I know what you’re thinking…what’s the use of having fighting games on a deserted island when you’d have no one with whom to play?? It’s a valid question. I suppose the answer lies in the fact that while I personally don’t enjoy being overly challenged in games generally, I don’t mind the working through challenges that fighting games present. While being able to perform a skilled block, parry, or super at just the right time isn’t something that translates well into real life, having both good timing and judgement do. Then again, I’m stuck on a imaginary deserted island, so what does the real world matter anyway? If I had to take five favorite fighting games to the end of the earth, these would be my top picks.
Bloody Roar
I only ever played the first game in this four-game series (and I’d go on to lament the announcement and demise of Bloody Roar 5 many years later), but it left an indelible memory. My deserted island would be the perfect place to finally master this complex and exciting game. The idea was simple – develop a fighting game in which characters could transform from humans to beast-like creatures, and then assign them move sets accordingly. The concept worked well and made for rip-roaring good time.
Street Fighter Alpha 3
While I’ll admit that as far as old-school Street Fighter games go, the classic SFII and its iterations tug at the ol’ heartstrings, everything “Street Fighter” was played to perfection in the Alpha series, which culminated in my favorite, Alpha 3. I loved its expansive roster, spirited sprites, colorful backgrounds and music, and fast-paced action. Later 2D SF games might have been a bit snazzier with better controls and fluidity, but Street Fighter Alpha 3 struck all the right notes for this wild button-masher.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
My memory may be a little fuzzy here, but I think that Capcom vs. SNK 2 was my introduction to team-based fighting games. Or, at least it the first one I remember becoming really attached to, because it had so many different modes, including an excellent 3-on-3 mode, and a wide range of fighters – familiar Street Fighter faces from the Capcom side, and less familiar King of Fighters folks from the SNK side. Games like this brought about the best of the PlayStation 2 and…probably…the worst in me, because I just wanted to win so badly!
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Speaking of team-based fighting games, maybe it’s a little redundant to include Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 with Capcom vs. SNK 2, but I simply can’t see being stuck on my island without it. UMvC3 is my most beloved fighting game…ever? Is it the characters or even just the character models? Maybe. Is it because the matches and moves flow so nicely? Probably. Is it because it contains a plethora of compelling stories? Sure. It’s all those things and so much more.
Street Fighter 6
I’m obviously keen on all the games I’ve listed, but Street Fighter 6 is something extraordinarily special. After being happy with Street Fighter IV and disappointed in Street Fighter V, I didn’t know what to make of SF6 when it was first announced. I mean, of course my SF household was going to buy it, but which side of the 3D SF games would it fall? Turns out that the game is in a league of its own. On the downside, I’ll need to figure out how to get my island connected to the Internet, since the game requires an online connection even for my favorite part (the World Tour) but figuring that out is a small price to pay for access to the best Street Fighter game going at the moment.
Lede image captured by author during PS5 gameplay of Street Fighter 6 (© Capcom).
VIRTUAL BASTION 