The 1990s were a golden age for fighting games, with arcades buzzing with players eager to test their skills. This was the decade when fighting games exploded in popularity, giving us legendary franchises that remain iconic today. From brutal finishing moves to technical combos, each game had its unique mechanics and personality.
In this article, we’ll explore the best fighting games of the ‘90s, highlighting their impact, gameplay depth, and legacy. Who was the true champion of the decade? Let’s find out!
1. Street Fighter II (1991)
No list of top ‘90s fighting games is complete without Street Fighter II. Capcom’s masterpiece revolutionized the genre, introducing six-button controls, special moves, and competitive balance that made it a staple in arcades worldwide.
🔹 Why It Was Great:
✔ First fighting game with combo mechanics
✔ Diverse character roster (Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile, and more)
✔ Introduced special moves and super attacks (Hadouken, Shoryuken)
✔ Popularized one-on-one competitive play
❌ Weaknesses:
⛔ Unbalanced characters in early versions (Guile was overpowered)
⛔ AI could be unfairly difficult
👉 Legacy: Street Fighter II set the standard for all future fighting games. Later versions like Street Fighter II Turbo refined gameplay, making it even faster and more competitive.
2. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Street Fighter II may have been the king of technical combat, but Mortal Kombat introduced brutality and cinematic storytelling to the genre. With realistic digitized graphics, gruesome Fatalities, and secret characters, it became a cultural phenomenon.
🔹 Why It Was Great:
✔ More violent and intense than other fighting games
✔ Unique character designs (Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden)
✔ Fatalities became a signature feature
✔ Hidden characters and secrets encouraged replayability
❌ Weaknesses:
⛔ Stiff movement compared to other fighters
⛔ Overuse of palette-swapped characters
👉 Legacy: Mortal Kombat II improved upon the original, balancing the gameplay while making Fatalities even gorier. The franchise’s success even led to the creation of the ESRB rating system due to concerns over video game violence.
3. Tekken 3 (1997)
While many fighting games focused on 2D combat, Tekken 3 brought fluid, deep, and highly technical 3D fighting to arcades and PlayStation. Featuring a massive character roster, incredible graphics, and fast-paced combat, it remains one of the best-selling fighting games of all time.
🔹 Why It Was Great:
✔ First 3D fighting game to feel truly smooth and responsive
✔ Huge roster (Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, Paul Phoenix, and more)
✔ Innovative movement system (sidestepping added depth)
✔ Strong console port on PlayStation
❌ Weaknesses:
⛔ Steep learning curve for new players
⛔ Some characters felt overpowered
👉 Legacy: Tekken 3 proved that 3D fighters could be just as technical and engaging as their 2D counterparts. It remains one of the most beloved PlayStation fighting games ever.
4. The King of Fighters ’98 (1998)
SNK’s The King of Fighters series stood out by featuring 3-on-3 team battles, allowing players to pick three fighters instead of one. KOF ’98 is widely regarded as the best version of the series, with balanced gameplay, tight mechanics, and an incredible roster of fighters from Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, and Ikari Warriors.
🔹 Why It Was Great:
✔ 3v3 team battles added strategy
✔ Extremely balanced gameplay
✔ Large and diverse character selection
✔ Smooth animations and excellent sprite work
❌ Weaknesses:
⛔ Less mainstream appeal than Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat
⛔ Difficult for newcomers due to complex mechanics
👉 Legacy: KOF ’98 remains one of the most beloved fighting games in competitive play, with tournaments still being held today.
5. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998)
Before Marvel vs. Capcom, crossover fighting games were rare. Capcom changed that by combining Street Fighter characters with Marvel superheroes, creating a chaotic, fast-paced, and combo-heavy experience that thrilled arcade fans.
🔹 Why It Was Great:
✔ Insane tag-team battles (pick two fighters and switch mid-fight)
✔ Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Hulk joined the fight
✔ Flashy super combos and infinite combos added depth
✔ Fast and highly competitive gameplay
❌ Weaknesses:
⛔ Extremely unbalanced (some characters much stronger than others)
⛔ Too chaotic for casual players
👉 Legacy: Marvel vs. Capcom started a long-running crossover franchise, leading to legendary games like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
Who Was the Real Champion of the ‘90s?
The ‘90s saw fierce competition between fighting games, but each one brought something unique to the table:
🏆 Best for Competitive Play: Street Fighter II
🏆 Best for Casual Fun & Gore: Mortal Kombat II
🏆 Best 3D Fighting Game: Tekken 3
🏆 Best Team-Based Fighter: KOF ’98
🏆 Best Crossover Fighter: Marvel vs. Capcom
Ultimately, Street Fighter II was the most influential fighting game of the ‘90s, setting the foundation for all modern fighting games. However, Tekken 3 and Mortal Kombat II also left an undeniable mark on the industry.
Which was YOUR favorite fighting game of the ‘90s?
Did you master any of these classics? Share your thoughts in the comments!