Fighting games have been a mainstay of the gaming industry since the first Atari consoles were released.
We have the wonderful best fighting games from the 90s, which we will look at in this article.
Although a small few have dominated the fighting game genre for decades, hundreds of excellent ’90s titles are still relevant today.
Despite the continued popularity of old-school fighters like Street Fighter II Turbo and Tekken 3, many more excellent titles from the genre have been forgotten to be in favor of Mortal Kombat or other modern fighters.
Tournament fighters thrived in the 16- and 32-bit periods; both the PlayStation 1 and the Nintendo 64 had excellent titles during this time.
Not to mention the many fantastic fighting games available for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Place your votes here for all of the best classic fighting games, from Eternal Champions and Killer Instinct to X-Men vs. Street Fighter and SamuraiShowdownn, and find out which old school fighter is still the best.
1. Street Fighter II Turbo
- Released: 1994
- Developer: Capcom
In 1987, Capcom introduced the world to Street Fighter.
However, in the short years between the first game and the release of Street Fighter II Turbo, the series saw nearly every imaginable improvement and update.
The original Street Fighter 2 was already a masterpiece, but the Turbo version made it much better.
This happens to be the first on our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
This sequel to Street Fighter II included various new characters and combo techniques, and it was launched not long after the original Street Fighter II.
There’s a good reason why Street Fighter II Turbo is considered one of the best fighting games from the 90s and is still used in tournaments today.
2. Soulcalibur
- Released: 1998
- Developer: Namco, Project Soul
Although it is the second game in the Soulcalibur series, Soulcalibur debuted in arcades before making its way to the Sega Dreamcast.
Soulcalibur was ahead in its use of 3D gameplay principles, impressive visuals, responsive controls, and compelling narrative, making for a fantastic fighting game.
The fact that Soulcalibur 2 vastly enhanced the previous game made it one of the most played Dreamcast titles of all time.
The inclusion of the same characters and many new ones cemented the series’ reputation as a well-rounded combat game.
3. Darkstalkers
- Released: 1994
- Developer: Capcom
Some gamers prefer Darkstalkers over more realistic fighting games, while others are more partial to the opposite.
This is a great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
This game is rather cartoony, visually and mechanically, in comparison to more realistic fighting games.
In this fantastic fighting game, you don’t battle human opponents but rather huge monsters.
While it may not have been as popular as other fighting games like Street Fighter, it is nonetheless fun and exciting and should be played by anybody who likes the genre.
4. Mortal Kombat II
- Released: 1993
- Developer: Acclaim Cheltenham, Midway Games, Sculptured Software
When it comes to overall sales, though, Mortal Kombat may be able to compete with Street Fighter.
Although the first Mortal Kombat game was excellent in its own way, the sequel kicked off the series’ legendary status.
It seemed inevitable that the game would be a smashing success, thanks to its blatantly realistic visuals and gratuitous violence, making it one of the best fighting games from the 90s.
Both the combat mechanisms and the mentality of the battlefield have been revamped (while still keeping the high level of violence of the first game).
This allowed the game to stand apart from the crowd while still holding its own mechanically against similar combatants.
5. Killer Instinct
- Released: 1994
- Developer: Rare Ltd
Killer Instinct would have been more popular if it weren’t for other fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
However, the first game in the series still has a large fan base, with many gamers ranking it among their all-time favorites.
When it came to violence, Killer Instinct could hold its own against Mortal Kombat, and its groundbreaking aesthetics and sounds at the time further added to its reputation.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
Killer Instinct was one of the most hyped-up fighting games of all time due to its cast of fascinating, distinctive, and occasionally disturbing characters and its crazed announcer.
The game’s overall beauty outweighs the occasional clumsiness of the controls.
6. The King of Fighters ’98
The King of Fighters Series, a classic outside of the United States, is as large and varied as Street Fighter.
In King of Fighters ’98, the developers combined all the series’ best features into a single package.
