Anime Fighting Games
Anime Fighting Games That Deserve Attention
If asked about fighting games some of the most easily recognizable titles would probably be Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter. But hey, fighting games aren’t all about big punches and killer combos. Welcome to the Gaming Tech Series “anime fighting games that deserve your attention”, in this blog things get even crazier, movements even more exaggerated and figures even more stylish & exciting.
Don’t forget THE Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero! Well, let’s just say they’re “anime-level high.”
Anime fighting games come in two delicious flavors: the ones with that signature anime art style, and the ones that let you throw hands as your favorite anime characters. Whether you’re a seasoned anime aficionado or just someone who loves a good fight (preferably with a lot of over-the-top explosions), there’s an anime fighter out there that’ll have you pressing buttons until your thumbs beg for mercy.
Are you ready to find out why anime fighting games deserve a spot in your heart? Gaming Tech Series has all the answers, let’s learn which anime fighting games are worthy of attention.
Do you Love Anime Fighting Games?
If the answer is, therefore, a resounding YES, then you realize why such games are actually a lot of fun to be in. Oh, it isn’t just about big shiny things or getting to play as your favorite anime hero (which is great anyway). Anime fighting games introduce new additional component that is crazy combat, seriously awesome, and narrative as if you watched thru whole episode of anime season.
And if you don’t love anime fighting games yet?
Well, don’t worry—one epic battle with a Saiyan, a ninja, or a mecha warrior might just change your mind. It’s time to level up your gaming and see what you’ve been missing!
Why do Most Anime Fighting Games just Suck?
As a fellow gamer myself, I prefer Mortal Kombat series the most when it comes to fighting games. But when we talk about anime fighting games, I prefer Dragon ball video games for countable reasons.
Number 1 out of them is nostalgia, growing up in a joint family, playing local co-op with my cousins in Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkachi 3 or something…
Secondly, the involvement of Dragon Ball Z in gen Z’s life has been way too much, hence doing those moves in game or even imitating in real life is fun and an amazing feeling.
Let’s be real: for every anime fighting game that hits like a perfectly timed ultimate attack, there are some factors that whiff harder.
So, why do most anime fighting games just… suck? or do YOU?
Well, for starters, many of them fall victim to spamming special moves. Developers know fans will buy anything with their favorite anime slapped on it, so instead of focusing on smooth gameplay or balance, we get clunky controls, frustrating mechanics, and graphics that look like they were rushed out of a sketchbook. Add in repetitive story modes that rehash the anime plot without any creativity, and you’ve got a recipe for disappointment. It’s like ordering ramen and getting instant noodles instead—technically fine, but not what you were hoping for.
The Battle of the Best
When it comes to anime fighting games, nothing could be closer to the truth especially when it comes to fight matchups and contenders for the best anime fighting games. Now we have many famous anime fighting games as a continuation of legendary anime series and it will be an exciting competition to know which ones deserve to be called the best.
Gaming Tech Series has put up with all the main reasons why the following games made to the list and what makes them unique.
The King of Fighters 15
The King of Fighters XV is widely regarded as being one of the most successful series in the overall SNK fighting game series thanks to the big improvements in visuals, mechanics, and a myriad of new additions when opposed to its forerunner. The game was officially launched on February 17, 2022 it has the feeling of old-school 2D fighting but with current 2.5D graphics which give rich animations and detailed backgrounds.
Compared to anime fighting games with only a few characters and 2 or 3 modes such as story mode and mission mode it is enjoyable and new, especially for those who played the prequel. As with most leaders in the genre, the game is focused on fully embracing the wealth of tradition and creativity.
Plus Points:
- Vibrant and polished 2.5D graphics with stunning character models and backgrounds.
- Over 30 unique characters, offering diverse playstyles.
- Multiple engaging modes, including Story Mode and Mission Mode.
- Smooth and responsive gameplay mechanics with a focus on accessibility.
- Online multiplayer features enhanced with rollback netcode for stable connections.
Negation Points:
- Limited innovation in certain gameplay elements compared to other modern fighting games.
- Some players may find the story less engaging than in previous entries.
- A learning curve that might deter casual gamers.
Specifications:
| Specification – Information | Recommended Requirements | Minimum Requirements |
| Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Developer: SNK | Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| Publisher(s): SNK, Koch Media | Memory: 16 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence) | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD equivalent | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or AMD equivalent |
| – | Storage: 65 GB available space | Storage: 65 GB available space |
Gameplay:
Samurai Showdown
Samurai Showdown is the incredible weapon-based fighting game created by SNK Corporation which was launched on 25 June 2019. The game is based on the Tenmei period in Japan and the playable characters include the Samurai, a smart Ninja, two unknown fighters, a French Fencer all soaked in Samurai drawing, and one visitor from Guilty Gear – Baiken.
Actually, the flashes, the beats, and the methods of Samurai Showdown possess the authenticity of real combat with the swords. Its gameplay focuses on the speed of decision making and every clash is a real-faced-off with artificial intelligence.
Plus Points:
- Unique weapon-based combat system that rewards strategy and precision.
- Diverse character roster featuring iconic and unconventional fighters.
