Tekken 3 1997
Why it still holds upWhat holds up today is smooth controls and distinct movesets.
Arcade fighting games that still hold up
First released in arcades
Games
Tekken 3 1997
Why it still holds upWhat holds up today is smooth controls and distinct movesets.
In a bundle
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes 2000
Why it still holds upTeams of three with a call in assist and a snapback that forces a switch still turn each match into a puzzle of who is on screen today.
In a bundle
Street Fighter II 1991
Why it still holds upEach match still comes down to special moves and spacing between two people.
SoulCalibur 1998
Why it still holds upEight way movement, a forgiving input buffer and Guard Impact still let you step around an opponent or turn their attack against them today.
On sale
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload 2003
Why it still holds upThe fighting system is why it is worth playing now: each character plays differently, and the same gauges turn every exchange into a choice between attacking, defending and cancelling.
On sale
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R 2012
Why it still holds upReading your opponent is the contest today, as throws can be broken and a parry shortens block stun.
SoulCalibur II 2002
Why it still holds upEach exchange is a read of what your opponent will try, since the guard system answers each height of attack, and that keeps it worth playing today.
In a bundle
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike 1999
Why it still holds upYou still play defense and not just sit through it, because parries need exact timing, even in guard stun.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend 2014
Why it still holds upA roster that grew by nine characters and a reworked Overdrive system still give you plenty to learn.
On sale
Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator 2015
Why it still holds upA burst you save and a tension gauge you build still make each round a matter of when to commit.
In a bundle
Super Street Fighter II Turbo 1994
Why it still holds upThe adjustable speed lets players set the pace of a match, which still helps today.
In a bundle
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes 1998
Why it still holds upA tag team format keeps matches quick, which still suits a few rounds with friends.
In a bundle
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 2001
Why it still holds upAnyone who wants to build a team out of two fighting traditions still has a reason to try it.
Soul Edge 1996
Why it still holds upWeapon duels are still worth a go with a friend.
In a bundle
Street Fighter Alpha 3 1998
Why it still holds upWith three styles to choose from, a player today has plenty of room to experiment.
Rival Schools: United by Fate 1997
Why it still holds upA partner you call in at the right moment still makes every round a decision about when to spend vigor.
The King of Fighters '97 1997
Why it still holds upChoosing a style before a match still makes the fight a matter of how you want to play.
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection 2005
Why it still holds upThe Tekken 5 cast plus three newcomers is still there to play today.
On sale
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 1995
Why it still holds upFor a night with friends, modes for several players on one side are still a good choice.
In a bundle
Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors 1994
Why it still holds upA super meter that drains if you hold it still pushes every fight toward spending it.
Tekken Tag Tournament 1999
Why it still holds upSwitching fighters mid-combo is still a good reason to pick up two characters.
On sale
Garou: Mark of the Wolves 1999
Why it still holds upJust Defend and a life bar that unlocks moves still give each round its own decisions.
Street Fighter IV 2008
Why it still holds upA six-button fighter is a good place to learn the series, and it still is.
The King of Fighters '98 1998
Why it still holds upTwo styles of meter still give each team a choice of how to fight.
Virtua Fighter 4 2001
Why it still holds upFlat arenas with walls still keep the fights about position more than luck.
On sale
BlazBlue: Central Fiction 2015
Why it still holds upA story mode of around forty hours and a roster of 37 characters still give it plenty to play today.
Tekken 2 1995
Why it still holds upFour buttons for four limbs make a system that is easy to learn, which is still true today.
In a bundle
Mortal Kombat II 1994
Why it still holds upA fight that ends with a finishing move still gives two players a reason to rematch.
On sale
Mortal Kombat 4 1997
Why it still holds upThe weapons still put something sharp in every fighter's hands, in a fight that stays on a line.