15 Best SNES Fighting Games

Welcome, fellow gamers, to a thrilling journey down memory lane as we dive into the captivating world of SNES fighting games! If you're anything like us, you've definitely spent many hours huddling in front of the TV with a joystick in your hand, launching spectacular combos and finishing moves on your virtual adversaries. Oh, the memories!

Imagine engaging in a tense fight with your buddies as one of your favourite fighters, each with their own special moves and abilities. The SNES was a treasure trove of pixelated pugilism that brought fun and competition to living rooms all around the world, with titles like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat.

We'll delve into the development of the SNES fighting game genre and examine the components that contributed to these games' incredible appeal and longevity. It's not just about remembering the past, though; we'll also talk about how these games affected the gaming industry as a whole and how they helped create the genre of fighting games we now enjoy.

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15. World Heroes 2

Well, World Heroes 2—one of the best fighting games for the SNES! This title will undoubtedly catch your attention if you enjoy action-packed battles with a wide variety of interesting characters. Join us as we enter the World Heroes 2 pixelated universe, where warriors from several eras compete in a titanic contest of power and ability.

Imagine this: You put yourself in the roles of courageous combatants from various eras of history. The variety of characters in World Heroes 2 is astounding, ranging from powerful samurais to contemporary wrestlers, adding that pleasant confusion that keeps you hooked.

World Heroes 2 has stunning, in-depth graphics that perfectly depict each character and scene. The animation is remarkably fluent for its time, and the backgrounds are exquisitely designed. The audio in the game enhances the overall experience and further immerses you in the world of warfare by creating the tone for each epic battle.

14. Fighter’s History

Before appearing on the SNES, Data East's arcade game Fighter's History created a name for itself. The game's premise is straightforward but engrossing: choose your fighter from a large pool of opponents, then engage in combat to win.

Now, you might be wondering, How does it stack up against other SNES fighting games of its time?

Fighting in Fighter's History is fluid and quick thanks to the game's responsive gameplay. This game encourages accuracy and timing, in contrast to some fighters who largely rely on button mashing, giving an additional degree of strategy to the fights. The rewarding challenge of mastering the combinations and special moves keeps you coming back for more.

Every character has a different set of grabs, attacks, and combos, which makes every encounter feel like a brand-new puzzle to be solved. Fighter's History is a standout in the SNES fighting game collection because of a skillful balance between intricacy and usability.

13. Tuff E Nuff

The early 1990s saw the debut of Tuff E Nuff, also known as Death Dance in Japan, during the height of the SNES's popularity. This 2D fighting game by Jaleco may not have achieved the same degree of notoriety as some of its heavyweight competitors, but it undoubtedly packs a punch that is worth remembering.

A diverse roster of characters with distinctive combat styles and special moves are featured in the game. Tuff E Nuff offers a wide variety of fighters, all eager to let loose on the battlefield, from wrestlers to martial artists and everything in between.

Although it may not be the most well-known game, its appeal resides in surprising players with its captivating gameplay and unexpected turns. Think of a conflict as an unpredictable rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat and craving more.

12. WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game

Prepare yourself for extravagant, twist-filled fighting. The game adopts an exaggerated and almost cartoonish look in contrast to the realism of conventional wrestling games, making it distinctive in the fighting game genre.

You'll play as legendary wrestlers in this game, each with their own unique personalities and characteristic moves. The character roster is nothing short of spectacular, ranging from the explosive energy of Razor Ramon to the strong physical strength of The Undertaker.

With the use of digitised graphics, WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game truly stands out, bringing the wrestlers to life in breathtaking detail. The mannerisms and taunts of each character are authentically recreated, giving you the impression that you are watching a live WWF event on your SNES.

11. ClayFighter: Tournament Edition

One of the many gems in the immense treasure mine of SNES fighting games is ClayFighter: Tournament Edition. Please fasten your seatbelts as we travel into the hilariously bizarre and fascinating world of ClayFighter.

