If you’re an avid Street Fighter fan and yearning for a similar gaming experience, this article will lead you on an exciting journey through nine other beat-em-up games. All these games share the same engaging gameplay mechanics and competitive spirit as Street Fighter. Yet, each hails with its own distinctive charm, aesthetic, and narrative, making them a worthwhile venture for any fighting game enthusiast.
You may find your next favorite amongst these alternatives, beautifully crafted and brimming with the same allure that makes Street Fighter an iconic game. Get ready to immerse yourself in various thrilling brawlers, each echoing the captivating magic Street Fighter unfolds.
Introduction
Street Fighter is a household name in the world of fighting games. Launched by Capcom in 1987, this franchise has become a beloved staple, featuring characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Ken and mechanics that set standards for the genre. But once you’ve mastered Hadoukens and Shoryukens, where do you go next?
Here are 8 games similar to Street Fighter that will provide a fresh challenge while offering familiar fighting game dynamics.
1. Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors
Release date and platform availability
Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors was first released in 1994 by Capcom. This franchise for fans of the supernatural was initially made for the arcade but later found its way to PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
It’s a 2D fighting game that features a variety of mythical creatures as its playable characters, each with unique moves and abilities.
Similarities to Street Fighter
The game shares similar controls and mechanics with Street Fighter and was the first to introduce features such as airdashes chain combos, and EX moves.
2. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Release date and platform availability
This epic crossover fighting game was initially released in arcades in 2000 and subsequently on Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 and 3, Xbox, and Xbox 360.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
It’s a 2D fighting game where players choose three characters from a roster of Marvel and Capcom characters to create their teams.
Similarities to Street Fighter
It shares Street Fighter’s classic 2D fighting style while referencing several characters and moves in the roster.
3. Granblue Fantasy Versus
Release date and platform availability
This spin-off of the popular mobile game series was released in 2020, available on platforms like PlayStation 4 and Windows.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
It’s a beautiful and accessible 2D fighting game with inputs simplified for beginners.
Similarities to Street Fighter
Although visually different, the game has mechanics akin to Street Fighter, making the transition easier for fans wanting to try something new.
4. Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
Release date and platform availability
This is the third installment of the Street Fighter III series, released in 1999 and available on platforms like Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, 3, and Xbox.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
Just like the original, it’s a 2D fighting game but with a strong focus on its defining Parry System.
Similarities to Street Fighter
As part of the franchise, it shares the same modes and mechanics.
5. Samurai Shodown 5 Special
Release date and platform availability
SNK released this installment of the “Samurai Shodown” series in 2004, and it is now available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
Samurai Shodown 5 Special is a weapon-based 2D fighter focusing on character mechanics.
Similarities to Street Fighter
It shares the concept of unique combat designs for individual characters, much like Street Fighter, and also pays strong attention to spacing and strategic gameplay.
6. Tekken 7
Release date and platform availability
Initially launched in arcades, Tekken 7 was released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
Unlike Street Fighter’s 2D design, Tekken 7 is a 3D fighting game emphasizing combos and complex character moves.
Similarities to Street Fighter
Although gameplay differs, Tekken is similar in its focus on character-specific move sets and precision timing.
7. The King of Fighters 15
Release date and platform availability
Scheduled to be released in 2022, this eagerly anticipated game will be available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
Continuing the series’ tradition, it’ll be a 3v3 team-based fighter with a diverse roster of characters.
Similarities to Street Fighter
Both franchises emphasized quick reflexes, mastering character move sets, and timing.
8. Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Release date and platform availability
This indie fighting game was first made accessible in 2018 and is available on Microsoft Windows and macOS.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
It’s a 2D fighting game featuring an adorable cast of anthropomorphic characters with unique abilities.
Similarities to Street Fighter
The game has an emphasis on timing and combining moves, which is a common element in Street Fighter games.
9. Guilty Gear Strive
Release date and platform availability
Released in 2021, Guilty Gear Strive is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Microsoft Windows.
Game genre and gameplay mechanics
It’s a 2D fighter game known for its high speed, hard-hitting action, and loaded with unique mechanics.
Similarities to Street Fighter
Features like pokes, sweeps, and uppercut moves in fighting sequences are staples in Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter.
