Best Environmental Hazards In Fighting Games, Ranked

Summary

Environmental hazards in fighting games vary but add depth and excitement to gameplay.
Games like Injustice, Brawlhalla, and Mortal Kombat use hazards for combos and strategic play.
Unique stage hazards in games like Dead or Alive 6 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate add complexity.

As a veteran gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the evolution of stage and environmental hazards in fighting games has been nothing short of spectacular. From humble beginnings to intricate death traps, these elements have added a layer of strategy, excitement, and unpredictability that keeps me hooked time and again.

In my youth, I remember playing Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64, marveling at the innovative stage designs like Yoshi’s Story and Norfair. Fast forward to today, and I find myself awestruck by the fatal stage interactions in Mortal Kombat Armageddon – instant death traps that can turn the tide of a game in an instant!

One thing that never ceases to amuse me is how these seemingly innocuous features can completely derail a player’s gameplan. I remember one particularly frustrating match where I was on the brink of victory, only to be thwarted by a well-timed Death Trap. It was like being kicked in the gut by Scorpion himself!

However, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and I find solace in the knowledge that every player has felt that sting of defeat. So the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of a fatal stage interaction, just remember: it could always be worse – at least you’re not playing Mortal Kombat with a controller made of rubber chickens!

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve often found myself pondering over environmental hazards in combat games – a feature that stirs up quite a debate among players. For some, these elements bring an extra dimension to strategic thinking, offering a new twist on the mental chess match between two skilled adversaries, or even serving as a surprise weapon to throw off an unsuspecting opponent. However, others argue that they disrupt the essence of competitive fighting games, preferring a purer form of combat without these additional elements.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that environmental hazards have become an integral part of many successful and beloved fighting games. From my perspective, these hazards add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay, making it more dynamic and unpredictable.

When implemented well, they are warmly received by players like myself who appreciate the strategic depth they bring to the table. However, it’s crucial to note that the effect environmental hazards have on a game can differ significantly from one title to another.

In my experience, some of the best fighting games with solid environmental hazard systems stand head and shoulders above the rest. Below, I will highlight a few of these games that truly mastered the art of incorporating environmental hazards into their gameplay mechanics.

7. Injustice: Gods Among Us

Home of the Dreaded Dumpster

In the lively Netherrealm Studios community, a well-known video shows a gamer controlling Batman dealing devastating blows to an opponent using a Dumpset move. This scene highlights the significance of environmental hazards in the game Injustice: Gods Among Us. Many stages within the game contain interactive elements that players can utilize to swiftly change their position, inflict severe damage on opponents, or even link attacks together. One particularly exciting moment is tossing an opponent into Atom Smasher.

Players can boost their powerful attacks to shift between stages, causing significant harm. These abilities are found exclusively at the stage corners and have a substantial impact on gameplay. Apart from increasing the tension an opponent may feel in these corners, they also offer additional protection during combat.

6. Brawlhalla

Rotating Platforms and Bombs Galore

Over the last few years, I’ve found myself deeply immersed in the world of Brawlhalla – an exceptional platform fighting game. The devoted community and a booming global esports scene, combined with continuous developer support, have crafted an engaging fighting game experience that just keeps improving as it celebrates its seventh anniversary. What truly sets this game apart is not only the unique weapon system, but also the dynamic environmental hazards that add an extra layer of excitement to every battle.

In this game, where leaping and stage activities play a crucial role, rotating platforms on certain stages can pose risks too. However, the standout aspect of Brawlhalla is undoubtedly the assortment of items that pop up at random. These could be bombs, spiked balls, mines, boomerangs or the latest addition – sticky bombs. Each item has the power to alter the entire game situation and inflict significant damage. To succeed, players must learn to anticipate an opponent’s use of these items and modify their playstyle accordingly. This extra layer of complexity makes an already intricate game even more engaging.

5. Injustice 2

Bigger And Better

Many people think that Injustice 2 is significantly better than its first version in aspects like roster, story, and graphics. However, an often overlooked improvement lies in the gameplay. Although the game mechanics remain largely unchanged, Injustice 2 does introduce some subtle adjustments to the gameplay, along with a new gear system. These modifications result in a more enjoyable and well-balanced gaming experience, which, in turn, makes interacting with the game’s environmental hazards even more fun.

The primary dangers remain consistent: combos, evasion techniques, attackers, and undeniably, the spectacular stage shifts. Although their fundamental nature stays the same, some come with rotating visual effects that are quite appealing. Additionally, the fresh multiverse towers may include diverse stage adjustments, increasing the difficulty while you’re farming for equipment or experience points.

4. Mortal Kombat X

Hazards That Add To The Khaos

As a devoted fan, I’d say MKX stands out as one of the wildest and most exhilarating fighting games from its era. It achieves this by packing each character with an abundance of moves, offering a multitude of combos, and introducing the run feature. The game’s chaos is further amplified by environmental hazards that allow players to hurl barrels, slam foes against walls, or even chuck old ladies at them!

These potential dangers may offer an unexpected break, and their indestructible qualities guarantee they’ll always catch your attention. Gamers who utilize interactive items receive temporary invincibility, a feature that proves particularly beneficial when trapped in a corner.

3. Dead or Alive 6

Some of the Coolest Environmental Hazards

Although Dead or Alive 6 isn’t typically ranked among the top fighting games of its era, it certainly distinguishes itself through its exceptional use of environmental hazards. The game boasts some of the most unique and quirky environmental hazards you’ll find, which play a significant role in the gameplay. To excel, players need to become proficient in navigating these hazards.

The initial risk is getting tossed among the spectators, much like a scene in a movie where the crowd pushes the player back. This might disorient them and potentially disturb the bystanders. In the game Dead or Alive 6, you’ll encounter objects that can be thrown or destroyed, such as barrels and crates. Additionally, there are hazardous zones, which could be floors, moving vehicles, or explosions that inflict heavy damage.

2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Incredible Stage Variety

In the game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the stage designs are among the most captivating and interactive within the fighting genre. Almost every stage has its own unique dangers, ranging from being subtly disruptive to significantly impacting match design. Thrilling experiences in the game can be had by dodging lava in Norfair or using the recurring cloud as a helpful mobility tool in Yoshi’s Story.

As a passionate moviegoer, I can tell you that players are given the liberty to deactivate all stage perils if they so desire. Furthermore, in high-stakes competitions, certain stages featuring extreme hazards may be prohibited.

1. Mortal Kombat Armageddon

Fatal Stage Interactions

In Mortal Kombat Armageddon, the stage hazards differ from those typically found in other fighting games. Instead of impacting the game’s progression in a gradual manner, they can lead to immediate consequences – if a player is propelled into these Death Traps by their opponent, it results in an instant death and an immediate loss for that round.

Death traps are clearly marked and easy to spot in the game, but they can drastically alter its outcome. Players should always keep an eye out for them. It’s also crucial not to let frustration set in when a player falls victim to a death trap, as this is an experience shared by all Armageddon players at some point.

2024-12-30 12:34