The world of fighting games has always been a battleground where combatants clash in intense duels, showcasing unique fighting styles and special moves. Among the giants in this arena, Mortal Kombat has stood out for its over-the-top violence, memorable characters, and diverse combat systems. If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan and a fighting game community member, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll take you through remarkable games with the same pulse-pounding intensity and gameplay as Mortal Kombat. 

While Mortal Kombat remains an iconic fighter series, a whole universe of other fighting games is waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned combatant or a newcomer eager to hone your skills, these games offer a range of experiences to satisfy your craving for fast-paced battles and mind-bending combos. 

From Street Fighter to Guilty Gear Strive, we’ll dive deep into the diverse roster of games like Mortal Kombat. We will discuss their unique mechanics, memorable characters, and the thrill of facing off against opponents in battle supremacy. So, without further ado, let’s step into the arena and discover the world of fighting games that will keep you engaged for hours. 

• Release Date: November 22, 2013

• Publisher: Microsoft Studios

• Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy Studios

• Platforms: Xbox One, PC 

One game that immediately comes to mind when discussing games like Mortal Kombat is “Killer Instinct.” This reboot of the classic fighting game series burst onto the scene in 2013, bringing a fresh take on the genre. With its fast-paced gameplay, diverse roster of fighters, and brutal combat style, Killer Instinct was a welcome addition to the fighting game community. 

Killer Instinct introduces you to a unique combo system, allowing impressive and fluid combos that can devastate opponents. Each character in the game possesses a distinct fighting style, making for a diverse and engaging roster of combatants. The game also features a story mode that delves into the backgrounds and motivations of its characters, adding depth to the experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Killer Instinct has a free-to-play version, allowing players to jump into the action without any initial cost.

For Mortal Kombat fans looking to expand their horizons, Killer Instinct offers a fresh and exhilarating experience in the fighting game genre. Its intense battles, unique mechanics, and diverse characters make it a fantastic alternative that captures the essence of the Mortal Kombat franchise while adding its distinctive flair. 

Killer Instinct is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: June 25, 2019

• Publisher: SNK Corporation

• Developer: SNK Corporation

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Samurai Shodown is a revival of the classic fighting game series that debuted in the early 90’s. Known for its unique combat mechanics and focus on weapon-based combat, Samurai Shodown offers a distinct experience in the fighting game genre, making it a compelling choice for those seeking games like Mortal Kombat.

The best thing about this game is its emphasis on precise and calculated strikes. Unlike the fast-paced button mashing of some fighting games, Samurai Shodown encourages players to strategize and time their movements and attacks carefully. Each character wields a deadly weapon, and landing a well-timed blow can have a massive impact on the match. 

The game also boasts diverse characters with unique fighting styles and special moves. The game system is built around the concept of “Rage,” which, when activated, increases the power of your attacks but also leaves you vulnerable. This mechanic adds an extra layer of depth and strategy to battles. 

For Mortal Kombat fans who appreciate the intricacies of combat and the thrill of weapon-based clashes, Samurai Shodown provides a rewarding and challenging experience. Its distinctive combat system, memorable characters, and strategic gameplay make it a worthy addition to any fighting game enthusiast collection.

• Release Date: February 17, 2022

• Publisher: SNK Corporation

• Developer: SNK Corporation

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC 

King of Fighters XV continues the legacy of one of the world's most renowned fighting game franchises. Its diverse characters, deep combat mechanics, and intense battles make it a formidable contender in games like Mortal Kombat.

One of the defining features of KOF XV for me is its commitment to providing a diverse roster of characters. With a mix of returning favorites and new additions, it boasts a wide array of fighters, each with unique abilities and fighting styles. This diversity allows players to find a character that suits their preferred combat approach, whether fast and agile or heavy-hitting and brutal. 

The game’s combat system is built on intricate mechanics that reward skill and practice. Combos and special moves play a crucial role in achieving victory. KOF XV encourages you to master your chosen characters and explore the depths of its combat system to unleash devastating combos and special attacks. 

