The Waiting Room: Top 10 2D Fighting Games

The 2D fighting game is the pinnacle of the fighting game genre. Having been put off about 15 years ago by Rise of the Robots, and turning to 3D beat ‘em ups for a spell, I returned to the 2D fighter with SNK vs Capcom a couple of years ago to find that the world didn’t end after all. This generation has spawned a number of contestable fighters as well as our old favourites coming back with games still on form.

So once again, this is my top 10, my favourites from across the years and the ones I play the most. This time with no Rise of the Robots.

10. Samurai Shodown V - Playstation 2

The character designs of this title are done by Nobuhiro Watsuki who wrote Rurouni Kenshin and features weapons based 2D gameplay. Unfortunately the Xbox version Samurai Shodown Sen went 3D and is not very well received.

9. Killer Instinct Gold – N64

Another classic game made by Rare, the characters are really odd and it has combo heavy combat that puts Mortal Kombat to shame!

8. Guilty Gear Accent Core Plus – PS2

This is the 5^th version of Guilty Gear XX, and you thought Street Fighter IV was bad! A very fast paced fighter with metal inspired characters and an awesome metal soundtrack. The record for this game giving me a blister is 2 rounds.

Yet another updated version of Guilty Gear XX. This is the 6th.

7. Super Smash Bros. Melée – Gamecube

The ensemble 2D brawler with Nintendo characters, I went with Melée in the end because I find it more enjoyable and have played it more.

I “main” Game & Watch to the frustration of my peers.

6. Blazblue: Continuum Shift – PS3

I’ve placed this higher than Guilty Gear as the gameplay is much more entertaining in my opinion. The characters look good and their play styles are varied.

5. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure – Dreamcast

Based on the incredible, amazing, stupendous, oh-my-god awesome Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure manga, Capcom bring the insane characters to life in this fighting game.

4. Neo Geo Battle Coliseum – PS2

An ensemble fighter from the folks at SNK featuring all your favourite SNK characters, like King of Fighters with a bigger roster.

3. King of Fighters XI – PS2

Another SNK ensemble game but with tighter controls and better balancing, XI is my favourite as I prefer the characters in this one, but KoF 98 or 2001 are the most loved.

2. Street Fighter III 3rd Strike – Dreamcast

Street Fighter is undoubtedly the best 2D fighter franchise and 3^rd Strike is a masterful game. The controls are really fluid and the addition of parrys add an interesting kick to the game. I only wish there were more characters.