6 fighting games that marked the 90s and still have loyal fans

The 90s were a milestone for fighting games, bringing titles that defined generations and created legions of loyal fans. Many of these franchises continue to evolve and attract new players to this day.

These games not only defined the genre, but also laid the foundation for the competitive and eSports market. Let’s explore the legacy of each of these series and how they remain relevant today.

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Street Fighter

Street Fighter is synonymous with fighting games and was largely responsible for popularizing the genre in arcades. Although the franchise began in 1987, it was with Street Fighter II (1991) that global success exploded. The title brought mechanics such as combos and special moves, which became standards in the industry.

Characters like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile have become pop culture icons. The character design and balanced gameplay allowed the game to grow as a competition base, with tournaments around the world and gaining its position in the competitive scene.

Today, Street Fighter remains relevant with releases that attract veterans and newcomers alike. Street Fighter IV (2008) brought the franchise back to the top, while Street Fighter 6 (2023) broke new ground with stunning graphics and new mechanics that expand the genre.

Mortal Kombat

Fighting with blood and brutality, Mortal Kombat was released in 1992 and quickly became notable for its level of violence and the iconic “Fatalities” finishes. The game was a pioneer in using digital motion capture of real actors, which generated a realistic and shocking look for the time.

Characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden and Liu Kang have become iconic, each with their own stories and abilities. The success was so great that Mortal Kombat generated adaptations in films, series and comics, expanding its cultural impact.

Today, Mortal Kombat continues to impress with its engaging narrative and sharp gameplay. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) took graphics and realism to a new level, and Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) reimagined the franchise with a chronological reboot, attracting new fans. The franchise is also a constant presence in fighting game tournaments and remains one of the best-selling series in the genre.

Tekken

Leading the revolution in 3D fighting games, Tekken was released in 1994 and brought gameplay focused on fluid combos and innovative fighting mechanics for the time. The central story revolves around the dynamics of the Mishima family, with betrayals and battles that have become part of the series’ DNA.

Among the characters that stand out here are Heihachi, Kazuya, Jin and Paul Phoenix, who are part of the franchise’s enduring success. Tekken 3 (1997) is considered by many to be one of the best fighting games of all time and established the franchise as one of the most popular.

In 2024, Tekken 8 arrived with great expectations, bringing modern graphics and refining the gameplay and it paid off, as the game stood out as the winner of The Game Awards in the Best Fighting Game category, which helped to raise its game even further. popularity today.

SoulCalibur

Originally released as Soul Edge in 1995, SoulCalibur is known for its weapon combat system and beautiful graphics. The transition to SoulCalibur in 1998 marked a new era for the franchise, bringing 3D environments and fluid movements that raised the bar for fighting games. Characters such as Mitsurugi, Sophitia, and Nightmare became popular, each with unique fighting styles based on different weapons.

The franchise remains relevant with recent releases and remasters keeping the interest of fans old and new alike. SoulCalibur VI (2018) brought back classic characters and new fighters, renewing love for the series and keeping it one of the most innovative in the genre.

Virtua Fighter

A pioneer in the use of 3D graphics, Virtua Fighter debuted in 1993 and brought a more realistic and technical approach to fighting games. Developed by Sega, the game stood out for its mechanics focused on skills, without fantasy moves or supernatural movements. Characters like Akira Yuki, Pai Chan and Jacky Bryant were fundamental to the game’s success in the arcades.

Although the franchise has had fewer recent releases, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown (2021) helped bring it into a more modern setting. Virtua Fighter’s influence on the development of other 3D fighting games, such as Tekken and Dead or Alive, is also a reinforcement of its lasting legacy.

Fatal Fury

Created by SNK in 1991, Fatal Fury helped define arcade fighting games, featuring iconic characters like Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard and Geese Howard. The game stood out for its dual plane mechanics, which allowed players to switch between layers of combat, creating more strategies during fights.

Although the series has been absorbed into The King of Fighters universe, Fatal Fury’s characters continue to be beloved and frequently appear in other games. The release of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, announced for 2025, rekindled interest in the franchise, showing that its legacy continues to live on.