- Gorgeous visuals that bring Tenmei-era Japan to life.
- High-stakes gameplay emphasizing timing and hard reads.
- Cross-platform availability, including consoles, PC, and mobile devices.
Negation Points:
- The pacing of matches might feel slow to fans of faster-paced fighting games.
- Limited single-player content outside of combat modes.
- The steep learning curve may deter casual players.
- Online matchmaking can occasionally face stability issues.
Specifications
| Specification – Information | Recommended Requirements | Minimum Requirements |
| Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS, Arcade | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Developer: SNK | Processor: Intel Core i5-4570 or AMD equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| Publisher(s): Athlon Games, Deep Silver, Netflix Games, SNK | Memory: 16 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| ESRB Rating: M for Mature | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or AMD equivalent |
| – | Storage: 35 GB available space | Storage: 35 GB available space |
Gameplay:
Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty Gear Strive is one of the latest titles in the successful anime genre for fighting games created by Arc System Works. It was published on June 11, 2021, and, besides, it has excellent graphics, original controls, and amazing rock music. Using the colorful design of characters and opposition like the mysterious I-No and the visionary leader Goldlewis Dickinson the game has a charm that cannot be found in similar games.
What makes the work better is the incorporation of the dolphin mechanics and other unique gameplay features. Continuing production under the DLC seasonal model, Guilty Gear Strive is further enriched with updates, new characters, and balance changes to the entire roster.
Plus Points:
- Stunning anime-inspired visuals with fluid animations.
- Unique and memorable character designs, each with a distinct playstyle.
- An incredible rock soundtrack that enhances the intense gameplay.
- Seasonal DLC format keeps the game fresh with new content and rebalancing.
- Intuitive mechanics and tutorials make it accessible for newcomers.
Negation Points:
- Paid DLC might deter some players from accessing the full roster.
- Limited appeal for players not invested in anime-style games.
- Online matchmaking can sometimes experience delays or connectivity issues.
Specifications:
| Specification – Information | Recommended Requirements | Minimum Requirements |
| Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Arcade, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S | OS: Windows 8.1/10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 8.1/10 (64-bit) |
| Developer: Arc System Works | Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 or AMD FX-9590 | Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-4350 |
| Publisher(s): Arc System Works, Koei Tecmo, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Sega | Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| ESRB Rating: T for Teen | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or Radeon R7 370 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti or Radeon HD 6870 |
| – | Storage: 20 GB available space | Storage: 20 GB available space |
Gameplay:
DNF Duel
DNF Duel is a gorgeous fighting game based on the Dungeon Fighter Online MMORPG. The game came out on June 28, 2022, and was created by Arc System Works, Eighting, and Neople – the dungeon fighter universe is adapted to fighting games.
Taking inspiration from Granblue Fantasy Versus (GBVS), DNF Duel simplifies inputs for beginners but adds mechanics with its MP Gauge system, Conversion mechanics, and Awakening skills to further strategic depth. Despite containing a somewhat short Campaign mode the game has excellent netcode that guarantees that the fighting fans can have a great time in multiplayer.
Plus Points:
- Stunning visuals with vibrant character designs inspired by Dungeon Fighter Online.
- Simplified inputs make the game accessible to new players.
- Innovative MP Gauge, Conversion, and Awakening mechanics provide depth for competitive players.
- Excellent multiplayer experience with stable rollback netcode.
- Diverse and visually captivating character roster.
Negation Points:
- Limited single-player content compared to other fighting games.
- Story mode lacks depth and is more streamlined.
- Characters inspired by player classes may lack the narrative connection of established personalities.
Specifications:
| Specification – Information | Recommended Requirements | Minimum Requirements |
| Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Developer(s): Arc System Works, Eighting, Neople | Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 or AMD equivalent | Processor: Intel Core i5-4690 or AMD equivalent |
| Publisher(s): Koei Tecmo, Nexon, Tencent | Memory: 16 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Blood, Violence) | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 590 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560 |
| – | Storage: 20 GB available space | Storage: 20 GB available space |
Gameplay:
The Final Victor of Anime Fighting Games (Dec 2024)
After thoroughly reviewing each game based on different factors, the Gaming Tech Series finally chose one as the final victor of anime fighting games (Dec 2024). All selected anime fighting games have a creative, fancy, and visually appealing art style.
In terms of ultimate moves, Samurai Showdown the most.
The legacy 3v3 gameplay of King of Fighters 15 makes it the best couch game.
DNF Duel takes a unique approach with its simplified controls and flashy, over-the-top moves, while retaining depth for advanced play.
Guilty Gear Strive stands as the victor due to its breathtaking visuals, rock-inspired soundtrack, and balanced mechanics catering to casual fans and competitive scenes. Its rollback netcode ensures seamless online play, making it a true standout in the genre.
Possibility of Better Anime Fighting Games
The world of anime fighting games keeps evolving, blending stunning visuals with deep mechanics and unforgettable characters. With hits like Guilty Gear Strive, DNF Duel, and Samurai Showdown, it’s clear there’s room for more innovation. Is there any possibility of better anime fighting games in the future that stands against Tekken, MK or Street Fighter series?
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