Top Anime Fighting Games On PC: A Gamer's Guide

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the electrifying world of anime fighting games on PC? If you're anything like me, the vibrant characters, over-the-top special moves, and compelling storylines of anime have always been a major draw. And when you combine that with the adrenaline-pumping action of fighting games, you get a combo that's hard to resist. So, let's explore some of the best anime fighting games you can play on your PC right now, whether you're a seasoned fighting game veteran or just starting your journey.

What Makes a Great Anime Fighting Game?

Before we jump into specific titles, let's break down what makes an anime fighting game truly shine. It's not just about slapping some anime characters into a generic fighting game engine. A great anime fighter captures the essence of its source material, translating the spirit and style of the anime into a compelling and engaging gameplay experience. Several key elements contribute to this:

  • Faithful Character Representation: The characters need to look, feel, and move like their anime counterparts. This means accurately recreating their signature moves, personality quirks, and even their iconic voice lines. Imagine playing a Dragon Ball game where Goku can't perform a Kamehameha, or a Naruto game where Naruto doesn't yell "Believe it!" – it just wouldn't feel right, would it?
  • Visually Stunning Graphics: Anime is known for its vibrant colors, dynamic animation, and eye-catching special effects. A good anime fighting game needs to deliver on this front, with graphics that are both technically impressive and artistically faithful to the source material. Think about the difference between a game with flat, lifeless characters and one where every punch, kick, and energy blast is a visual spectacle. Which one would you rather play?
  • Engaging Story Mode: Many anime have rich and complex storylines, and a good anime fighting game should incorporate these into its story mode. This allows players to relive their favorite moments from the anime, experience new perspectives on the story, and even explore alternate scenarios. The story mode shouldn't just be a series of random battles; it should be a compelling narrative experience in its own right.
  • Balanced Gameplay: At the end of the day, it's still a fighting game, so it needs to be balanced and competitive. This means that all characters should be viable, with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game should also have a deep and rewarding combat system that allows players to express their skill and creativity. Nobody wants to play a game where one character is clearly overpowered, or where the combat is just a mindless button-mashing fest.
  • Online Multiplayer: In today's world, online multiplayer is a must-have for any fighting game. This allows players to test their skills against others from around the world, compete in tournaments, and build a community around the game. A good online multiplayer mode should have stable netcode, a ranking system, and a variety of matchmaking options. Because what's the point of mastering a game if you can't show off your skills online?

Top Anime Fighting Games on PC

Alright, now that we know what to look for, let's get to the good stuff: the games themselves! Here are some of the best anime fighting games you can play on PC right now, guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your inner weeb screaming with joy.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ is arguably the gold standard for anime fighting games. Developed by Arc System Works, the masters of stylish anime-inspired visuals, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game that perfectly captures the look and feel of the Dragon Ball anime. The character models are incredibly detailed, the animation is fluid and dynamic, and the special effects are absolutely stunning. Every Kamehameha, Spirit Bomb, and Destructo Disc looks like it was ripped straight from the show. Beyond the visuals, Dragon Ball FighterZ boasts a deep and rewarding combat system that is both accessible to newcomers and challenging for veterans. The game features a 3v3 team battle system, which allows players to experiment with different character combinations and strategies. Each character has their own unique moveset and abilities, and mastering these is key to success. The game also has a robust online multiplayer mode with excellent netcode, ensuring that your online battles are smooth and lag-free. And of course, there's a story mode that retells the events of the Dragon Ball Z saga, with some new twists and turns along the way. Whether you're a hardcore Dragon Ball fan or just a fighting game enthusiast, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a must-play.

