Although 2024 may not have introduced many new fighting game franchises, the year was still marked by excitement for enthusiasts of this dynamic genre. Fans were treated to highly anticipated new entries in iconic series, notably with fresh installments from the Tekken and Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi franchises. Whether you thrive on unleashing devastating punches, hurling ki blasts, mastering complex grappling moves, or skillfully maneuvering your opponents off platforms, 2024 brimmed with opportunities to channel your fighting prowess.
Tekken 8 (Rating: 9)
The anticipation surrounding the return of the King of the Iron Fist tournament has finally culminated in the release of Tekken 8. This installment proves itself worthy of its prestigious legacy as one of the premier fighting game series of all time. Although it lacks extensive single-player offerings compared to earlier titles and the netcode can falter if players’ internet connections aren’t optimal, the game excels in providing robust learning resources and features a diverse roster that now includes Clive Rosfield, the hero from Final Fantasy XVI. This makes Tekken 8 a standout choice for competitive players.
Featuring stunning visuals and exceptional educational tools, Tekken 8 has cemented its place as one of the defining releases in recent years. Despite its generally acceptable netcode, the inability to replicate the smoothness of offline play detracts from the overall user experience. This limitation overshadows its impressive learning capabilities, particularly for players unable to engage in offline multiplayer sessions.
WWE 2K24 (Rating: 8)
The WWE 2K series has endured a tumultuous journey over recent years. Following a significant misstep with WWE 2K20, Visual Concepts took a break to recalibrate, eventually delivering improvements in both WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23. With the launch of WWE 2K24, the franchise has successfully rebounded, introducing innovative mechanics, engaging match types, and a comprehensive range of play modes. While the core gameplay could still benefit from refinement, it is evident that the developers are on a promising trajectory to restore the series to its former glory, pleasing WWE fans globally.
Nathan Birch highlighted in his review that WWE 2K24 has moved beyond feeling like an underdog in the sports gaming world. The game showcases enjoyable new mechanics, various match types, and a well-rounded suite of modes, including significantly enhanced Showcase and MyGM features. Though it still requires some fine-tuning to be considered a complete package, WWE 2K24 is poised for success in the spotlight.
Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO (Rating: 9)
The Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi franchise has long awaited a revival, yet it continues to be revered as one of the finest adaptations of Akira Toriyama’s beloved series. Surpassing the monumental third entry was no small feat, but developer Spike Chunsoft has surpassed expectations with a title that excels in gameplay while utilizing modern advancements, including Unreal Engine 5, to immerse players in the Dragon Ball universe. While some aspects may feel slightly unbalanced, this unpredictable power scaling is a hallmark of the franchise.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO stands out as a must-have for fans, boasting an engaging story mode featuring intriguing alternate scenarios, a user-friendly combat system that offers depth for mastering skills, an extensive character roster, and meticulous attention to detail. For those yearning to embody Goku and unleash powerful techniques, this game delivers an experience that resonates with the series’ fanbase.
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics (Rating: 8)
The MARVEL vs. CAPCOM series revolutionized the fighting game arena, beginning with the pioneering tag fighter, X-Men vs. Street Fighter. While the series faced disappointing turns such as Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, the collaborative spirit remains alive with the release of the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which brings together the original two main titles alongside other notable entries, including X-Men: Children of the Atom and The Punisher. While some titles exhibit signs of age, others, like MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 2, maintain their enjoyment factor.
This collection represents a nostalgic tribute to the franchise, exhibiting some of the iconic fighting games from the late ’90s and early 2000s. Although the absence of cross-platform play may diminish its appeal—particularly on popular PC gaming platforms—the additional features and bonuses enhance the experience, ensuring these classic titles shine on modern consoles.
Rivals of Aether II
With the last major installment of the Super Smash Bros. series released six years ago, various platform fighters have emerged to fill the void. Among these, Rivals of Aether II has effectively positioned itself as the go-to title for fans of dash dancing, wavedashing, and shield dropping, skillfully emulating the mechanics popularized by Super Smash Bros. Melee. Instead of veering too far from the formula, Aether Studios has embraced it, enabling players to master advanced techniques and focus on the enjoyment aspect of gameplay.
While the game’s limited single-player content may hinder its appeal to casual players at this moment, future updates and expansions hold the potential to elevate Rivals of Aether II into a must-have title.
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Honorable Mentions
2024 also witnessed the launch of several other noteworthy fighting games that deserve recognition. A select few stand out among the rest.
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