Imagine a humorous battlefield where claymation figures come to life and engage in hysterical, unpredictable conflict. The standard fighting game premise is combined with a dash of claymation magic in ClayFighter: Tournament Edition to produce a fun and unpredictable experience.

By turning warriors into lovable clay figures with distinctive personalities and moves, the creators took the idea of fighting games and twisted it on its head. Every combatant, from the eccentric Blob to the icy Yeti, feels like a special invention, giving every bout a welcome air of variety.

10. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Fighting Edition

Picture yourself in the role of the vibrant Power Rangers, engaging in traditional 1v1 combat with powerful adversaries. The beloved TV series was well encapsulated in this game, which Natsume and Bandai produced in 1995. It provided an action-packed adventure that had us captivated right away.

The graphics, which flawlessly mimic the look of the show, are what players notice immediately. They are colourful and detailed. Each Ranger has been expertly animated, and their distinctive attacks and manoeuvres are brought to life with breathtaking realism. You'll feel like a true martial arts expert as you execute the scorching fists of Red Ranger and the quick kicks of Yellow Ranger.

It really feels like you've stepped into the 90s cartoon series with a bang!

9. Power Instinct

Power Instinct is undoubtedly worth a shot if you're seeking for a distinctive and oddball fighting experience. Get ready to unleash your inner warrior because we've combed into the SNES gaming vaults to offer you an in-depth mini-review of Power Instinct!

With unexpected power-ups and stage hazards that can swiftly change the nature of fight, Power Instinct catches you off guard at every turn. When you think you have the advantage, your adversary could launch a deadly strike or call upon a strong friend to shift the tide. It's an emotional rollercoaster, and you'll keep going back for more to learn how to control the game's always shifting dynamics.

Power Instinct is charming in part thanks to the artwork and audio. Each character stands out thanks to the vivid colours and unique motions, which also bring the warriors to life. The game's absurdity is complemented by the music, which further immerses you in this delightfully odd world.

8. Samurai Shodown

A classic, Samurai Shodown was created by SNK and featured deft gameplay in a captivating feudal Japan backdrop. This game provided a 2D fighting experience unlike any other because of its large cast of talented swordsmen, each of whom had their own special fighting techniques and weaponry. We were pulled to the game as players because of the characters' realism and attention to detail, as well as because of their actions and the stunning scenery that transported us to a bygone age.

The fast-paced action of Samurai Shodown was one of its most fascinating features. Players were kept on the edge of their seats by the fast-paced fights and sudden builds in suspense.

The wide variety of warriors in the game introduced another level of complexity. Each character featured a unique personality and playstyle, ranging from the austere samurai Haohmaru to the quick and agile Nakoruru, guaranteeing that players could find their ideal match. Samurai Shodown's variety made it highly replayable and had us going back for more as we tried to perfect the special skills of each warrior.

7. Saturday Night Slam Masters

We're having a hard time classifying just how good Saturday Night Slam Masters is. Is it an SNES wrestling game or is it clearly a fighting game?

When Capcom created and released Saturday Night Slam Masters for the SNES in 1993, players looking for a novel take on the fighting game genre enthusiastically embraced it. This innovative game combined the fierce action of traditional wrestling with the quick-paced gameplay of arcade fighters to create the best of both worlds.

Take a moment to picture yourself in the role of a larger-than-life wrestler, complete with flashy character and jaw-dropping signature manoeuvres. There was something for everyone at Saturday Night Slam Masters, whether you preferred the raw power of the heavyweight division or the high-flying acrobatics of the lighter wrestlers.

6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighter

We absolutely loved how we were able to select from our favorite TMNT characters, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, the fearsome foursome, trading blows with their notorious arch-nemeses. It's like a pizza party turned into an all-out brawl! This subtopic immediately transports us back to the halcyon '90s, when action figures decorated every child's bedroom and heroes in half-shells controlled the TV screens.