Guilty Gear Strive

Another masterpiece from Arc System Works, Guilty Gear Strive is the latest installment in the long-running Guilty Gear franchise. Known for its heavy metal soundtrack, complex characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Guilty Gear has always been a favorite among hardcore fighting game fans. And Guilty Gear Strive takes everything that makes the series great and cranks it up to eleven. The graphics in Guilty Gear Strive are simply breathtaking. Arc System Works has truly outdone themselves, creating some of the most visually stunning characters and environments ever seen in a fighting game. The character designs are intricate and detailed, the animation is fluid and expressive, and the special effects are over-the-top and spectacular. But Guilty Gear Strive is more than just a pretty face. The game also features a deep and rewarding combat system that is both accessible to newcomers and challenging for veterans. The game's signature mechanic, the Roman Cancel, allows players to interrupt their own attacks and create new combo opportunities. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing players to express their skill and creativity. Guilty Gear Strive also has a robust online multiplayer mode with excellent netcode, as well as a story mode that delves into the complex lore of the Guilty Gear universe.

BlazBlue: Central Fiction

If you're looking for a fighting game with a truly mind-bending story, look no further than BlazBlue: Central Fiction. The BlazBlue series is known for its intricate and convoluted storyline, which involves time travel, alternate dimensions, and a cast of characters with incredibly complex backstories. And BlazBlue: Central Fiction is the culmination of this epic saga. But don't let the complex story intimidate you. BlazBlue: Central Fiction is also a fantastic fighting game in its own right. The game features a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique moveset and abilities. The combat system is fast-paced and technical, with a focus on aerial combat and complex combos. The game also has a variety of unique mechanics, such as the Drive system, which allows characters to perform special actions based on their individual abilities. And of course, there's a story mode that will keep you engrossed for hours, as you try to unravel the mysteries of the BlazBlue universe. While the story might be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, BlazBlue: Central Fiction is a must-play for fans of complex fighting games with deep lore.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] is a hidden gem in the anime fighting game world. Developed by French Bread, the creators of Melty Blood, Under Night In-Birth is a fast-paced and technical fighting game with a unique visual style. The game features a cast of characters with supernatural abilities, who battle each other in a mysterious world known as the Hollow Night. The combat system in Under Night In-Birth is unique and engaging. The game features a mechanic called the GRD system, which rewards players for aggressive play and punishes defensive behavior. The GRD system creates a constant back-and-forth between players, as they try to gain control of the GRD gauge and unleash powerful attacks. Under Night In-Birth also has a robust online multiplayer mode with excellent netcode, as well as a story mode that delves into the mysteries of the Hollow Night. If you're looking for a fighting game that is both unique and challenging, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] is definitely worth checking out.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

No list of anime fighting games would be complete without mentioning Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. The Ultimate Ninja Storm series is known for its faithful adaptations of the Naruto anime, and Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is the best one yet. The game covers the entire Naruto Shippuden storyline, from the beginning of the Fourth Shinobi World War to the final battle against Kaguya. The character models are incredibly detailed, the animation is fluid and dynamic, and the special effects are absolutely stunning. Every Rasengan, Chidori, and Susanoo looks like it was ripped straight from the show. But Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is more than just a pretty face. The game also features a fast-paced and accessible combat system that is perfect for newcomers to the fighting game genre. The game also has a robust online multiplayer mode, as well as a story mode that will keep you engrossed for hours. Whether you're a hardcore Naruto fan or just looking for a fun and accessible fighting game, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a great choice.

Other Notable Mentions

Of course, these are just a few of the many great anime fighting games available on PC. Here are a few other titles that are worth checking out:

  • Melty Blood: Type Lumina: A reboot of the classic Melty Blood series, with updated graphics and gameplay.
  • Granblue Fantasy: Versus: A gorgeous fighting game based on the popular Granblue Fantasy mobile game.
  • Persona 4 Arena Ultimax: A stylish and engaging fighting game featuring characters from the Persona 4 RPG.
  • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R: A faithful adaptation of the iconic JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga and anime.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! My rundown of some of the best anime fighting games you can play on PC. Whether you're a seasoned fighting game pro or just a casual fan of anime, there's sure to be a game on this list that you'll love. So grab your controller, fire up your PC, and get ready to unleash your inner anime warrior! And don't forget to let me know in the comments which anime fighting games are your favorites. Happy gaming!