You 2000 They were a period of transformation for fighting games. The industry was constantly evolving, and the franchises had to reinvent themselves to meet the new demands of the market.
It was a time marked by the advancement of graphic technologyby the popularization of online multiplayer and the improvement of gameplay mechanics. Several iconic titles have emerged or consolidated their series, raising the genre to a new level.
From frantic 2D fighters to three -dimensional struggles full of strategic depth, the decade brought innovations that shaped the future of fighting games.
If you are a fan of the genre or want to know the most striking titles of this period, we have prepared a list of the top 10 fighting games of the 2000s. The national team takes into account the critical reception, the impact on the community and the influence these games had on the industry. Check below which titles marked this golden era of virtual battles!
10 best fighting games of the 2000s
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (2000)
The Street Fighter franchise has always been one of the pillars of the genre, and “Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike” is one of the highlights of the series. Originally released on the arcades and then to consoles, the game brought fluid animations, a memorable soundtrack and an innovative parry system.
The defense mechanics allowed accurate counterattacks and gave rise to legendary moments in tournaments, such as the famous “Evo Moment #37”, starring Daigo Umehara.
Tekken 5 (2004)
The Tekken series has been a success since the 1990s, but “Tekken 5” raised the franchise to a new level. The game significantly improved the charts, presented a refined combat system and brought back classic characters.
History mode was also a highlight, deepening the narrative and the development of the fighters. In addition, the game had a strong competitive impact, being widely played in tournaments around the world.
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
The Mortal Kombat franchise went through ups and downs, but “Mortal Kombat: Deception” was one of the titles that revitalized the series. The game brought back extreme violence and brutal fatalities, as well as introducing new game modes, such as Konquest mode and the minigames Puzzle Kombat and Chess Kombat.
With a varied list of characters and a balanced gameplay, “Deception” won fans and helped maintain the relevance of the franchise.
Soulcalibur II (2002)
“Soulcalibur II” is one of the most praised struggle games of the 2000s. With its fluid gameplay based on weapons and charismatic characters, the title stood out in arcades and consoles. One of the big news was the inclusion of exclusive characters for each platform, such as link in GameCube, Spawn on Xbox and Heihachi on PlayStation 2.
The game also brought impressive graphic improvements to the time and an affordable but deep combat mechanics.
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Guilty Gear XX (2002)
The Guilty Gear franchise has always been synonymous with speed and insane combos, and “Guilty Gear XX” consolidated this identity. With a diverse cast, electrifying soundtrack and a technical struggle system, the game won fans around the world.
In addition, anime aesthetics and charismatic characters helped differentiate it from other titles of the genre.
Virtua Fighter 5 (2006)
“Virtua Fighter 5” is one of the most technical games of the decade. The series has always been known for its realism and complexity, and this title was no different. With impressive graphics for the time and a precision and strategy -based combat system, the game has become a Hardcore’s favorites.
Although not as popular as other franchises, “Virtua Fighter 5” had a big impact on the competitive scene.
Mixing iconic characters from Capcom and Marvel, “Marvel vs. Capcom 2 ”is one of the most beloved crossovers of fighting games. The title brought frantic combat in teams of three against three, extensive combos and accessible gameplay, but with sufficient depth for competitive players.
His vibrant aesthetics and the wide variety of characters have helped consolidate him as a classic of the decade.
Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Although it has a different approach from traditional fighting games, “Super Smash Bros. Melee ”is one of the most influential titles of the genre. Launched to Nintendo Gamecube, the game brought dynamic combat, a cast of Nintendo characters and an accessible gameplay for beginners but deep to veterans. Melee has become one of the most popular tournament games and is still relevant to this day.
Dead or Alive 4 (2005)
The franchise Dead or Alive It has always been known for its agile and counterattack-based mechanics system. “Dead or Alive 4” further enhanced these elements, bringing impressive graphics, new characters and a robust online mode.
The game was also one of the first major fighting titles for the Xbox 360, helping to boost the console.
The King of Fighters 2002 (2002)
Closing the list, “The King of Fighters 2002” is one of the most beloved games of the iconic SNK franchise. The title brought back the mechanics of three characters teams, removed the strike system and refined the combat to make the experience more balanced.
With one of the best character selections in the series and an addictive gameplay, KOF 2002 is still played today in Fighting Games tournaments and communities.