Best Fighting Game Anti-Heroes – Investment Policy

I’ve always loved fighting games, even if my reflexes aren’t as sharp as they once were. I began with the classic Street Fighter, learning how to do those signature moves like the hadoken and uppercuts. From there, I explored grappling in Tekken with King. That experience led me to try more complex games like Dead or Alive and Soulcalibur, and even some unique titles like Rival Schools and Bloody Roar.

Fighting games are a fantastic way to relieve stress, and it’s even more enjoyable when you play as a flawed, complex character. While playing a traditional hero like Ryu can be fun, it’s incredibly satisfying to win by using cunning strategies and powerful moves.

This list features a variety of anti-heroes, and they all have different levels of flaws and darkness. None of them are purely ‘good,’ and most are dealing with difficult pasts. Because it’s hard to objectively rank characters like these, I’ve based the order on my own personal opinion.

10. Raizo Imawano

Old Man Sabertooth

Raizo Imawano initially appears to be the one causing all the trouble in the Rival Schools games. However, it’s later revealed that he was manipulated by his nephew, Hyo, and isn’t actually to blame for what he does.

After escaping the manipulation, Ryo shows himself to be a good person. He’s definitely stern, strong-willed, and doesn’t put up with nonsense, but he truly cares about those close to him.

Raizo is a powerful fighter, tearing through enemies with his claw-like fingers and throwing them around with incredible strength. Though not as nimble as Batsu, he’s a formidable opponent.

9. Ash Crimson

Androgynous and Vicious

Ash Crimson from King of Fighters is a classic anti-hero – he could easily be seen as a villain. He believes he’s always right, is very clever, and keeps his true goals hidden. What’s even worse is that he manipulates others and isn’t afraid to take their powers for himself.

Despite everything, Ash is influenced by the power of Orochi, who frequently controls him like a puppet. A lot of what Ash does is focused on breaking free from this connection, which makes him a more understandable character.

Ash Crimson is a skilled and powerful fighter in the King of Fighters series. He’s known for his acrobatic moves and unique abilities, like the power to take away other fighters’ abilities, teleport, and create fire using the Yasakani Jewel. While he’s not particularly friendly, he’s a valuable ally to have in a fight.

8. Long Shin

This Tiger Isn’t Crouching

Do you remember Hudson Soft? I do! They’re best known for games like Bomberman, but they also made fighting games called Bloody Roar. I really enjoyed Bloody Roar because the characters could transform into powerful animal-human hybrids during battles.

Long Shin from Bloody Roar was always one of my favorite characters. He’s a really quick and powerful fighter—he can even turn into a were-tiger! Plus, he’s a complex character haunted by a troubled history.

Long Shin is a changed man, genuinely trying to make amends and do good. He’s kind and gentle in personality. However, don’t let that fool you – he’s still a formidable fighter and will defeat anyone who challenges him, no matter how ready they think they are.

7. Ayane

Bubblegum Hair, Deadly Style

The idea of inheriting consequences from your parents feels distant until you learn a shocking truth about how you came to be. This is the story of Ayane, a skilled and beautiful ninja with pink hair, whose life is completely changed when she discovers the circumstances of her birth. She finds out her close friend, Kasumi, is actually her half-sister, and this realization fills her with resentment, pushing her to prove herself worthy.

Ayane has earned the nickname “Female Tengu” because she’s incredibly effective in combat. She’s become quite cynical and keeps to herself, but ultimately she tends to do what’s right, like saving her half-sister from a dangerous situation while trying to help Helena. This level of serious storytelling is a welcome surprise in the Dead or Alive series, and it adds weight to the game’s appeal.

Ayane is a remarkably quick fighter with a diverse and surprising range of attacks. While she can’t teleport like other ninjas in Dead or Alive, she packs a powerful punch. Don’t underestimate this Female Tengu in a fight!

6. Balrog

Definitely Not Mike Tyson

Balrog from Street Fighter is driven by a deep-seated resentment stemming from a difficult upbringing. He clawed his way out of poverty, and believes any means necessary are justified to achieve his goals, making him a ruthless and violent fighter.

Even though Balrog works for the villainous Shadaloo, he’s not completely bad in Street Fighter. He truly cares about Ed and always tries to protect him, even if Ed sometimes finds it embarrassing. This shows there’s a good side to Balrog beneath his tough exterior.

