GAMING 101
5 Knockout Fighting Games
Punch. Kick. Win. It seems simple, but fighting games can be daunting, requiring lightning-fast reflexes and the mastery of complex special moves.
All fighters aren’t created equal, however. Whether you’re a rookie hoping to learn the ropes or a grizzled vet searching for the next great challenge, there’s a game with your name on it. Ready? Fight!
1. WWE Mayhem
Challenge level: Easy
WWE Mayhem takes pro wrestling to awesome extremes. Clotheslines, suplexes, and powerbombs shake up the arena, and simple controls make pulling off thunderous moves a breeze. Just tap and swipe to weaken rivals, then follow icons to activate moves like Asuka’s Empress Kicks or The Rock’s People’s Elbow.
Pro tip: Your energy meter fuels your special moves and lets you reverse your opponent’s finishers. Be sure to keep it filled!
2. The King of Fighters Arena
Challenge level: Medium
Choose champions from across the King of Fighters franchise and try to KO online opponents with a flurry of awesomely animated strikes. No need to memorize tricky combos: Each of the six fearsome attacks unleashed by beloved brawlers (Kyo Kusanagi! Leona Heidern!) is activated with a single tap.
Pro tip: The best offense is a good defense. Getting proficient with guards, rolls, and escapes is just as important as nailing whirlwind kicks and air juggles. They can’t beat what they can’t hit!
3. Injustice 2
Challenge level: Hard
Welcome to the big leagues! It takes quick reflexes to attack, block, and dodge this impressive roster of DC Comics heroes and villains. Every character’s got unique abilities; you’ll need to master these to come out on top.
Pro tip: Don’t be too proud to spam long-range attacks! Batarangs, laser beams, arrows, and good ol’ Green Lantern energy are great for chipping away an opponent’s health bar.
4. Skullgirls
Challenge level: Very Hard
Ready for a workout? Juggling attacks, chase-down combos—you’ll need every trick in the book to succeed in Skullgirls. Precision (and practice!) is key in this beautifully animated “dark deco” world of monster-girl warriors.
Pro tip: Characters like Cerebella excel at up-close action, while Peacock and Parasoul are better for traps and long-distance damage.
5. Dragon Ball Legends
Challenge level: Expert
A cinematic spectacle full of midair duels and over-the-top moves, Dragon Ball Legends channels the thrills of the legendary anime series. It takes time to learn the nuances of team building, counterattacking, and more, but these beautiful brawls are worth the extra effort.
Pro tip: Collect seven Dragon Balls during battle to unleash the Rising Rush, an epic combo that deals massive damage to your enemy—and, if their health bar is low enough, caps off with a stunning “Rising K.O.” finish.