7. X-Men vs. Street Fighter
- Released: 1996
- Developer: Capcom
X-Men vs. Street Fighter was an immensely successful arcade game that was transferred to the Sega Saturn and then published on the PS1 (albeit the reviews weren’t nearly as favorable on the PS1 version).
A new tag-team model let players choose characters from other franchises, so you could have Wolverine jump in to assist Ken out, yet the action was comparable to the original Street Fighter games.
As it included 17 different characters to choose from, it was a lot more diverse than your average fighter.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
It moves quickly, is hectic, and the visuals hold up remarkably well. It’s no surprise that one of the period’s finest and most well-liked boxers would spark such a massive movement.
8. Tekken 3
- Released: 1997
- Developer: Production I.G, Namco
If other series want to make successful sequels, they should study Tekken 3.
The other two games weren’t terrible, but this one outdid them in practically every way. Jump height restrictions and new moves were included to improve combat.
Accomplishing a 10-hit combination was more challenging and satisfying to pull off in this game.
Unlike the period’s other fighting games, this one took some talent to play well.
9. Samurai Shodown II
- Released: 1994
- Developer: SNK Playmore
Even though it’s the sequel to the first game, this is the Samurai Showdown installment that won the most awards.
When compared to the original, this game is superior since it allows the player to use a broader range of tactics and provides a more robust set of play options.
The core concepts and gameplay remain mostly unchanged from the original. However, this version has vastly elevated in almost every respect.
Samurai Shodown II is the pinnacle of the genre of classic fighting games, even though the series is only somewhat well-known in Japan.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
10. Fatal Fury 2
- Developer: Takara, SNK Playmore
The Fatal Fury series, which began on Nat Geo and included the excellent sequel Fatal Fury 2, is widely considered among the finest fighting game series of all time.
First of all, the roster was rather vast for the era, with eight returning characters and five newcomers, and each had its unique play style.
Terry Bogard is well-known to Smash Bros. players since he is essentially Ken from Street Fighter with a new coat of paint. In no way is it a negative thing to say.
11. Bloody Roar 2
- Released: 1999
- Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd., Eighting/Raizing
The combat genre was given a new twist in Bloody Roar 2 thanks to the inclusion of playable characters that could transform into ferocious animals.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
Beast mode expanded the playing space and included a slew of additional attacks and powers, making an already robust combat game even better.
Most of the characters from the first game return for Bloody Roar 2, which is set around five years after the previous game.
Because of its superior visuals and playability, this is the ideal version for retro players.
12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
- Developer: Konami
In the wake of the incredible success of Turtles in Time, Konami attempted yet another TMNT game, this time a more traditional fighting game.
The inclusion of everyone’s favorite heroes in a half-shell elevates the standard fighting game, which is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters.
Even though Street Fighter obviously inspired it, imitation is the highest form of flattery, and if you’re going to steal a winning fighting game concept, you may as well steal Street Fighters.
It’s a good thing that the 16-bit era of Turtles games ended with this enjoyable fighting since the lineup is fairly strong.
Also, the visuals are pretty decent, considering the game came out during the conclusion of the SNES’s life cycle and Sega’s era of dominance.
As an added bonus, unlike most franchise games, this one was enjoyable for both longtime followers and newbies.
13. Eternal Champions
- Released: 1993
- Developer: Interactive Designs, Sega
When it was originally published, Eternal Champions had a meteoric rise in popularity.
However, it became obsolete following the introduction of subsequent franchise-specific games. It’s a shame since it seems like an intriguing and engaging narrative.
You play the role of the Eternal Champion, who travels through time to relive the greatest moments of great combatants to restore harmony to the world.
While the aesthetic and gameplay are reminiscent of many fighters from the 1990s, the backgrounds and character artwork are unusually colorful and eye-catching.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
14. Primal Rage
- Released: 1994
- Developer: Acclaim Cheltenham, Atari Games
One of the best fighting games of the 1990s, Primal Rage had an engaging plot, memorable characters, and a smooth gaming experience. And it’s rather gory, too.
