Fighting Video Games

A fighting game is, well, a game where the player fights. More common games such as Soul Calibur, Street Fighter, and Tekken have one-on-one battles against human or computer controlled opponents. Fighting games are traditionally 2D games with a side view. As technology progressed, fighting games made the move to 3D but kept many of their root play control mechanisms.

Fighting Game Sub-Genres

Fighting video games aren't as diverse as other genres. There are only two well-established sub-genres with one barely distinguishing itself from the pack. The diversity in fighting games doesn't come from game style, it comes from character choices, special moves, fighting mechanics and other unique in-game innovations.

The three sub-genres of fighting games are:

• Beat-em-Ups
• Versus Fighting Games
• Brawlers

Versus Fighting Games

Versus fighting games are often synonymous with the entire genre of fighting games. Versus games feature a small arena with two to four computer or human controlled characters. The arena may be 3D, 2D or a hybrid perspective of both. Players use special moves or standard punches/kicks to take their opponent's life down to zero. The winner of two out of three matches is the victor. Games such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Primal Rage and many more are members of this well-populated sub-genre.

Beat-em-Ups

Beat-em-ups take the versus fighting formula on the road. These games have a rudimentary story usually involving rescuing a captured friend or family member. Players are then placed in the environment with a host of enemies coming from all directions. Beat-em-ups usually have a 3/4 view showing a background with a diagonal field the characters can traverse. Using acrobatic fighting moves in the side-scrolling environment, players work their way to the final confrontation. The Double Dragon and Final Fight series of games are prime examples of a beat-em-up.

Brawlers

The rarest of fighting games, brawlers often find themselves lumped in the above two sub-genres. These games are usually designed for a number of people to play at once -- anywhere from 2 to 8 players. Games such as Smash Bros. are fine examples of this genre. The playing field is generally flat with a limited arena. Power-ups and other items appear during play to help in the Multiplayer battles. What distinguishes brawlers from other fighting games is the emphasis on Multiplayer battles with loads of characters.