, since it was as about as balanced as any fighting game could get back in the day. Matches were a pure adrenaline rushes, and the title offered the added bonus of allowing you to play as all of the boss characters.
We can still pop this bad boy in today and have a great time. And while it's missing characters like Cammy and T. Hawk, who first appeared in Super Street Fighter 2, this version has done enough to separate itself from the rest Street Fighters pack despite that.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Publisher: Nintendo
Our favorite characters: Fox, Zelda, Ness
One of the first titles released for the Nintendo Gamecube, Super Smash Bros. Melee brought beautiful, 3D visuals to the 2D fighting universe, and ultimately distinguished itself as the standard for Nintendo's premiere fighting franchise. Adding 13 more characters, and an extensive supply of new maps, Melee was the only reason you needed to buy a Gamecube. Who didn't want to unlock and play as the entire Triforce family, or send their opponents flying with an old school hero like Mr. Game and Watch? Melee is an endlessly entertaing, certified classic that--given how underwhelming the Wii U has been--Nintendo undoubtedly looks back to with more than a little bit of nostalgia these days.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Publisher: Capcom
Our favorite characters: Spider-Man, Psylocke, Iceman
We once did a list picking out the 50 best fighting games of all times, and when we finally got to No. 1, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 stood above all the rest. And while not everybody agrees with that assessment, we still stand by it. The game is over a decade old, and it's just as infinitely playable now as it was back when it first came out. Not many other fighting games can make that claim.
The key is in the characters. The selection you're given is huge and inexhaustible, allowing you to make a seemingly endless number of character team combos. Though everyone who was anyone knew that if you perfected Storm, Sentinel, and Magneto then you'd pretty much guaranteed yourself victory. Even so, there's nothing we'd want you to change about this game if we were given the choice. Say it with us now, in your best Comic Book Guy voice: Greatest. 2D. Fighting game. Ever!