Fighting game has had something of a resurgence in recent years, with the release of some big names such as Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 ushers in a new golden age for the genre. Things don't look like slowing down anytime soon, as there's still quite a bit exciting fighting games on the horizon for fans to get excited about, from established IPs entering the PvP arena to indie developers breaking into the teeming market.
Even within the genre itself, there are a few different kinds of games that suit specific preferences or play styles. Gamers who enjoy the rush of a one-on-one battle have some interesting games just around the corner, but there are also plenty of tag fighters releasing soon, so regardless of their preference, fans will almost certainly have a new favorite fighting game to enjoy very soon.
Combo Devils
Competitive and cooperative all in one
- Release date: TBA
- Developer: Punkzilla
- Platforms: PC
Combo Devils is the next evolution of platform combat, with concepts from popular games such as Smash Bros. and bring in a new set of characters and a whole new environment. The game has several goals in mind: it aims to position itself as both a competitive fighter for veterans to appreciate, while remaining accessible to new players with easy-to-understand moves and additional modes, like soccer, to let more people than ever revel in the mayhem.
Visually, Combo Devils has a classic cartoon feel that feels familiar yet distinct, yet still has enough visual clarity to keep the competitive integrity intact. It's already received a lot of early praise from demos at various trade shows, so only time will tell if its ambition and charm can take the game to the same heights as the bigwigs in the fighting game space.
MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls
Pitting Earth's mightiest heroes against each other
MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is the superhero fighting game that many gamers have been dreaming of for decades. This isn't the first time that iconic characters like Spider-Man and Captain America have appeared in the fighting game genre, but this new tag fighter looks to be a cut above all other iterations before it. The game revolves around 4v4 battles across various cinematic stages, with as much explosive action and superpowers as any Marvel movie.
Everything looks exaggerated and exaggerated, and the game leans heavily towards a unique anime-inspired aesthetic that makes every scene look like a panel from a manga. The roster itself may start small at launch, but with over 50 years of characters to draw from, it won't take long for fan favorites to enter the arena, and there's no telling how many more heroes may be added in the coming years if MARVEL Tokyo manages to gain momentum.
2XKO
The next chapter for the League Universe
2XKO is Riot's first attempt to break into the fighting game space, and with a large library of existing characters to choose from, it seems like a match made in heaven. Despite taking champions and regions directly from League of Legends' lore, the two games couldn't be more different. Instead of being a slow-burning team-based MOBA, 2XKO takes legends from the land of Runeterra and throws them into 2v2 battles of speed, skill and unparalleled aggression.
The game already has a huge amount of hype around it, as not only does its IP carry a lot of weight, but the actual game stands on its own. It is fast and fluid and offers many opportunities for players to express their skills from the moment the timer starts. As a tag fighter, the individual expression only gets crazier as higher level players master the small details of each character and the interactions they have with each other.
Invincible VS
Bridging the gap between comics and games
Invincible VS brings the brutal superhero universe to the gaming world, allowing players to transform into fan-favorite characters from the original graphic novel and animated show in a fight to the death. Combos are key, as every swing, kick and punch lands with tremendous weight, leaving opponents bloodied and bruised. The game will launch with multiple modes, from a cinematic story to a more competitive multiplayer offering, to satisfy fighting fans of all stripes.
While the world may be a bit more niche than other fighting games, that doesn't mean it can't be just as, if not more, satisfying than some of the bigger names on the market. Total, Invincible VS looks to be a compelling new title from a new studio that takes some bold steps forward to prove that, with enough talent and good enough IP, any franchise can become a popular fighting game.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection
Returning to the classics
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection is the compilation that many MK fans have been dreaming of. The game takes multiple versions of the first four games in the series, as well as some spin-offs and portable versions, and brings them all together in one place so players can access the early days of the fighting game genre in all its glory.
This release is not a remaster per se, but simply serves to bring the old school experience into the modern age, meaning the original feel of the games and iconic visuals remain intact. There are even some extras for long-time fans to enjoy, like an interactive documentary that explores the story of Mortal Kombat franchise, as well as convenient features that allow players to unlock developer menus and secret characters without worrying about tedious unlocking processes.
