It’s been seven years since we’ve seen a new Street Fighter release. The long-awaited sixth installment will be available to buy worldwide on June 2, 2023. Gamers can expect three game modes: World Tour, Fighting Ground, and Battle Hub, as well as an evolved fighting system that includes classic, modern, and dynamic modes. In addition, players can choose to play both familiar favorites and new recruits, and a total of 18 diverse fighters.
If you’re excited about the latest release but need something to do in the meantime, we have seven excellent fighting game suggestions for you. While you could spend your time playing through previous Street Fighter games, we’re going to look at seven fighting games to play from other franchises while you wait for Street Fighter 6. We’ll also take a look at what inspired the original Street Fighter game, as well as touch on the movies and TV shows as a way to pass the time. Without further ado, here is a look at seven fighting games to play while you wait for Street Fighter 6.
- New game modes, including Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub
- Choose one of 18 playable characters, including both new and legendary World Warriors
- Features Real-Time Commentary in 13 languages, just like a real match
- Core gameplay enhanced by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine
- Classic controls plus two new options, Modern and Dynamic controls for greater accessibility for players of all skill levels
Soulcalibur VI
The 2018 release of Soulcalibur VI saw an upgrade to the battle system as well as some of the best graphics ever to be seen in a fighting game. This fighting game is the perfect fusion of offense and defense. Implement SoulCalibur VI’s Soul Charge and overcome some of the most arduous Soulcalibur combat by learning your opponent’s weakness to dish out powerful fighting moves.
In addition, you can go on the defensive with Reversal Edge, which allows you to block assaults and unleash powerful counterattacks. Players can use their own uniquely created player to play single-player or online with friends. The all-new gameplay mechanics lineup will prepare you for Street Fighter 6.
- Perfect fusion of offense and defense
- Characters, maps, and stages rendered in Unreal Engine
- Reversal Edge allows you to block assaults and unleash powerful counterattacks
- Use your own uniquely created player in single-player or multiplayer online
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was also released in 2018. Fans of cross-overs and other fighting games and IPs will enjoy choosing from more than 80 playable characters. You’ll be able to find your favorite faces from such franchises as Pokemon, Metroid, and Mario. Also, Street Fighter’s fan favorite, Ken Masters, makes an appearance. In addition, players can unlock Ken’s best rival, Ryu, by beating Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in different modes. Up to eight players can take on the fight, even using the interactive environment to get on elevated platforms.
- One of the quintessential Nintendo games
- Use campaign mode and unlock various levels
- Great multiplayer options
- Can play locally or online
- More than 80 playable characters
Tekken 7
Many gamers consider Tekken a fighting game whose franchise is most like the Street Fighter franchise. Tekken 7 was released in 2017, but the franchise overall has a battle system similar to that of Street Fighter. For example, both games use a combo system, allowing players to string together powerful attack combos. In addition, both games use a combo attack with light, medium, and heavy attack buttons. These buttons enable combining punches and kicks for devastating blows.
Tekken is a 3D fighting game, while Street Fighter is traditionally a 2D fighting game. However, the two offer similar difficulty levels. Tekken 7 may be a tad harder for some players, but it will get you in shape for some new Street Fighter.
- Over 30 playable characters
- Cinematic style action
- Powered by Unreal Engine 4
- Final Chapter of the Mishima Blood Saga
- Take on Street Fighter cross-over character Akuma
Virtua Fighter 2
One of the oldest games on the list, Virtua Fighter 2, was released way back in November of 1994. Although Virtua Fighter 2 was similar to Virtua Fighter Remix, players could now adjust the fighting area and battle in super-small arenas. Or what was considered rather large fighting arenas at the time.
According to the SEGA Wiki, It has been argued that Virtua Fighter 2 did to 3D fighting games what Street Fighter II did to 2D fighting games. Whether playing the arcade version, or the SEGA Dreamcast, Virtua Fighter 2 was often touted to contain revolutionary graphics.
- Released November of 1994
- 3D fighting game
- Adjust the fighting area and battle in different-sized arenas
- Boasted revolutionary graphics
Guilty Gear Strive
The seventh installment of the Guilty Gear series was released in 2021 as a 2D fighter than has an anime feel. The game is touted as easy enough for new players but enriched and challenging enough for veterans of both the series and fighting games in general. The game’s director, Akira Katano, mentions that the intention wasn’t to make Strive easier than previous Guilty Gear titles but rather to make it more approachable with a faster learning curve.
Guilty Gear Strive was a bit of a welcome reconstruction of the Guilty Gear franchise, but it still holds some of the previous core feels of the series. Strive revamps a lot of the franchise’s mechanics but also introduces some new features. One unique feature is the Wall Break, which allows players to transfer stages when a particular combo is performed in the corner of the fighting arena. If you’re a Guilty Gear fan or totally new to the franchise, Strive is the perfect option to get in shape for Street Fighter 6.
