Do you revel in dominating your adversaries in Mortal Kombat? Crushing bones and tearing foes apart, perhaps? Mortal Kombat is renowned for its visceral violence, and while few games match its level of gore and intensity, fear not. We present to you a selection of phenomenal fighting games that deliver a comparable experience. Some are blood-drenched, while others offer a slightly toned-down approach, yet each guarantees exhilarating gameplay. Explore our curated list of 15 top-notch games akin to Mortal Kombat:
Fighting Games in the Vein of Mortal Kombat
1. Killer Instinct
The latest iteration of the acclaimed Killer Instinct series, initially exclusive to Xbox One, is now available for Windows 10 PCs via Microsoft Store and Steam. Revered by many fighting game aficionados, some even hold it in higher regard than Street Fighter V due to its seamless, virtually lag-free multiplayer mode—an essential aspect in online fighting games. Boasting fluid gameplay, a diverse roster of fighters with distinct archetypes, and a beginner-friendly combo system, Killer Instinct is entirely free-to-play. Additional characters can be purchased using real currency, as can various seasons or complete bundles to unlock the entire character roster. With one of the most comprehensive tutorials in the genre, Killer Instinct is a must-play for those new to fighting games.
2. Tekken 7
Tekken 7, available across all consoles and on PC via Steam, stands out as one of the finest recent fighting games. Building on its predecessors, it introduces unique features to gameplay and boasts a diverse character roster exceeding 30 fighters. The game presents a revamped story mode, offering unique narratives for each character and detailing the events precipitating the infamous Mishima rivalry within the Tekken universe.
Tekken 7 introduces new guest characters from other fighting games, such as Akuma from Street Fighter and Geese Howard from King of Fighters/Fatal Fury. The gameplay is fluid and resembles previous iterations. Amid numerous traditional 2D fighters, Tekken stands out as a prominent 3D fighting game worldwide.
3. Injustice 2
Injustice 2, from the creators of Mortal Kombat, offers a familiar experience for fans of the latter. While not identical, its gameplay and graphics bear resemblance. Featuring DC superheroes and villains such as Superman, Batman, and Flash, among others, it’s a battle royale for the ages. Prepare to defend Earth and conquer opponents in thrilling 1-on-1 combat, utilizing special moves to emerge victorious. For comic enthusiasts and superhero aficionados, Injustice 2 is a must-play, extending its appeal to Mortal Kombat devotees.
4. Street Fighter V
Street Fighter, the progenitor of the fighting game genre, inspired even Mortal Kombat with its original Street Fighter II. Street Fighter V, the latest installment, reintroduces your beloved world warriors with refreshed visuals and style. Immerse yourself in hardcore street fighting, witnessing how this series has shaped the genre for decades. Street Fighter V introduces new mechanics and gameplay elements, enriching the overall experience. Instead of focusing on gore, it emphasizes fundamental gameplay that challenges your fighting skills. If you’re a true fighting game aficionado, give this game a try.
5. BlazBlue: Central Fiction
BlazBlue, a rapid and dynamic fighting game, prioritizes quick reflexes and intricate execution. This anime fighter offers a diverse roster featuring various character archetypes. Its combo system is unique, favoring a brisk fighting style. The hand-drawn characters enhance the visuals, rendering each animation exceptionally captivating. Conversely, the game’s music is exhilarating, injecting an adrenaline rush with its high-octane soundtrack. Challenge your fighting skills in multiplayer mode, competing against players worldwide.
6. Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator-
Another creation from the team behind BlazBlue, Guilty Gear shares the anime fighter style and fast-paced combat but distinguishes itself with an array of unique gameplay mechanics and gimmicks, setting it apart from the BlazBlue series. While they may appear similar at first glance, each game offers distinct gameplay experiences: Guilty Gear prioritizes fundamental skills on compact stages, whereas BlazBlue features expansive stages. Additionally, Guilty Gear’s 3D cell-animation graphics in Xrd contribute to its distinctive aesthetic, boasting larger sprites compared to BlazBlue. In terms of combat mechanics, Guilty Gear emphasizes shorter, high-damage combos, while BlazBlue showcases flashy 20-hit combos with gimmicky elements. For those seeking a solid gaming experience with stunning visuals, Guilty Gear stands as the ideal choice.
7. Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite
The latest installment in the Marvel Vs. Capcom series, Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite, continues the franchise’s tradition of high-energy combat that has captivated fans since its arcade debut. This iteration pits beloved Marvel superheroes like Iron Man, Spiderman, and Captain America against Capcom’s iconic fighters such as Ryu, Dante, and Megaman. Offering fast-paced gameplay, players assemble teams of two fighters to execute flashy combos and dominate their adversaries. While featuring a decent story mode, the true excitement lies in the multiplayer battles against opponents from across the globe.
8. Samurai Shodown V Special
Samurai Shodown V Special, a classic from the arcade days, remains one of the most balanced fighting games ever. If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan, you’ll love it for its similar gruesome finishing moves, allowing you to slice, dice, and dispatch opponents in various gory ways. With a range of unique skills and moves, players have plenty of options to defeat their foes. Its old-school graphics and captivating gameplay ensure an exhilarating experience. Samurai Shodown V Special is definitely worth trying.
9. SoulCalibur V
If you enjoy 3D fighting games like Tekken, Dead or Alive, and Virtua Fighter, then SoulCalibur V is a must-try. Boasting a wide array of characters and diverse game modes, it delivers an unparalleled fighting experience with visually stunning graphics. The game features a varied roster of characters, each with unique playstyles, and introduces several guest characters from different gaming franchises. Its balanced gameplay caters to both newcomers and seasoned veterans, allowing for swift mastery of mechanics and intense rivalries.
10. Primal Rage
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Naruto Shippuden, a 3D third-person fighting game, leans more towards a hack n slash brawler experience. It boasts unique features and mechanics, distinguishing it within the genre. Players navigate a vast arena, utilizing running, dodging, and jumping while executing distinctive attacks, special moves, and visually striking supers. Fans of the Naruto anime/manga will relish the opportunity to battle as beloved characters from the series, unleashing their superpowers in all their glory. With superb graphics and gameplay distinctiveness, it stands out among other fighting games.
12. KOF XIV
The latest installment in the beloved King of Fighters series. It popularized the 3v3 team fighting style and features fast-paced anime-styled gameplay, which is its true charm. King of Fighters XIV gathers favorite fighters along with new additions in a 3D format. While the graphics may not be highly appealing, the gameplay remains solid. It incorporates features from previous iterations and introduces unique mechanics for a fresh gaming experience. Form your team of fighters and compete in the King of Fighters tournament. Additionally, challenge players worldwide in online mode.
13. Dead or Alive 5
Dead or Alive 5 competes directly with the Tekken series, offering 3D graphics and combo-heavy gameplay. DoA 5 emphasizes utilizing the entire fighting arena and environment to your advantage. The game’s graphics are impressive, and the action is adrenaline-pumping, with each hit packing a heavy impact, providing a real and authentic feel. If you appreciate beautiful and sexy girls (who doesn’t?) and fast-paced fighting games, this is the perfect combination for you. Give DoA 5 a try and experience its unique fighting style.
14. Pocket Rumble
Inspired by Neo-Geo Pocket’s SNK Vs. Capcom games, Pocket Rumble offers a competitive 2-button fighting game. This game features retro pixelated graphics with a core focus on gameplay and fighting styles. It simplifies controls to only two buttons, eliminating complexity. A solid understanding of fighting game basics is key to gaining an advantage.
Multiplayer is the most enjoyable aspect, allowing epic matches against players worldwide with smooth online netcode, minimizing lag. If you seek a light, simple fighting game to learn, Pocket Rumble is ideal.
15. Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit
If you’re a fan of fighting games and DragonBall Z, you’ll love DragonBall Z Burst Limit. It’s among the best DragonBall Z fighting games, offering plenty of modes to keep you engaged. The gameplay and mechanics are unique, providing an exciting fighting experience. With a large roster of favorite characters from the show, a user-friendly control scheme, and easy-to-execute special moves, DBZ: BL stands out among the competition.
The Finest Fighting Games Similar to Mortal Kombat
While not all of the aforementioned games share similarities with Mortal Kombat, each offers a superb fighting experience. If you enjoyed Mortal Kombat, you’ll definitely appreciate these fantastic fighting games. If you believe there are other games akin to Mortal Kombat that we overlooked, feel free to mention them in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
