Best Action Fighting
Tekken 3, released in 1997, is the third game in the Tekken series and utilized Namco System 12 hardware. The title’s narrative unfolds nineteen years after its predecessor, introducing new characters like Jin Kazama and Ling Xiaoyu alongside a sidestepping mechanic for all playable fighters. A Play...
Streets of Rage 2 is a 1992 beat 'em up for the Sega Genesis. It continues the story featuring Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding alongside three new playable characters: Max Thunder, Eddie "Skate" Hunter, and the return of Adam Hunter’s younger brother. The game expands upon the original Streets of Rage...
Guilty Gear Strive is a 2.5D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and released in 2021 as the seventh mainline entry in the Guilty Gear series. Built on Unreal Engine 4, the game is recognized for its cel-shaded graphics that emulate detailed 3D anime aesthetics, accompanied by rock music com...
Why this score?
Highly acclaimed visuals, accessible combat, strong netcode, and lasting competitive reputation; launch content and simplified systems drew some criticism.
Scoring methodology
Tekken 5, released in 2004, is the fifth installment in the Tekken series. The game’s narrative follows Jin Kazama confronting new threats following Jinpachi Mishima's control of the Mishima Zaibatsu, alongside a storyline involving G Corporation enemies. A collector’s edition included arcade versio...
Soul Edge is a 1995 arcade fighting game created by Namco, marking the beginning of the Soulcalibur franchise. Initially launched in November 1995, it later appeared on System 11 hardware and was adapted for PlayStation with a revised title in 1997. The game’s release spanned multiple platforms over...
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 remains one of the most chaotic and exciting tag-team fighters ever made. With 3v3 battles, flashy assists, and hyper combos, matches are explosive and creative. The roster combines Marvel heroes like Iron Man and Wolverine with Capcom characters like Ryu and Chris Redfi...
Soulcalibur III is a 2005 fighting game developed by Namco, continuing the series established in Soulcalibur II. Initially released for PlayStation 2, an improved Arcade Edition appeared in 2006 and marked the final version of the title to be released on arcade systems. It was subsequently succeeded...
Tekken 6, released in 2007, is the sixth main entry of the Tekken franchise and debuted on arcade systems utilizing the System 357 board. Subsequent versions included Bloodline Rebellion and were later ported to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PSP, marking the first time a core Tekken game appeared out...
Captain Commando is a 1990s arcade action game developed by Capcom. The title centers around a Japanese superhero with unique cybernetic enhancements and a distinctive style. Originally designed to promote Capcom’s console offerings, it remains notable for its innovative gameplay mechanics and vibra...
Final Fight 3 is a 1995 beat 'em up developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It serves as the second installment in the Final Fight series following Final Fight 2. The game was produced by Capcom’s consumer division, mirroring the development of its predecessor.
Karate Champ is a classic 1984 Japanese beat-'em-up video game created by Data East. The title gained widespread recognition as the highest-grossing arcade game in the United States during 1985 due to its simple yet engaging single-player fighting mechanics. It’s particularly appealing to fans of re...
Mario Super Sluggers is a Wii title from Bandai Namco published by Nintendo. It expands upon the sports gameplay of Mario Superstar Baseball, debuting in Japan on June 19, 2008, followed by a North American release on August 25, 2008. The game features various team-based combat scenarios with iconic...
Final Fight 2 is a classic 1993 action video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s notable for its fast-paced beat-'em-up gameplay and iconic characters, Cody Travers, Dean Glock, and Lucas Bishop. The game was initially designed as a direct response to the original arcade title and...
Boyka: Undisputed is a 2016 martial arts film and the fourth installment in the Undisputed franchise, starring Scott Adkins as the Russian fighter Yuri Boyka. The plot follows Boyka as he competes in professional fighting circuits to establish himself as the most complete martial artist in the world...
Why this score?
Highly rated direct-to-video martial-arts sequel, praised for Scott Adkins and fight choreography, though narratively familiar.
Scoring methodology
MultiVersus is a free-to-play platform fighter that brings together Warner Bros. characters like Batman, Shaggy, and Finn the Human. It emphasizes team-based 2v2 combat with unique co-op moves and class roles. The game features rollback netcode and cross-play from launch. While its full release has...
Akira Yuki has spent years honing his Bajiquan skills under the guidance of his grandfather. He yearns to see the constellation of the eight stars of heaven, which are only revealed to those with real strength. This burning desire urges him to embark on travels, so as to learn more about how to see...
Fighting Force is a beat 'em up video game released in 1997 for PlayStation and Windows by Eidos Interactive, developed by Core Design. A Nintendo 64 version was later published in 1999, while the Japanese PlayStation release was handled by Electronic Arts Victor. The game followed the success of To...
Riot is a 2015 American prison action film directed by John Lyde. The cast includes Matthew Reese, Dolph Lundgren, and Chuck Liddell, and the story uses a prison setting for fights, criminal conflict, and undercover action. The film is aimed at viewers who enjoy low-budget contemporary action movies...