For fans of Mortal Kombat looking for a fresh fighting game experience, King of Fighters XV delivers with its diverse characters, complex combat mechanics, and engaging single-player content. It’s a worthy addition to the fighting game genre that will keep players returning for more intense battles. 

KOF XV is available on RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: April 10, 2012

• Publisher: Autumn Games, Marvelous

• Developer: Lab Zero Games, Hidden Variable

• Platforms: PlayStation 3, 4, Xbox 360, 

• One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile, PS Vita

Skullgirls is a unique and visually stunning entry in the fighting game genre. Released in 2012, it gained recognition for its hand-drawn 2D art style and intricate gameplay, making it a notable choice for those seeking games like Mortal Kombat.

My favorite feature of Skullgirls is its art direction. The game boats beautifully detailed and animated characters, environments, and special moves. This attention to visual detail creates a captivating and immersive experience, setting it apart from other fighters in the genre. 

In terms of gameplay, Skullgirls offers fast-paced and combo-focused battles. You can assemble teams of characters with unique fighting styles and special abilities. The game’s “Infinite Prevention System” ensures that matches remain balanced and competitive, preventing excessively long combos and maintaining a dynamic flow to the fights. 

For fans of Mortal Kombat who appreciate stunning visuals, intricate combat systems, and a touch of narrative depth. Skullgirls offers a refreshing take on the fighting game genre. Its unique art style and engaging gameplay make it a must-try for fighting game enthusiasts. 

Skullgirls is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: June 11, 2021

• Publisher: Arc System Works

• Developer: Arc System Works

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Guilty Gear Strive is a high-octane and visually stunning fighting game that has quickly become a favorite among fans. With its unique fighting mechanics, memorable characters, and spectacular battles, it’s a game that stands out in the world of fighting games.

One of my favorite features of Guilty Gear Strive is its breathtaking visuals. The game features 3D characters in anime style that look like hand-drawn 2D character sprites, creating a visually striking and dynamic experience. Every character is meticulously designed, and the special attacks and animations are spectacular. 

In terms of gameplay, Guilty Gear Strive offers a balanced mix of accessibility for newcomers and depth for experienced players. The game introduces a simplified control scheme that allows beginners to jump in and enjoy the action while retaining complex mechanics for those seeking a deeper mastery level. 

The combat system in Guilty Gear Strive is fast-paced and rewards strategic thinking (or the lack of it). Each character has unique abilities and special moves, and mastering the mechanics is essential for success. The game also includes a robust training mode, making it ideal for players looking to hone their skills and learn its intricacies. 

For Mortal Kombat fans looking to expand their horizons, Guilty Gear Strive offers a visually stunning and mechanically rich alternative. Its unique art style, accessible yet deep gameplay, and engaging single-player content make it a standout title in the fighting game genre. 

Guilty Gear Strive is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: March 1, 2019

• Publisher: Koei Tecmo

• Developer: Team Ninja

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Dead or Alive 6 is a part of the long-running Dead or Alive series, known for its fast-paced gameplay, unique combat system, and distinctive focus on the interplay between fighters. If you’re a fan of most fighting games, this title offers a fresh and engaging experience.

For me, the defining feature of Dead or Alive 6 is its fluid and dynamic combat system. It emphasizes using strikes, holds, and throws, creating a rock-paper-scissors-like gameplay mechanic where each move counters another. This system adds a layer of strategy to fights, encouraging players to read their opponents and react accordingly.

Character designs and animations in Dead or Alive 6 are top-notch, with each fighter boasting their unique fighting style and personality. The game’s interactive stages add an extra dimension to battles, allowing players to use their environment to their advantage or disadvantage.

For Mortal Kombat enthusiasts looking for a different flavor of fighting game, Dead or Alive 6 offers a fresh take on the genre. Its emphasis on strikes and holds, engaging story mode, and 3D movement gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to the library of any fighting game fan. 