You really don’t want to fight a Balrog. While he doesn’t move his legs much, his arms are incredibly powerful and can quickly overwhelm you with devastating attacks. Plus, he’s not afraid to use his head – a headbutt from him would be a serious problem.

5. Jin Kazama

Golden Devil Boy

It might seem unexpected to see a character from a series like Tekken described as an anti-hero. However, while Jin Kazama often acts heroically, he’s burdened by his family history. He faces threats like Ogre, and, early in his story, his own grandfather, Heihachi, tries to kill him.

Luckily for Jin, he’s not completely good, and a special gene allows him to survive a potentially fatal attack. Instead of being defeated, he develops devil wings and fights back, revealing a more complex personality than we first thought. Because of his difficult family history, he’s incredibly strong, but also finds it hard to trust others.

Jin Kazama is a powerful and exciting character in the Tekken series, and definitely one of my favorites. He’s similar to Ryu – he’s easy for beginners to pick up, but has plenty of depth for experienced players. He has quick, strong attacks that flow together nicely. Plus, when his Devil Gene activates, he becomes even more aggressive and formidable.

4. Ivy

Whip it Up

Ivy is a striking character in Soulcalibur – she looks beautiful but fights with terrifying skill. Her outfit and weapon, a whip, give the impression of a villain. However, like many characters in the game, there’s more to her story than meets the eye.

Ivy is fiercely determined to break free from the evil influence of Soul Edge, and anyone who stands in her way will face her wrath. While she doesn’t enjoy killing, she won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to her freedom. Despite her intensity, Ivy is a complex and self-assured woman, far from a one-dimensional villain.

Ivy is a powerful character in Soulcalibur. She’s unique because her whip allows her to attack from a distance, but it can also change into a sword for fighting up close. This makes her very versatile and a dangerous opponent.

3. Wario

Greed is Good

Wario was a uniquely quirky character long before he became part of the Super Smash Bros. lineup. He first appeared as the antagonist in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, but quickly got his own series of games. Over time, it’s become clear that he’s less of a villain and more of a lovable oddball.

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Okay, so Wario really loves money, eats the most disgusting things, and, let’s be honest, farts a lot. But he’s not a proper villain like Gannondorf. He’s more like… what if you mixed Mario with someone totally self-centered and a little crazy? And honestly, that’s exactly why he’s so awesome!

As a Smash player, Wario is just… unpredictable! He’s got so many weird moves – he can turn into Wario-Man out of nowhere, and get his motorcycle out to either ride around or… eat it?! It’s totally goofy, but when someone really knows how to play him, he’s surprisingly dangerous.

2. Scorpion

Stinging Resurrection

You might be surprised to see Scorpion on this list, but hear me out. Let’s be honest, no one in Mortal Kombat is truly a ‘good guy.’ They’re all pretty ruthless and enjoy delivering brutal finishing moves. Considering that, Scorpion could actually be seen as more of a hero with a dark side.

Originally named Hanzo Hasashi, Scorpion transformed into a vengeful, monstrous being when he was resurrected. This led him to begin the story as a villain, driven by anger and disorientation. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually regains his sense of humanity and learns to come to terms with his history.

Scorpion in Mortal Kombat is a fearsome fighter. He’s known for his aggressive attacks – like pulling opponents towards him with a spear and breathing fire – and his resistance to hellish flames. He excels at keeping opponents at bay, making every fight incredibly challenging.

1. Morrigan Aensland

Succumb to the Succubi

Morrigan, a resident of the Makai realm, has a demonic appearance, but she’s not truly evil. Despite being a strong, self-assured, and attractive succubus, she simply acts on her natural instincts to survive. Sometimes this leads to indulging in shopping, and other times it means merging with her counterpart, Lilith, to find a brighter outlook.

This character is a total wildcard – she does her own thing, but she’ll often team up with the ‘good guys’ when it suits her. It’s awesome how popular she is, honestly! That’s why she keeps popping up in all sorts of crossover games, even though we’ve been begging for a new Darkstalkers game for over ten years now.

Morrigan is a powerful fighter, not just a beautiful one. In battle, she can sprout wings, fire magical attacks, and even defeat enemies with a deadly kiss. She’s a dream come true… if you can withstand her power.

2026-02-21 18:41