Games can explore all niche concepts of story-telling. From grandiose worlds to fantasy settings to space operas in motion, and then sometimes players just need to see blood spill, punches connect and a K.O. screen to scratch the fighting itch and get cathartic. The fighting game genre has been around for a long time, cementing itself in history as a popular pastime for those who would rather throw a punch but never be hurt; to vicariously live through the martial artists on screen.
This genre is full of long-running franchises that have nearly had a release on every single modern console. And in each of these consoles, the experience has been expounded upon or refined in some way, and now they have become classics, staples some say, on the platform. The Xbox 360 has many series trying to claim victory and take home the winning belt for a knockout, but which one shall rise to the top as cream of the crop?
10 Persona 4 Arena
A series that fully believes in offshoots. From the Shin Megami Tensei original series to Persona and finally Persona 4 Arena. This franchise is a highly-regarded JRPG powerhouse with a fan base that has exponentially grown with every release of the game. A story following high school students as they deal with dark themes of human unrest and emotions.
Persona 4 Arena is a spin-off of said games where they trade in turn-based battles for a 2D fighter. However, some fans may find it hard to enjoy it to its full extent if they have not played the RPG as there are many references and nods to that source material.
9 Street Fighter X Tekken
A crossover event developed by Capcom where they borrowed Namco Bandai's Tekken characters and pitted them against their own Street Fighter roster. Players controlled two characters which they exchanged in the middle of battle, taking full advantage of having double the fighters to play with.
The game plays more like Street Fighter than Tekken, adopting the same art style with similar mechanics too. There was a time when Namco Bandai would release their own version of this game, however, ultimately they reciprocated Capcom's efforts by including Akuma in one of their later installments in the Tekken franchise instead.
8 UFC Undisputed 3
Released in 2012, this was THQ's final game for the UFC franchise before EA took over the reins. And for a final try, THQ did an amazing job receiving commercial compliments about the new and improved fighting system making the MMA (mixed martial arts) more satisfying than ever before.
With refined striking, grappling and clinching controls the octagon was more exhilarating than ever before, and due to the lack of pressure to churn a game out every year, the subsequent releases had a chance for the game to improve.
7 Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
Capcom loves a cross-over and this time they decided to integrate with Marvel...again. This is a spectacular fighting game bringing comic book characters to life and has players pit them against each other in three-on-three brawls jam-packed with special moves and superpower meters (for those screen-wide attacks).
Fans enjoyed the casts of recognizable characters to choose from and neither Capcom nor Marvel let the audience down after a decade of waiting (since the prequel). Plus, over time it became one of the most enjoyable online experiences and fans returned for more as DLC was pumped out to bring more longevity to the game.
6 Soulcalibur 4
Don't bring a fist to a sword...and spear...and gunfight? Soulcalibur is a game that takes the fighting genre, analyzes it and realizes there's a gap in the market for those who prefer weapons to throw hands (although there is plenty of that too).
Taking a departure from the 2D planes, this 3D fighter was not afraid to break world (and franchise constraints) with a pretty famous inclusion of Star Wars characters brought to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions; which they further emulated in future installments with Geralt from The Witcher.
5 Dead Or Alive 4
An exclusive game to the system, the Dead Or Alive series sits at a unique crossroads of questionable taste and unbelievable combos. At first glance, the game seems like a homage to fan service and is often criticized due to its controversial and exploitative nature towards women (compounded by the volleyball spin-off).
However, behind the thin veneer of promiscuity, the game has an intricate combat system. Players can throw high, medium and low punches and kicks. They can throw the enemy, and they can even parry and grapple an incoming attack to deal serious damage. There is a slight learning curve too with timing and combos to get down. And for those who picked up the game they could play as a Spartan Super Soldier from the Halo series.
4 BlazBlue Continuum Shift & Calamity Trigger
A contender for most Japanese fighting games. Heavily indoctrinated in the world of anime down to it's super moves and the art style all the way to the complex and (sometimes) surprisingly deep lore. As is the Arc System way, this game like its fellow sibling Guilty Gear has a host of wacky characters whose moves are just as insane as their designs.
Some newcomers may find it hard to jump straight in, however for those players willing to persevere, there is a deep and rich backstory waiting to be discovered. Each character has their own story and playing through the main campaign in the game reveals interconnecting plot points and anime cutscenes.
3 Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
A franchise with a rough patch during the PS2 and Xbox era, it needed a total renovation from the 3D direction it was taking by going back to brass tacks and figuring out what made the game so enticing in the first place. Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition was the ninth game in the series to be released, and it reinvigorated the fans of the fighting games.
With a penchant for not pulling punches, the game brought back all the violent sensibilities which made it great in the first place, while putting it back on a 2D playing field and providing all the DLC characters and stages in one package. An extremely successful return for the franchise and the catalyst behind the series' current popularity on modern-day consoles.
2 Virtua Fighter 5
A pioneer of modern-day fighting games credited for the genre's move into 3D graphics and areas. Developed by SEGA, Virtua Fighter 5 stands above the rest not just for their change in game format, but also by providing unique modes for the players to engage with.
A Quest Mode has players fighting through a series of fights almost similar to a Dojoyaburi. Players live out their professional gamer dream traveling to different areas and challenging different fighters. Similar to other games there is the base arcade mode and online fighting services. However, there is also character customization where players can change the outfits of their fighters too.
1 Street Fighter 4 & Super Street Fighter 4
The Capcom classic series: Street Fighter some consider to be the grandfather of fighting games. This installment of the series heralded a new age for fighters, and it was a long time in the running since the last mainline title: Street Fighter 3: Third Strike was released in 2004 on previous generation consoles.
The success of this game in the fighting scene inspired many other developers to release their own fighting games. A delight to fans and newcomers alike with striking visuals, strategy, super moves and a roster of familiar and funky characters all vying for the best in the world.