Retro Fighters: The 10 Best PS1 Fighting Games! Our Toughest Titles

 Numerous PlayStation 1 fighting games represent the peak of competitive entertainment (excluding activities that demand real physical training, of course).

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush you get from destroying your friends in a Flawless Victory.

In the next round, you might be on the defensive, rapidly pressing buttons to dodge a relentless barrage of punches and fireballs.. And that’s saying nothing of reversals and C-C-C-Combo Breakers!

As such, it’s no surprise that many of the most successful arcade games ever are fighting games. The genre was already hugely popular when the PS1 rolled around.

And the graphics prowess of the console let gamers enjoy some new and unforgettable fighting experiences at home.

The Table of Contents

The Best PS1 Fighting Games Ever Released – Let the Battles Begin!

1. A true Classic - PS1 Tekken 3 - Is our Top Choice

Tekken 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time, and for good reason. The game has new and exciting features. It includes a better combo system and lets players move in 3D.

This makes fights more dynamic and fast-paced. The game controls are flawless by any standards, which is rare for PS1 fighting games.

In addition to the innovative mechanics, the character roster in Tekken 3 is expansive and well-balanced, featuring a mix of returning favorites and new fighters that cater to various playstyles.

Every character comes with a distinct set of moves and abilities, enabling players to try different options and discover the fighter that best matches their skill level.

Namco not only elevated the graphics to new heights but also infused Tekken 3 with a bunch of innovative features, elevating the gameplay experience and setting a new standard for PS1 fighting games in the mid 90s.

There’s even a sidescrolling adventure and a volleyball minigame called “Tekken Ball.” Even today, Tekken 3 is often referred to as the perfect fighting game.

2. Street Fighter Alpha 3

Street Fighter Alpha 3 revitalized the beloved arcade fighting franchise with a fresh look and  explosive energy.  To those familiar with the series, this game looked and played like an absolute dream.

Street Fighter Alpha 3 featured a much deeper roster than its predecessors.

You’ll see all your favorites from the previous games like Ken, Ryu, Blanka, Guile, and Cammy.

Plus, the game introduces new fighters, Karin Kanzuki and Rainbow Mika.

The strong single-player options, especially the World Tour mode, and the precise multiplayer make this one of the best PS1 Street Fighter games.

3. Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of Super-Heroes

Marvel vs Capcom is one of the most colorful and coolest combat experiences from a one of the best ps1 fighting games. A standout feature is its tag-team mechanic, which allows players to switch between two characters mid-battle.

This strategic layer helps players make powerful combinations and use each character's strengths. This adds more depth to the combat system.

Also, it's always a good opportunity to revisit your favorite stars from Capcom's wide range of impressive fighters.

The game has a large selection of characters from both franchises. You will find popular superheroes and fighters, each with their own special moves and skills.

Players can choose from classic heroes like Spider-Man and Wolverine to beloved Capcom characters like Ryu and Chun-Li. You can create your perfect team and test your skills against many different opponents.

All the characters look great. Subtle animation details, like Gambit’s coat fluttering in the wind, make everything look polished. You will battle through famous places from the Marvel universe and use amazing combos to defeat your enemies.

4. Tekken 2

The Tekken series is well known for its pace and slick, close-quarters combat. Tekken 2 faithfully continues this trend.

Truly, it includes everything you would expect in a follow-up.

Namely, it:

• retains the core elements that made the original popular
• improved graphics
• adds loads of new levels, characters, moves, and combos

The graphics are fluid and detailed. And the controls are perfectly balanced so that even beginners can pick up and start busting some skulls.

This is the first Tekken game that has counter throws. This means players can stop their opponent's attacks and use a strong throw. Altogether, it’s neither too simple nor too complex—a very well-balanced video game.

Tekken 2 has a fun single-player mode with a good storyline. It explores the backgrounds and reasons behind each fighter's actions. This makes every match feel important, not just a competition.

The game also brought in more detailed stages with interactive parts. This adds a strategic element to the gameplay, making battles more exciting and unpredictable.

5. Mortal Kombat 4

Mortal Kombat 4 marks a noteworthy step into the future for the world’s goriest ps1 3d fighting games. That is, it’s the first time that Kombatants could chop heads and rip spines in glorious 3D.

Gone are the (nostalgic yet super-cheesy) sprites based on captures of real actors. Now, they are replaced with eye-popping (pun intended) 3D animations in dungeon-esque 3D environments.

In other words, the characters have a lot more freedom to unleash some truly insane violence on their opponents.

Also, this edition features Goro as a playable character. And playing as the four-armed villain is an absolute blast. Old favorites like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden return, armed with new moves and looking cooler than ever.

As is tradition for the series, Mortal Kombat 4 features some truly creative fatalities. You and your opponents will both laugh and wince at the absurd amount of violence unfolding onscreen.

6. King of Fighters 98

King of Fighters 98 is a hardcore fighting fan’s dream. It is held in high regard, rivaled only by Street Fighter II for depth and engaging combat.

The game has one of the deepest and most diverse rosters you will find in a PS1 fighting game.

There are characters designed specifically for each kind of player: zoning characters, brawlers, range attackers, etc.

Interestingly, King of Fighters 98 is a team-based fighting game. Players engage in 3 v 3 battles against each other or against a CPU team. When all three characters on the opposing team fall, you win.

It's particularly satisfying for gamers who enjoy technical combat and are ready to invest time in perfecting their skills. In other words, study and practice make all the difference in this game.

7. Gundam Battle Assault 2

Gundam Battle Assault 2 is one of the best games for the PS1 in the Gundam series. It lets players jump into the cockpits of their favorite mobile suits from the well-known franchise.

The game includes a variety of characters, such as Heero Yuy from Gundam Wing and Domon Kasshu from G Gundam.

