From Legendary Street Fighter to Bloody Mortal Kombat, These Fighting Games Shocked the World Since Day One
Games that Changed Everything
When the conversation turns to good fighting games, sparks fly. Everyone has a favorite. Some swear loyalty to Mortal Kombat’s spine-ripping chaos, others grew up throwing Hadoukens until the arcade manager turned off the lights.
These aren’t just games — they’re cultural landmarks, titles that defined childhoods, reshaped genres, and inspired everything from esports scenes to crossover media… and yes, even boxing-themed slots, which borrow their intensity straight from the arcade era.
Below are the top fighting video games that didn’t just entertain players — they shifted the gaming landscape.
Best Fighting Games of All Time
Mortal Kombat
When Mortal Kombat arrived in 1992, it wasn’t just another arcade cabinet — it was a shockwave. The digitalized actors, the gritty martial-arts aesthetic, the secret moves whispered between classmates, and, of course, the Fatalities… all of it broke new ground. The game felt dangerous in a way nothing else did back then.
Each fighter came with their own backstory, signature style, quirks, and special attacks. That sense of identity — combined with the over-the-top violence — catapulted the franchise into mainstream culture and even pushed the U.S. government to create the ESRB rating system.
Decades later, Mortal Kombat continues to dominate. MK11 sold over 12 million copies, becoming the franchise’s most successful launch ever.
Street Fighter
If Mortal Kombat shook things up, Street Fighter built the foundation. The original game stumbled, but Capcom’s redemption arc came in the form of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior— a release that would forever change gaming.
With the Turbo version, SFII introduced crisp controls, vivid sprite work, iconic music, and one of the most influential mechanics in gaming history: the combo system.
For the first time, fighting games felt fast, expressive, and competitive. It revived arcades, generated billions in revenue, and became the template for nearly every fighter that followed.
Even today, Street Fighter remains one of the most popular fighting games, with SF6 helping a new generation find their footing.
King of Fighters
While Street Fighter ruled globally, King of Fighters quietly became a phenomenon across East Asia and Latin America. In many countries, KOF cabinets were everywhere — convenience stores, small restaurants, pool halls — and inevitably surrounded by crowds.
Its 3-on-3 team format was groundbreaking. New players could jump in easily, while veterans had the depth needed to master complex strategies. This blend made KOF a staple of local competitive scenes around the world, even if it didn’t break into the U.S. market the same way its rivals did.
Tekken
Tekken changed the conversation entirely by proving that a 3D fighter could be just as tight and competitive as a 2D one. The first game made an impact, but Tekken 3 became a global smash, selling over 35,000 arcade cabinets and dominating home consoles thereafter.
Its fluid animation, layered movement, counters, juggles, and long combo strings created a new kind of fighting experience. Tekken didn’t just become a hit — it became the benchmark for 3D fighting games.
From Arcade Cabinets to Casino Reels, What Are Boxing-Themed Slots Games?
The legacy of popular fighting games extends far beyond the console. Their intensity, pacing, and larger-than-life characters have influenced countless projects — including casino titles.
One example is the WBC Ring of Riches game, a boxing-themed slot that borrows knockout animations, high-energy sound design, and the thrill of a final round to make each spin feel like landing a perfect combo.
It’s proof that the spirit of fighting games continues to evolve and inspire new genres.
Which Fighting Game Is Easiest to Learn?
Complexity varies wildly in this genre, but a few options are ideal for newcomers:
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – Simplified inputs, clean animations, and mechanics designed for beginners without sacrificing competitive depth.
- Street Fighter 6 (Modern Controls) – Capcom created a modern control scheme specifically to make the game more accessible without requiring strict execution.
These titles lower the barrier to entry, letting new players focus on fundamentals instead of memorizing half-circle combos from day one.
The Real Answer: Try Them All
When people argue about the best fighting games of all time, a need for just one king often arises. In reality, though, every major series does something special.
If you’re looking for some good fighting games to dig into, begin with the classics, try out the recent releases and don’t forget to see how the genre has woven its way into gaming culture in unexpected ways.
The post Good Fighting Games That Changed the Arcade World Forever appeared first on Old School Gamer Magazine.
From:
Old School Gamer Magazine