RFGen's Top 20 Fighting Games

[EZ Racer]

[img width=600 height=450]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/33489-karate-champ-nes-screenshot-starting-a-fight.jpg[/img]

The fighting game genre can be mercurial. On one hand, it does promote violence, and since the Mortal Kombat days some developers have been coming up with increasingly interesting ways of depicting this. However, at it's core it's about reflexes, combos, and counters; with some games emphasizing one or more elements over the others.

The genre has grown over the years to include tag team, arena battles, and 3D movement. But what games best represent the genre. That's for you to decide!

Participants:

EZ Racer*
WhyNotZoidBerg*
Crabmaster2000*

How to participate-

1. Make an ordered list of whatever games are your favorites for the genre being covered that month.

-Make your list about what games you think are the best examples of that particular genre, NOT necessarily the most important. (For example, Super Mario Bros. is one of the most influential games in VG history, but not many would call it a better game than SMB3)

-Also, your list needs to be limited to games you have personally played. Don't include a game just because you've heard it's good, include a game because you know it's good.

-For as many games as you'd like, try to include a few thoughts on why that particular game made your list. That way, those not as familiar with the game can see why it's one they should put on their radar.

2. Personal Message EZ Racer with your ordered list.

Just put "Top 20 games (whatever genre we're covering that month)" in the subject line. Throughout the month, I will be compiling the results, and release a full list based on votes sent in. I will be putting extra weight on games voted for the top of the lists, so please make sure that your games are listed in numeric order. The reasoning behind a private vote is so that each member's vote can be their own, not influenced by what they think others would want.

The voting cutoff each month will be the last day of the month at 11:59 EST.

Ready....GO!

[Disposed Hero]

I'll see if I can come up with a list for this. Fighting games aren't exactly my wheelhouse, and although I've dabbled with plenty over the years, there are only a handful that I've really put a significant amount of time into.

[Crabmaster2000]

Heck yes!

[EZ Racer]

Question for those who are interested in participating. I've gone back and forth a ton with this, and would like some other opinions. Are Wrestling games part of the fighting game genre? I'm only a casual fan, and while some of them, like the N64 titles, don't fit as well; others like Pro Wrestling for NES seem like they would. I just want everyone on the same page as they put together a list.

By the way, unless everyone tells me I'm totally off base, beat-em ups are not fighting games (and we'll look at those later).

[Mr_Stubbes]

I think you could add wrestling games to the mix. They share some fundamental similarities to traditional fighting games (i.e. Character selection, tournament modes, and a fixed fighting area/arena).

And I agree beat-em ups are not fighting games.

[Crabmaster2000]

I think Wresters belong in this category for sure. Just as something like Powerstone or Towerfall that don't fit the traditional mold would also fit.

[MetalFRO]

Will have to think if I'm familiar with enough fighting games to make a list...

[Crabmaster2000]

I'm having a really hard time narrowing this list down. Got it to 26 and there is nothing left I feel good about cutting.

[Crabmaster2000]

Just submitted my list. The top 10 was really hard. They are all essentially interchangeable as I like them pretty equally, except for the number 1 spot. That deserves it

[EZ Racer]

Still have time to get a list in for this one. Would love to see a few more lists before the weekend

[Crabmaster2000]

Here's my list:

20. Dragon Ball FighterZ
19. Soul Calibur II
18. Primal Rage
17. Bushido Blade
16. Fire Pro Wrestling Returns
15. Killer Instinct
14. Mortal Kombat II
13. X-Men Children of the Atom
12. MARVEL Super Heroes
11. Marvel vs Capcom
10. Guilty Gear XX Accent Core
9. Street Fighter II
8. King of Fighters 97
7. Injustice
6. Marvel vs Capcom 2
5. Darkstalkers
4. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
3. Persona 4 Arena
2. Injustice 2
1.King of Fighters XIII

[shaggy]

No more Top 20 lists?

[Crabmaster2000]

No more Top 20 lists?

There wasn't much participation in the last few and it was a ton for work for EZ. I had a blast with them, but don't blame him for taking a hiatus.