Each character has their own special skills and fighting styles. Players can engage in exciting one-on-one battles.

What sets Gundam Battle Assault 2 apart is its intricate combat system, designed to maximize the versatility of each mobile suit. Players can use strong combos, special moves, and signature attacks that show the character's skills from the series.

The game mechanics allow for smooth movement and thoughtful gameplay. This helps players understand their suit's strengths and weaknesses while getting better at fighting.

If you are a long-time fan of Gundam or a newcomer seeking a fun fighting game, Gundam Battle Assault 2 offers an exciting fighting experience that still appeals to players today.

8. Dead or Alive

The original Dead or Alive by Temco is an impressively solid PS1 fighter with even better graphics. Unfortunately, most gamers remember it for the wrong reason—namely, jiggly boobs.

You see, the game’s marketing campaign focused almost entirely on barely-clothed anime hotties with big, bouncy breasts. This was sort of a double-edged sword.

Given the ads, many gamers assumed that DOA was a shallow, generic fighter with nothing to offer but sexy visuals. In reality, DOA features some very smart AI, great physics, and loads of awesome fighters with unique fighting styles.

Dead or Alive focuses on timing and strategy. Players can make strong counters that can quickly change the outcome of a fight. The game includes many fighters, each with different styles and moves. This variety helps players choose a character that fits their play style.

9. Bushido Blade II

As opposed to the Tobal series, Square created Bushido Blade as the world’s most realistic playstation 1 fighting game that features a duel to the death.

The characters wield swords, which can kill the opponent in one carefully-aimed hit. Players can change their character’s fighting style on the fly to access different sets of moves.

The key to survival is choosing the correct combination of fighting style, moves, and timing. In essence, it’s more like Rock Paper Scissors than a traditional fighting game.

Strangely, this sequel greatly simplifies the original, removing the option to parry and giving each character less moves. While many fans found this aggravating, some (including us) feel that less is more.

Simpler fights mean faster rounds and, thus, more rounds per hour. This means less time waiting for your turn if you have friends over for a retro gaming party.

10. Bloody Roar

Bloody Roar takes a very simple concept and executes it perfectly. Human fighters land their attacks to fill up their Beast Indicator meter. Once full, they go through werewolf-like transformations into their more powerful (and furry) alter egos.

This dynamic adds a strategic layer to gameplay, as players must manage their Beast Indicator meter to maximize their damage potential.

Transforming not only boosts attack strength but also lets characters use special moves that fit their beast form. Timing and resource management are key for success.

The game features quick action and fun mechanics. Players should come up with strategies as they learn the strengths and weaknesses of both their human and beast forms.

The Wrap Up

Not only are these some of the best old PlayStation fighting games in existence, but they’re also some of the best fighting games ever made. Furthermore, there are many other titles that deserve honorable mention: Soul Edge, Bloody Roar II, Rival Schools, Ehrgeiz and street fighter games.

Have some PS1 fighting games you’re ready to part with? Visit our PS1 trade-in page for an instant quote and quick cash. And hey — if we missed one of your favorite fighters, drop it in the comments! Let’s celebrate the greatest battles in PS1 history together.

Some Fun Facts – Did You Know…

• Tekken 3 is widely known as one of the best-selling games on the PS1. It sold more than 8 million copies around the world. This success helped it become a classic in the PS1 fighting game library.
  • Following the monumental success of Tekken 3, the franchise has continued to innovate with sequels like Tekken 4, 5, and 7. 

• Street Fighter Alpha 3 includes characters from different Street Fighter games. It features some characters who had not been in any game before, like Karin Kanzuki and Rainbow Mika. These two became popular among fans later in the series.
  • The franchise expanded with notable titles like Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter V, which brought the classic 2D fighting gameplay into the 3D realm. 

• The game Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes started from an earlier game called "X-Men vs. Street Fighter." This earlier game got people excited about combining characters from both Marvel and Capcom for bigger battles.  
  • After the success of Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, the franchise continued with notable entries like Marvel vs Capcom 2, which is often regarded as one of the best fighting games of all time.

• Mortal Kombat 4 was the first game in the series to have fully 3D fights. It also introduced some of the most creative and wild finishing moves, known as fatalities. One famous move is Scorpion's "Toasty!" Along with that, there were many combo-based finishing moves that became well-known.
  • The series has undergone significant transformations, most notably with Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat 11. 

• King of Fighters 98 is seen as one of the best games in the King of Fighters series. It is known for its fair gameplay and strong selection of characters. It has been re-released on multiple platforms, highlighting its lasting popularity.
  • The series has continued to thrive with annual releases, including King of Fighters XIV and King of Fighters XV, bringing new characters and mechanics while retaining the essence of team-based fighting gameplay.

• Gundam Battle Assault 2 offers players the chance to control many different mobile suits. Each suit has its own special abilities and way to play. This allows Gundam fans to have fun one-on-one battles with their favorite characters.

• Dead or Alive is known for its unique features. At first, people mostly talked about its marketing. However, the game also introduced a "counter system."
  
  • This system is important because it lets players block an attack and turn it into their own counterattack. This mechanic helps Dead or Alive stand out from other fighting games.

• Bushido Blade was one of the first fighting games to have realistic sword fighting. It focused on timing and movement instead of using health bars.
  • This made Bushido Blade stand out in a genre that usually emphasized quick and flashy action.

• The transformation system in Bloody Roar lets characters change into strong creatures. This "Beast" mechanic was unique for its time.
  • Bloody Roar changed how players approached the game, making it different from other traditional playstation fighting games.

• The Tekken series, particularly Tekken 3, is important in competitive gaming. It has appeared in many Evolution Championship Series (EVO) tournaments.
  • This has helped make fighting games a respected competitive sport.

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