Ports from the original arcade release let players take fight massive enemies in the comfort of their own homes.
Unfortunately, the game’s many planned successors were never published to the public, disappointing fans of the original who are still playing it now.
15. Bushido Blade
- Released: 1997
- Developer: Bergsala Lightweight, Square
The majority of vs. games are completely ridiculous and for good reason.
No one outside of Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali could take a dozen blows without falling in a genuine fight.
In video games, however, protagonists often recover from severe injuries despite being repeatedly struck and chopped with swords.
In Bushido Blade, however, such is not the case. You’ll learn when to strike and block to survive the more realistic fights.
It’s a sword fighting game in which dodging attacks is paramount.
If you aren’t ready to parry your opponent’s assault, the battle might be over in a heartbeat. This is one of the best fighting games from the 90s.
This makes the game enjoyable for some and frustratingly difficult for others.
The game is fantastic for individuals who thrive on difficulty but unsuitable for those who want entertainment.
16. ClayFighter
- Released: 1993
- Developer: Visual Concepts
There were several issues with the ClayFighter games. The game’s mechanics would frequently malfunction, and the visuals would be subpar at best.
In spite of their crazy fashion and fur, they were nonetheless a lot of fun. It’s because they could assume the roles of a wide variety of bizarre and entertaining personalities.
You may pit Santa Claus against Elvis in this spoof fighting game called ClayFighter.
There were many unlikely pairings, therefore, the game’s entertainment value depended entirely on the player.
17. Virtua Fighter
- Released: 1993
- Developer: Sega Wow, Sega AM2
It’s easy to forget that the original Virtua Fighter was a hyper-pixelated early ’90s Sega Saturn game, what with all the remakes and remasters that have come out in recent years.
By moving the battle to a 3D environment, Virtua Fighter was one of the first games to include a plethora of innovative new features.
In Virtua Fighter, keeping the action within the ring was crucial since pushing your opponent off-screen resulted in an instant victory.
Controls may have been derivative of the industry standard at the time, but the game’s technological innovation and original brilliance are still on display.
This is another great addition to our list of best fighting games from the 90s.
18. Ehrgeiz
- Released: Jan 01, 1998
- Developer: DreamFactory
What’s next, a battle between Cloud, Tifa, Vincent, and Zack? Ehrgeiz, released shortly after Final Fantasy VII, was the role-playing fighting game (RPG) nobody asked for yet ended up loving.
Featuring outstanding visuals (for the time being) and even including some of your favorite players’ characteristic techniques, the game pitted your favorite Square characters against one other.
In the midst of combat, Cloud, for example, may use his Omnislash technique.
Ehrgeiz used a complete 3D ring instead of the side-scrolling ring used in most other combat games.
The Quest mode was a lot of fun, too; it was effectively a mini-RPG adventure hidden within a combat game.
19. King Of The Monsters 2
- Released: 1992
- Developer: SNK
Around the turn of the millennium, people started using monster mashers.
While Rampage is the most well-known, the King of the Monsters series is full of timeless classics that seldom get the attention they deserve.
The game, one of the best fighting games from the 90s, was fun despite its obvious inspiration from other works, such as Godzilla movies.
The battles took place in the cities since that’s where the most damage could be done.
The structures themselves might be used as weapons. Cities have electric barriers to keep the combatants confined rather than ropes.
20. Dead or Alive
- Released: 1996
- Developer: Team Ninja
Dead or Alive, one of the best fighting games from the 90s, was a smash hit in arcades and later adapted to the Sega Saturn and PlayStation 1 with relative success.
Several innovations in gameplay that had not before been seen in fighting games were introduced in the original DoA.
There were ten or more playable characters, and the visual style was influenced by the Virtua Fighter games, while later, Dead or Alive games would adopt a more stylized aesthetic.
DoA’s initial strength as a conventional fighter lies in its lack of weaponry or secretive special techniques.
Instead, advanced gameplay tactics are required to defeat an opponent. Its initial success may be attributed partly to the fact that it is a game where skill is prioritized over luck.
