15 Fighting Games To Play If You Like Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 is the hottest fighting game around. It's part of a series recognized for over the top violence. Mortal Kombat's most famous phrase, Finish Him!" has paved the way for new ways to defeat an opponent. Since the series launch date in 1992, the games have become more realistic. The game series even inspired movies, including one slated to release in 2021.
Fighting games are abundant; whether they are 2D, 3D, or 2.5 D. With many games taking after the Mortal Kombat series, some are more similar to Mortal Kombat than others. The following games were ranked based on their overall enjoyability and similarity to Mortal Kombat 11. Only a Mortal Kombat legend has played all these games!
Updated June 5, 2021, by Tom Bowen: With no new DLC kombatants expected anytime soon, it's only natural that fans of Mortal Kombat 11 may find themselves tiring of NetherRealm Studios' excellent 2.5D fighting game. Granted, some may find distraction in the form of the recently released Mortal Kombat movie, but for everybody else, the allure of some of the other great fighting games on the market may prove to be too difficult to ignore. For those looking for a slight change of pace, these games might be just what the doctor ordered.
15 Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
Available exclusively on PlayStation
After a long hiatus, the Virtua Fighter series recently returned to the spotlight following the release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown. Although not a brand new game in the conventional sense, Ultimate Showdown is an updated version of the series' fifth entry, completely rebuilt in the Dragon Engine that's used in Sega's Yakuza games.
It's a little slower than some of the other fighting games on the market and is fairly technical too, but those looking for a realistic fighting game could definitely do a lot worse. The series' debut title helped to pioneer 3D fighting games and Ultimate Showdown is yet another solid example. Best of all, it's currently free for all PlayStation Plus subscribers and so is definitely worth checking out at the very least.
14 Dead Or Alive 6
Available on PlayStation, Xbox & PC
Those looking for something a little more fast-paced could definitely do a lot worse than Dead or Alive 6. It's nowhere near as graphic as a Mortal Kombat game when it comes to violence, but the gameplay it offers is no less enjoyable. It's a lot easier to pick up than some of the genre's other great offerings too, making it surprisingly accessible to newcomers.
Though the series did lose a bit of its credibility due to its beach volleyball spin-offs and the heavy emphasis it places on "jiggle physics," Dead or Alive 6 is still an excellent fighting game. There's plenty of DLC available to help keep the game feeling fresh too, although players will need to shell out thousands of dollars if they want to experience it all.
13 Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe
Available on PlayStation & Xbox
There are undoubtedly better crossover fighting games out there, but those who've ever wondered who would win in a fight between Sub-Zero and Superman will likely find themselves drawn to Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Featuring 11 iconic characters from each IP, it really does open up a lot of possibilities.
Due to the game's "Teen" ESRB rating, a few of the fatalities have been toned down or omitted entirely, although there's still a decent amount of violence for those looking for that Mortal Kombat vibe. Combat is exactly what one might expect from a Mortal Kombat game too and the story is interesting as well, albeit a little wacky.
12 BlazBlue: Centralfiction
Available on PlayStation, Switch & Windows
While there are definitely better looking fighting games out there, few are quite as well realized as BlazBlue: Centralfiction. The game features 36 playable characters as well as a comprehensive story mode with around 40 hours worth of content. Most importantly though, it is a lot of fun to play.
BlazBlue games have always been fairly niche, even in their domestic market of Japan, but recent entries have begun to make a mark in the west. They can be a little difficult to pick up due to unique mechanics like Distortion Drives and Overdrive, but those who take the time to learn how everything works will likely be glad that they did when all's said and done.
11 Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator-
Available on PlayStation & Windows
Though some series fans were a little disappointed with Arc System Works' decision to switch from hand drawn sprites to cel-shaded graphics, most tend to be in agreement that Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- is one of the franchise's better outings. Its gameplay is solid and, even in spite of the change in art style, it really is a visually stunning game.
Online functionality is a little lackluster when compared to some of the genre's other heavy hitters, but those able to look past the substandard matchmaking will find a highly enjoyable online experience nonetheless. With 25 playable characters, including fan favorites like Axl, Chipp and May, there's someone for just about every play style imaginable.
10 Killer Instinct
Available exclusively on Xbox
One of the earliest fighting games series had a release on the Xbox One in 2013. The new Killer Instinct has a retro '90s feel with intuitive fighting combos. This game came with at least one free fighter, which acted as a pathway into purchasing the full game.
The classic fighting game Killer Instinct has fast-paced action and memorable characters. The series initially was a part of Super Nintendo but later became a part of the Xbox One. It was developed by Double Helix Games and published by Microsoft Studios. This hidden Xbox One gem is a must-play!