Beyond the turtles, the game features a fascinating cast of characters, including legendary villains like Shredder, Krang, and even the vile and unpredictable Rat King. Every character has a unique fighting style, which keeps every match interesting and compelling. The game provides players of all ages a dynamic and entertaining experience, from quick ninja movements to hard-hitting combos.

The controls are easy to use and responsive, enabling players to use special strikes and showy movements with ease. Be wary of its friendly exterior; hidden beneath is a battle system with unexpected depth, ideal for those wanting a challenge. You'll be able to execute spectacular manoeuvres and outwit opponents like a true ninja master once you've mastered the game's principles.

5. Fatal Fury Special

Fatal Fury Special, you are introduced to a captivating roster of fighters, each with their distinct fighting styles and vibrant personalities. From the legendary Terry Bogard to the enigmatic Geese Howard, the diverse characters breathed life into the game, making it a joy to explore their backstories and uncover their motivations.

The gameplay itself was a blend of fast-paced action and strategic depth, offering players the chance to pull off dazzling combos and special moves. The controls were responsive, and the fluid animation added an extra layer of satisfaction to every punch and kick thrown. Whether you were a seasoned fighting game enthusiast or a casual player, Fatal Fury Special accommodated various skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

4. Weaponlord

Weaponlord might not be the first game that comes to mind when considering the wide variety of SNES fighting games, but we assure you that it is a serious contender for your attention. That's where Weaponlord really excels: in a game that combines bloody fighting, lethal weapons, and tactical gameplay.

You'll run into a diverse array of individuals that each expertly and artistically handle their lethal weapons in this dark and fascinating realm. The warriors in Weaponlord are not to be trifled with, whether they wield ferocious battle axes or intimidating swords.

What distinguishes Weaponlord from the competition are its mechanics. This game introduces a system where parrying, counterattacks, and weapon-breaking strategies become crucial to securing victory, unlike many other fighting games of its time. Here, there is more going on than just aimlessly pushing buttons; there is a planned dance including skill and swordplay.

3. Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct blew our minds when it first hit the arcades. It was like seeing the same sprites that made Donkey Kong Country so popular but brought you an amazing fighting game in the process.

Fighting game pioneer Killer Instinct, created by Rare and launched in 1994, pushed the limits of what the SNES was capable of. The terms "super combos" and "combo breakers" were then common terms among gamers.

The epic combo system in Killer Instinct allowed players to string together stomach-churning combos while juggling enemies in the air like a master performer. The game's frantic gameplay, which kept players on their toes as they attempted to outmanoeuvre and outsmart their opponents, was indicative of its amazing qualities. The stakes were high in every fight, and winning always felt good.

2. Street Fighter II Turbo

If you're a gaming enthusiast, chances are you've heard of Street Fighter II Turbo – a legendary gem in the fighting game genre. Released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), this game took the gaming world by storm and became a staple in every gamer's collection.

Picture this: you, the player, assume the role of one of the world's most skilled martial artists, ready to face off against an array of formidable opponents from all corners of the globe. Each character boasts their own unique fighting style and special moves, making every battle an exhilarating test of your combat prowess.

Street Fighter II Turbo captured our hearts with its captivating gameplay, smooth controls, and impressive graphics (for its time, of course).

1. Mortal Kombat II

The gameplay in Mortal Kombat II is anything from easy. The game offers a wide range of methods to experiment with thanks to its roster of diverse and unique fighters, each equipped with their own set of attacks, combos, and fatalities. Every game is an exciting challenge for us as players as we consider the best strategies to overcome our opponents.

Mortal Kombat II stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. The game's aesthetics are a monument to the artistic genius of the creators, from the detailed character designs to the breathtaking surroundings. An intensely immersive experience is created by how distinctive each fighter feels, both in terms of appearance and fighting style.

Players that participate in the legendary Mortal Kombat tournament are sucked into a gripping plot that keeps them interested in the outcome of the characters they control.

The finishers in Mortal Kombat II were extremely epic. Even though the SNES version was highly censored in the mainstream market.

We loved using the epic finishing moves to our advantage against our friends in a 1v1 match!