If you can believe it, most of PS4’s library of wicked fighting games have yet to be remastered for the PS5. But with backward compatibility or even a strong internet connection, you’re sure to love these titles if you own a PS5 and you’re a fighting game fan.
10. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – Launch Trailer | PS4
Marvel loved to rack up those crossovers long before the MCU. In classic Marvel vs. Capcom fashion, players compete against each other in tag team combat using characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universe. In Infinite both sides team up to take down the Ultron/Sigma hybrid, UltronSigma.
Yes, the story is goofy and the graphics are questionable, but there’s no denying that it's still loads of fun to see these characters team up, especially in a post-MCU world. If you’re a fan of the franchise this is one you’ll definitely need to check out and if you’re new, this is the great introduction.
9. Injustice 2: Legendary Edition (Xbox One, PS4, Mobile, PC)
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition - Launch Trailer | PS4
A story so gripping Zack Snyder nearly slapped it on the big screen. Injustice 2 plops players in a bleak, DC Universe where players compete one-on-one with their favorite heroes after Superman decides to become a dictator due to Joker tricking him into killing Lois Lane.
If you like DC characters, this game will give you every reason to follow the plot and get you pumped for each fight. The control scheme is as smooth as ever and there’s a great variety of options on how to level up your character. The voice work is on point and this is a great way to get to know DC heroes and lore even if you’re a newbie.
8. Samurai Shodown 2019 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)
Samurai Shodown Launch Trailer | PS4
Talk about an upgrade, the legendary fighting franchise is finally in HD. This game takes place in 1787, during the Tenmei Era of Japanese history when the country is beset by a terrible and looming evil.
The style is stellar both in terms of the Japanese aesthetic a la Akira Kurosawa and the quicktime, hack and slash moves that will leave you mesmerized. The game is incredibly responsive and rewards those with a swift eye. But make no mistake, enemies are just as precise; you’ll definitely need to increase focus for this one. But that makes it all the more satisfying doesn’t it?
7. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle (PS4, Switch, PC)
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle - PSX 2017 Trailer | PS4
Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, BlazBlue will cater to any crowd with an awesome fighting mechanic that is unique but easy to follow. The characters you fight as are charming and adorable as ever and you’ll get to bond with them as you follow their war from four different perspectives.
The anime style is top notch, and the depth of the game design is some of the best there is. Jump in the game’s lobby and rack up your skill sets to compete with friends and online players because with moves this stylish, you won’t want to keep it all to yourself.
6. Dragon Ball FighterZ (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC)
Dragon Ball FighterZ - Launch Trailer | PS4
Any fan of the show will immediately see that this is the most authentic Dragon Ball experience to date. Dragon Ball FighterZ involves the player picking a team of 3 playable characters then fighting AI or online opponents with their team of 3.
Get ready to kick some serious butt as your favorite anime characters as you go Super Saiyan against the show’s greatest foes. The controls are smooth, swift and bombastic just as you’d expect and you can enjoy this from both the English and Japanese voice cast who are absolutely flawless. This is fan service done to absolute perfection.
5. Tekken 7 (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Tekken 7 – Launch Trailer | PS4
If you like the old school fighters, Tekken 7 has got you covered. This installment features stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duals that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals alike through innovative fight mechanics.
For those who have followed the saga for a while, this game is sure to quench your thirst in this dark chapter of Tekken’s tale. That with the great, brawling mechanics and you’ve got a rich take on a classic beat-em-up. But it's not all doom and gloom, you can even customize your characters with pizza suits and other silly outfits. Hilarious.
4. Soulcalibur VI (Xbox One, PS4, PC)
Soulcalibur VI – Launch Trailer | PS4
If you like style and a fighting game that’s not too hard to pick up, enter Soulcalibur VI. It’s the 16th century and you get to revisit the events of the first Soulcalibur/second soul entries in order to “uncover hidden truths''.
While there’s nothing revolutionary here for the series, Soulcalibur knows how to have a good time. There’s an emphasis and weaponry and all of your favorite characters are back. And… What's this? Why, hello there Geralt of Rivia, what brings you all the way from the Continent? No matter, whether or a Witcher 3 fan or not, Geralt fits right in.
3. Street Fighter V: Champion Edition (PS4, PC)
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition - Launch Trailer | PS4
In this most robust version of the acclaimed fighting game, players can choose from 40 diverse fighters, 34 dynamic stages and over 200 stylish costumes as they fight their way through a variety of exciting single-player and multiplayer modes.
That’s right, the classic fighter has come a long way since its roots and still knows how to treat their fans well. Okay, it didn’t have the greatest start at launch, but with all the bugs squashed, Street Fighter V plays like a dream. On top of that there’s plenty of modes and costumes to choose from that will always have you coming back for more, especially if you’re an old fan.
2. Guilty Gear Strive (PS4, PC, PS5)
Guilty Gear -Strive- - Baiken Launch Trailer | PS5, PS4
Talk about a looker, and an under-appreciated fighter game that others really need to learn from. Guilty Gear Strive follows the story of Justice getting freed from her prison when Testament, a human gear hybrid, organizes a tournament so he could use the bloodshed to release her.
If you like super dense lore as a long time fan, this game has everything you need to either catch up or learn a few new things. What’s better is that the story feels like a climax to what’s been built for the last 25 years! This might be the only fighting game that comes close to binging an anime series. Oh, and as for the gameplay? It's next to perfect. Nuff said.
1. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, PS5)
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate - Launch Trailer | PS5
NetherRealm Studios certainly knows what the fans love from the 29 years MK has bloodied their screens, and they do not disappoint. With more cameos than a Marvel movie, all of your favorite characters are back in this latest installment, and though it's been over 2 years since its initial release, modern gen consoles will have no problem in sporting this battle gem.
Brutalities, fatalities and all the fun gore you expect from the franchise deliver like they always have and if it hasn’t gotten old for you by this point, then it must be doing something right. Finish them!