DoA 6 is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: November 15, 2011

• Publisher: Capcom

• Developer: Capcom

• Platforms: PlayStation 3, 4, Vita, Xbox 360, One, PC 

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a crossover fighting game that combines iconic characters from Marvel and Capcom’s extensive universes. This title offers a unique blend of fast-paced gameplay, memorable characters, and over-the-top battles, making it a fantastic choice for fans of the greatest fighting games.

What I love the most about Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is its roster of characters. You can assemble a team of three fighters, mixing and matching from a selection of superheroes and video game icons. The diverse cast ensures you’ll find characters matching your preferred fighting style, whether closed-quarters brawling or ranged attacks.

The gameplay in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is lightning-fast, emphasizing combos and special attacks. The game’s tag-team system allows seamless switching between characters during battles, opening up a world of visually spectacular combo possibilities with screen-filling special moves and attacks that capture the essence of the characters.

Additionally, the game offers a variety of modes, including a story mode, arcade mode, and online multiplayer, ensuring plenty of content to keep players engaged. The online play allows you to challenge players but can’t have proper fights since the game has no rollback netcode.

For Mortal Kombat fans looking to explore a different dimension of the fighting game genre, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 provides an exhilarating and visually stunning alternative. Its diverse character roster, fast-paced combat, and crossover appeal make it a must-play for those who appreciate over-the-top battles and memorable characters. 

UMvC3 is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: May 11, 2017

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

• Developer: NetherRealm Studios

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Injustice 2 takes the fighting game genre to a new level by blending iconic DC comics universe characters with fast-paced gameplay and a gripping narrative. This game offers many game modes, a diverse cast of DC characters and some from Mortal Kombat, like Sub-Zero and Raiden, and a battle system that will keep you engaged for hours. 

My favorite feature of Injustice 2 is its engaging story mode, which continues the narrative established in the previous game, “Injustice: Gods Among Us.” This story-driven experience immerses players in an epic tale of heroes and villains, set in a world where the DC universe is doomed, and the heroes are pitted against each other. The game’s great mechanics shine as you control these superheroes and supervillains, engaging in epic battles that feel like an ultimate showdown. 

The game offers a variety of modes to cater to casual players and other players who are more competitive. Whether you’re one of the new players or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find something that suits your style. From the multi-tiered stages that add depth to the battles to the mind games you can set against your opponent, Injustice 2 offers an impressive combo of engaging gameplay and rewarding experiences. 

Injustice 2 is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: December 7, 2018

• Publisher: Nintendo

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd. 

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Smash Ultimate is a game that needs no introduction, as it’s one of the most iconic and beloved titles in the world of gaming. With an expansive roster of iconic fighters from various franchises, this game offers the ultimate crossover experience for fans of all characters featured in the Super Smash Bros. series, making it a standout entry in the fighting game genre. 

My favorite feature of Super Smash Bros Ultimate is its all-encompassing character roster. The game brings together fighters from many franchises, including Mario, Link, Samus, and even characters from third-party games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Kazuya Mishima, Ryu, and Solid Snake. This diverse cast allows players to battle with their favorite characters from different worlds, creating a crossover experience. 

All the characters come with a unique set of moves and special attacks, and the states themselves can be interactive and multi-tiered, adding an extra layer of excitement to matches. Whether playing locally with friends or engaging in online matches, the game’s iconic fighters and impressive combos make for a rewarding and entertaining experience.

• Release Date: January 26, 2018

• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

• Developer: Arc System Works

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fighting game that perfectly captures the exhilarating battles and iconic characters from the beloved Dragon Ball series. This game combines fast-paced gameplay, stunning visuals, and a deep understanding of the Dragon Ball universe, making it a fantastic choice for fans of fighting games with fun game mechanics.

For me, the best feature of Dragon Ball FighterZ is its faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball aesthetic. The game’s visuals are spectacular, with character models, special attacks, and environments faithful to the source material. This level of detail and fidelity creates an immersive experience that allows players to feel like they’re part of the Dragon Ball world. 