- 2D fighter that has an anime feel
- Brand new characters
- New and improved battle mechanics
- Dramatic soundtrack composed by Daisuke Ishiwatari
- More accessible with a faster learning curve than previous entries
Mortal Kombat 11
While most Mortal Kombat games are known for their erm, Brutality, the 2019 release of Mortal Kombat 11 takes fighting to a new level as Mortal Kombat 11 has 300 different Brutalities, which are long fighting combos. Players can rack up Brutalities by executing such fighting techniques as decapitation and turning their opponents into skeletons. So if you’re craving some bloody and brutal gameplay, this title will scratch that itch.
- Features 300 different Brutalities
- New Custom Character Variations allows you to customize your fighters
- Brand new graphics engine
- Play as new and returning fighters
- Cinematic story mode
The King of Fighters XV
Released on February 14, 2022, The King of Fighters 15 was developed by Takashi Nishiyama, who some fans may recognize as the creator and lead developer of the original Street Fighter. However, the fighting in King of Fighters 15 tends to be much harder for most people when compared with Street Fighter 5. Street Fighter fans may also recognize some of King of Fighters characters, including familiar faces and a few new recruits.
- Improved graphics, systems, and online experiences
- 39 classic and new playable characters
- Story Mode continues from the previous title
- Includes a DJ Station with over 300 songs from the KOF series
- Developed by Takashi Nishiyama, creator and lead developer of the original Street Fighter
What Inspired Street Fighter?
Street Fighter was born in an era of declining video game sales and interest. So Takashi Nishiyama wanted to create something different from shooters and driving games. Therefore, taking inspiration from Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Capcom released their first Street Fighter. It’s also said that Street Fighter was also partly inspired by the video game Kung-Fu Master, aka Spartan X.
Despite being a hard time for video games, The initial Street Fighter was successful. So successful that multiple sequels, crossovers, and spinoffs exist and deepen the franchise’s world. With so many other franchises trying to scramble and do what Street Fighter has done for gaming, it’s safe to say that the influence of Street Fighter will be seen in generations to come.
What About the Street Fighter Movies and TV Series?
Another great way to get prepped for Street Fighter 6 is to get lost in the TV show. Or you can check out one of the eight movies revolving around the popular franchise. The TV series consists of two seasons and 26 episodes. It’s based loosely on Street Fighter 2 but also borrows from the live-action Street Fighter film. In addition, several popular franchise favorites appear in the TV series, including Colonel William F. Guile and Chun-Li Xiang.
As for the movies, the live-action Street Fighter, released in 1994, had a great reception despite its campiness and wild effects. In addition, it did gross well over the cost of filming. Since its release, it’s had seven predecessors, the last one released in 2014 called Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist. This movie was initially released as a web series but was redone for the big screen.
Here’s a list of all 8 Street Fighter movies that exist today:
- Street Fighter (1994)
- Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)
- Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie (2000)
- Street Fighter Alpha: Generations (2005)
- Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)
- Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind (2009)
- Super Street Fighter IV Original Video Animation (2010)
- Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist (2014)
Waiting for Street Fighter 6
What games will you be playing while you wait for the release of Street Fighter 6? Will you play through the Street Fighter previous titles or choose to play similar games instead? Or, will you binge-watch the movies or TV shows?
- Street Fighter 6 Deluxe Edition - PS5
- New game modes, including Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub
- Choose one of 18 playable characters, including both new and legendary World Warriors
- Features Real-Time Commentary in 13 languages, just like a real match
- Core gameplay enhanced by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine
- Classic controls plus two new options, Modern and Dynamic controls for greater accessibility for players of all skill levels
- SOULCALIBUR VI: Standard Edition – PlayStation 4
- Perfect fusion of offense and defense
- Characters, maps, and stages rendered in Unreal Engine
- Reversal Edge allows you to block assaults and unleash powerful counterattacks
- Use your own uniquely created player in single-player or multiplayer online
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- One of the quintessential Nintendo games
- Use campaign mode and unlock various levels
- Great multiplayer options
- Can play locally or online
- More than 80 playable characters
- Tekken 7 PS4 - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition
- Over 30 playable characters
- Cinematic style action
- Powered by Unreal Engine 4
- Final Chapter of the Mishima Blood Saga
- Take on Street Fighter cross-over character Akuma
- Virtua Fighter 2 - PC
- Released November of 1994
- 3D fighting game
- Adjust the fighting area and battle in different-sized arenas
- Boasted revolutionary graphics
- Guilty Gear Strive (PS5)
- 2D fighter that has an anime feel
- Brand new characters
- New and improved battle mechanics
- Dramatic soundtrack composed by Daisuke Ishiwatari
- More accessible with a faster learning curve than previous entries
- Mortal Kombat 11 (PS4)
- Features 300 different Brutalities
- New Custom Character Variations allows you to customize your fighters
- Brand new graphics engine
- Play as new and returning fighters
- Cinematic story mode
- The King of Fighters XV - PlayStation 5
- Improved graphics, systems, and online experiences
- 39 classic and new playable characters
- Story Mode continues from the previous title
- Includes a DJ Station with over 300 songs from the KOF series
- Developed by Takashi Nishiyama, creator and lead developer of the original Street Fighter
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