9 Dragon Ball FighterZ
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch & Windows
Dragon Ball FighterZ is possibly the greatest fighting game in franchise history. The game contains advanced and beginner controls, so it appeals to virtually anyone. It's a blend of 2D and 3D, which is often referred to as a 2.5D game.
The robust fighter roster is one of the game's biggest selling points. With DLC, there are over 40 characters! One can play as lesser-known characters, but it also contains classic characters like Goku, Piccolo, Broly, Vegeta, Cell, and Teen Gohan.
8 The King Of Fighters XIII
Available on PlayStation, Switch, Windows & Mobile
The King Of Fighters XIII is arguably the best game in the series. It's been a while since we've seen a new game from The King of Fighters game series, but a new The King of Fighters, The King of Fighters XV, is slated to release sometime in 2021. It's been long enough as players are eagerly waiting for a sequel.
SNK is developing the game, and they revealed six of King of Fighters XV's characters. The game shows promise, and if it ends up being even half as good as The King Of Fighters XIII, it will likely be a massive hit among members of the fighting game community.
7 Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
Available on PlayStation, Xbox & Windows
This mash-up fighting game contains characters from Marvel and Capcom. Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's diverse roster is reminiscent of Mortal Kombat 11. Each game has approximately the same number of characters, including the DLC fighters.
Players are able to control characters like Iron Man, Hulk, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, and Wolverine on the Marvel side. On the Capcom side, there are prominent characters like Albert Wesker, Chris Redfield, and Nemesis-T Type.
6 Soulcalibur VI
Available on PlayStation, Xbox & Windows
Bandai Namco is one of the other major developers in the biz of making fighting games. The series has been renowned since its heyday back at Soul Calibur II. It is recognized for featuring famous video game characters on its cover.
This time around, Soul Calibur VI has a roster consisting of names like Geralt of Rivia but mainly features classic Soul Calibur characters. Players really can't go wrong playing a Soul Calibur game, even if this addition's roster needs more famous video game characters.
5 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Available exclusively on Switch
It might not be a conventional 2D fighting game, yet Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a masterclass in how to make a great crossover fighting game. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the culmination of every Super Smash Bros. release that came before it and is bigger and better in almost every conceivable way.
Nintendo has raised the bar with more stages and characters than ever before. Like Mortal Kombat 11, players have to memorize buttons to attack with efficacy. It's probably the least like Mortal Kombat 11 on this listicle, yet Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the first games to play.
4 Injustice 2
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Windows & Mobile
Injustice 2 is the sequel to Injustice: Gods Among Us, and it is assuredly a step-up from its predecessor. From an esports competitive perspective, Injustice 2 isn't the first choice. The appeal of lengthy cutscenes in the middle of fights soon wears off. Also, random loot and microtransactions get in the way of a genuinely fun experience.
Injustice 2 is excellent as a single-player game and lets players control almost all of the most popular DC Universe characters. Those looking for a competitive fighting game may find that Injustice 2 isn't quite what they're after, but it can still be a lot of fun when played casually nonetheless.
3 Mortal Kombat X
Available on PlayStation, Xbox & Windows
Those who have played Mortal Kombat 11 endlessly may find it worthwhile to go back to the previous Mortal Kombat game from time to time. It features characters like Jason Voorhees, Sub-Zero, Alien, and Johnny Cage first. It already includes a robust roster, and it provides a unique experience as a result.
It's easier to get away with button mashing in Mortal Kombat X. Strategic combos are more a part of Mortal Kombat 11. The graphics of both games are polished, so players really can't go wrong with either. Jumping between the two can also prevent either from starting to feel stale, particularly for those with all of the DLC fighters.
2 Street Fighter V
Available on PlayStation & Windows
Despite being a game that exclusively released for the PlayStation 4, Street Fighter V remains one of the leading esports fighting games. The Street Fighter franchise's first game came out in the '80s as an arcade game and the series has been at the forefront of the genre ever since.
Characters like Ryu, M. Bison, and Akuma still appeal to modern-day gamers, while newer characters make the game more accessible to those looking for a slightly different way to play. The button combinations are near-flawless too, which is why Mortal Kombat 11 players will appreciate this 2D fighting game.
1 Tekken 7
Available on PlayStation, Xbox & Windows
When it comes to competitive esports fighting games, Tekken 7 is the ideal game to play. Putting aside that it's a multiplatform game, unlike Street Fighter V, Tekken 7 has far fewer exploits than its competitors. On top of that, it's one of the most highly polished fighting games of the latest decade.
This long-established fighting franchise has once again wowed its fans with a progressive game. Looking back, Tekken was seldom taken seriously as an eSports title in the early days of competitive gaming. Today, however, all doubt has gone out of the window that Tekken 7 is a viable option when it comes to competitive play.
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