10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

As a lifelong martial arts enthusiast who has spent countless hours training in various dojos, I can confidently say that this list is a testament to the rich history and diversity of combat-focused video games. Each title showcases unique aspects of the genre, from the groundbreaking open-world exploration of Shenmue to the intense, brutal combat of Sleeping Dogs.


Video games that involve combat are among the most enduring and widely appreciated categories, boasting numerous timeless hits and iconic titles over their rich and varied chronicles.

In terms of portraying combat arts, there is a more specialized set of games that delve into the rhythm, mystique, and history of close-quarter fights. These titles provide an innovative approach to understanding the act of fighting through gameplay.

If you’re intrigued by games that offer an engaging experience centered around physical abilities, then take a look at this compiled list: The Top 10 Martial Arts Games, Ranked for Your Enjoyment.

10 Overgrowth

Unconventional And Hilarious

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

In this unusual indie action game, you take on the role of a nimble rabbit, leaping, kicking, hurling, and slicing through various anthropomorphic creatures.

Instead of merely focusing on victory, the objective is to provide the player an immersive feeling as if they’re directing their own movie. This encourages exploration and interaction with the game’s impressive combat system, aiming to create the most thrilling fight sequences.

Due to its wide range of movements and ability to perform acrobatics, Overgrowth is a game that can easily hold your attention with its entertaining action sequences. Although it’s unique and somewhat quirky, Overgrowth is incredibly fun, challenging, and absolutely worth giving a shot.

9 9 Monkeys of Shaolin

The Magic Of Beat ’em up

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

9 Monkeys of Shaolin, as an emblematic entry in the beat ’em up genre, serves as a heartfelt tribute to its devoted fanbase, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and top-notch gameplay reminiscent of classic video games.

In the tale and the fight scenes, as well as the artwork and special effects, Sobaka Studio’s creations seamlessly blend all typical elements of ancient martial arts, and they do so in a captivating manner.

9 Monkeys of Shaolin skillfully creates captivating combat sequences using cutting-edge design and interactive elements, making it an essential choice for any gaming list.

8 Absolver

Great Prospect

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve had the privilege to dive into some of the finest kung-fu titles out there. Among these masterpieces, Absolver stands out as an often overlooked gem, offering a staggering and intricate portrayal of martial arts within the gaming realm.

Title offers a chance for customizing your character using approximately 200 distinct actions, tailored to the fighting style you select, your preferred stance, and undeniably, your proficiency in the game’s mechanics.

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that the campaign wasn’t as clear-cut as I would have liked, and the multiplayer aspect never quite lived up to expectations. However, the sheer brilliance and depth of its gameplay is something truly extraordinary. It’s an absolute must-have for anyone who appreciates this genre, making it a highly recommended title.

7 Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

The Return Of The Cult Classic

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

The Budokai Tenkaichi series gained global fame for numerous compelling reasons, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO entered the scene to elevate those factors even further.

In its abundance of characters, actions, talents, strategies, and potential scenarios, the most recent addition to the iconic series truly sets a new standard for the depth and grandeur in anime adaptations of fighting genres.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO might not have an exceptional campaign, but it consistently puts you in a state of flow during gameplay, making the enjoyment and fulfillment it provides greater than anything else.

6 Tekken 8

Everlasting Presence

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

A fighting game list wouldn’t feel whole without Tekken, and Tekken 8 isn’t just its latest release; it’s also one of the top-notch competitive multiplayer games currently available.

Essentially, the title represents the pinnacle of what Bandai Namco aimed to achieve, consistently outperforming in all aspects related to mechanics, graphics, and audio without a hiccup.

Beyond delivering exceptional gameplay, Tekken 8 also boasts an engaging story mode that significantly enhances its arcade versions by providing a captivating narrative alongside the action.

Every time I dive into these games, they never fail to deliver an immersive, polished feeling that truly lives up to being called the pinnacle of Tekken gaming.

5 Jade Empire

Martial Arts Master

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

Prior to developing two of the most renowned RPG series ever, BioWare initially dabbled in a lesser-known but equally classic project: Jade Empire.

By merging role-playing aspects, martial arts, and an engaging plot, while also incorporating unique replay value not typically found in similar games of the era, it crafted a potent recipe for creating a lasting impression.

Jade Empire, a cherished game, showcases the skill of hand-to-hand fighting, remains impressive despite its age. It continues to be smart, engaging, and deserving of admiration.

4 Yakuza 0

Fight Like Hell

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

Any devotee of martial arts is familiar with the Yakuza series, and vice versa – anyone who adores Yakuza has likely come across Yakuza 0. This game stands out as the most peculiar, whimsical, and seemingly unreal work of art one can imagine.

Exploring diverse combat techniques, a variety of adversaries, and an immersive environment where violence can be freely enjoyed, the beginnings of Kiryu and Majima are astonishingly captivating, with their exceptional close-combat scenes being a notable highlight.

At the same time, Yakuza 0 stands out as an exceptional prequel in the realm of video games, making it a strong contender for inclusion on this list. Notably, its appeal extends to both seasoned players and those new to the series, which is another reason for its consideration.

3 Shenmue

A Tale Of Revenge

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

Speaking about martial arts, it’s quite apt to associate Sega with this field, given that they own the Yakuza franchise, but what truly stands out is their ownership of Shenmue, a legendary series that has left an indelible mark in gaming history.

Back in ’99, I stumbled upon a game that, even today, stands out as a revolutionary masterpiece. It was the pioneer that redefined the open-world genre, weaving an epic story of retribution around martial arts. This unique blend gave it a distinct flavor that’s yet to be surpassed in my gaming experience.

Time has moved on, yet the gaming world continues to hold Shenmue in high regard due to its groundbreaking status. Despite spending a minute on combat for each hour spent conversing with people about sailors, it managed to leave an indelible mark.

2 Sleeping Dogs

Undercover Masterpiece

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

When talking about underrated games, franchises that were killed off too quickly, or titles that are amazing at representing the institutions of fighting, every conversation can turn to the same name: Sleeping Dogs.

In this undercover police series, they blend martial arts action sequences with a third-person shooting viewpoint to create an aggressive, violent, and high-impact combat style.

I can’t help but feel a pang of regret that this brilliant work has slipped into obscurity. The concepts and their realization are nothing short of extraordinary, easily earning a place amongst the finest in its genre.

1 Sifu

Martial King

10 Best Martial Arts Games, Ranked

Following the departure of Absolver, Sloclap was resolute on crafting an exceptional martial arts video game, and ultimately, their dedication bore fruit with the arrival of Sifu on the scene.

This remarkable piece isn’t just a fantastic example of a roguelike game, but it skillfully combines all the classic features of the genre. The combat sequences, the immersive flow states, the clever use of the environment, the difficulties, the boss encounters, and more, reach their peak polish.

In a cinematic style, with an unmatched feeling of fulfillment, and by immersively learning the martial arts to truly grasp the essence of Sifu, this unique voyage will set you apart as both a gamer and a martial artist.

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2024-11-07 22:39