The gameplay in Dragon Ball FighterZ is fast and frenetic, featuring intense battles that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking. Players can assemble teams of three fighters from the extensive roster of Dragon Ball characters. Each fighter has unique abilities and moves, which can be combined to unleash devastating combos and special attacks. The game also introduces “Z-Assists,” allowing for even more depth and mind games during battles. 

Dragon Ball FighterZ is available at RoyalCDKeys!

• Release Date: June 1, 2021

• Publisher: SEGA

• Developer: SEGA

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is a classic fighting game that received a modern makeover, bringing back the beloved Virtua Fighter series with updated graphics and gameplay. This title offers a unique blend of realistic fighting mechanics and iconic characters, making it a compelling choice for fans of 3D fighting games. 

I’m a big fan of its emphasis on realistic combat mechanics. Virtua Fighter prioritizes precise and methodical fighting techniques, unlike other fighting games with flashy special moves. It’s a game where timing, strategy, and mastering the fundamentals are extremely important. 

The game features diverse fighters with unique fighting styles and abilities. This variety allows players to explore different combat approaches, whether they prefer fast and agile martial artists or heavy-hitting wrestlers. Virtua Fighter’s gameplay mechanics are accessible for newcomers but offer depth for those who want to invest time in mastering the game's intricacies. 

• Release Date: June 2, 2023 

• Publisher: Capcom

• Developer: Capcom

• Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, 5, PC

Street Fighter 6 represents a triumphant return to form for the franchise after the disappointment of its predecessor. Unlike Street Fighter V, this great game arrives with a bang, boasting a substantial roster of 18 characters, a visually striking new art style, and an innovative online Battle Hub that outshines its competitors. For fans of Mortal Kombat and other fighting games, Street Fighter 6 is a feature-packed and exhilarating experience title that leaves a lasting impact. 

Introducing the Drive System brings a new layer of strategy to battles, with each character with unique abilities tied to their Drive Gauge; the management of it adds depth, as entering a Burnout state opens up intriguing mind games. Drive Impact, a move with super armor, proves pivotal, demanding respect and strategic finesse, making it a pivotal aspect of battles.

With a diverse character roster that combines familiar faces and exciting newcomers, Street Fighter 6 caters to various playstyles. Returning characters receive fresh tweaks and additions to their move sets, breathing new life into their gameplay. Newcomers like Kimberly and Jamie introduce unique fighting styles and mechanics, adding depth to the roster. Street Fighter 6 is a must-play title for everyone, offering a dynamic and engaging experience that elevates the franchise to new heights. 

Street Fighter 6 is available at RoyalCDKeys!

The world of fighting games offers a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, with numerous titles catering to various tastes and preferences. While Mortal Kombat remains an iconic and beloved franchise, plenty of other games like it have carved their niche in the fighting game genre. From the diverse character roster of Street Fighter 6 to the strategic depth of Virtua Fighter, there are countless options for gamers seeking intense battles and memorable characters. 

Fans of the Mortal Kombat game seeking new experiences will find plenty of DLC characters and additional content to explore in titles like Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Mortal Kombat 11. These games offer a wealth of other characters from various universes, including iconic heroes like Superman and Chun-Li. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter looking to test your skill levels or a newcomer hoping to dive into the world of fighting games, these titles provide a rewarding experience and a chance to hone your abilities. 

As a fighting game veteran, I reflect on the genre's early days and history; it’s clear that fighting games have come a long way. From the simplicity of early titles to the complex mechanics of modern releases, the evolution of these games is truly impressive. With new characters, stages, and music that add to the overall experience, it’s no wonder that fighting games continue to draw in gamers of all skill levels. The genre's future looks bright, with titles like Tekken 8 and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising promising to inspire even more intense and competitive fights. So whether you’re a fan of Mortal Kombat or looking for something different, the world of fighting games has something to offer every player.