All the best PS3 fighting games that made it to our list were hand-crafted by their respective developers to suit gamers who have a fetish for challenging their friends in virtual brawls that do not result in visible scars or bruises. There’s been no stopping such games which were introduced to audiences during the arcade-dominant 70s and we’ll be the last ones to question their popularity.
From the brilliant 2D renditions in Street Fighter titles, to the secret attacks-filled Mortal Kombat games, the genre was met with some of the finest video titles to ever have been made. And these days, almost every other such offering has something new to tempt fans with. So keeping in mind that Soulcalibur V has hit store shelves and Street Fighter X Tekken is warming up for a March release, we decided to put forth a roster of our favorite PS3 titles in the fighting genre.
1 – King of Fighters XIII:
Known for blowing gamers away with its excellent visual styles and some well-animated characters, King of Fighters XIII can also be identified for its outstanding fighting mechanics. Like any brawler, this one also bestows its characters with ludicrous abilities that are a treat to watch. And with smooth running online battles as well as a story-based campaign mode, the title sure has a lot in its kitty for fighting game fans.
2 – Tekken 6:
The Tekken series may always hold a special place in the minds of those who’ve enjoyed them on arcades and the now ‘almost obsolete’ PS2 systems. When the PS3 version of Tekken 6 was launched in 2009, it was bound to be a hit among fans and that is exactly what happened. Along with a number of distinct environments to fight in, this title also bequeaths you with incredible fighting gameplay that never fails to impress. Each of its fighters possesses diverse abilities that would definitely encourage you to learn and put them to effective use during intense fights.
3 – BlazBlue Continuum Shift:
Believe us, this game is not as complicated to play as its name is to pronounce. Its neat character designs blend so well with its fascinating environments, that it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off the screen. A fresh narrative based on recurring fighters coupled with snazzy fighting mechanics bless the title with unparalleled levels of addictiveness, making it a worthy fit in our collection of PS3 fighting games.
4 – Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 2:
Released for the PS3 in October 2010, this title is one of the best anime games to hit the scene of late. From start to end, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 keeps showering you with fine fighting experiences that constantly ask for tactical decisions from you. And with all the fights transpiring on 3D planes, the fun just amplifies by twice the amount. CyberConnect2 has done it with earlier Naruto games and with this offering, they have yet again proved their capabilities of coming up with spectacular gameplay.
5 – Super Street Fighter IV:
Making it to the number five spot on our list of the best PS3 fighting games is Super Street Fighter IV with its simply peerless offerings. The game has so much to jump into that you’ll be spoilt for choice with its incredible options. Street Fighter fans or not, you ought to give this one a try for the sheer fact that it has a lot of delightful content crammed into it. Originally intended to be a DLC for Street Fighter IV, this game was released as a standalone version, but with its price tag on the lower side.
6 – Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3:
This crossover fighting game gives you more reasons than one to buy it. Sure, the mash up of Marvel’s superheroes and Capcom game characters was also available through others in the past. But what set this offering apart are the hours and hours of fighting mayhem packed into it. Besides the original warriors in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, new characters including the likes of Ghost Rider, Hawkeye, Phoenix Wright and Nemesis also form part of the sixth title on our list of PS3 fighting games. To know more about it, check out our review of the game.
7 – Soulcalibur V:
Now when it comes to fighting games, you just cannot ignore Namco’s Soul series. This most recent title among the lot, takes you on a whirlwind tour filled with breathtaking visuals and button-mashing, fighting gameplay. Moreover, it also comprises of decent online offerings and character customization options. And to top it all off, this game allows you to play as Ezio Audiotore from the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
8 – Mortal Kombat:
NetherRealm Studios’ 2011 title had pretty much everything that we humble gamers demand from fighting titles. As mentioned in our PS3 review for the game, the deep story mode that Mortal Kombat has on offer wastes no time in engaging you. And adding to that, other modes including the stellar online multiplayer one, make this title an experience which deserves to be had by any gamer. What’s more, the PS3 version gives you the chance to play as the God of War, Kratos himself.
This ends our take on the best PS3 fighting games. Be sure to dive into each one of them and do tell us whether they’re awesome, or not.