Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises

As a seasoned gamer hailing from the digital battlefields of these iconic franchises, I must say that each one offers a unique, captivating narrative journey that transcends mere button-mashing fun.


When one considers action-packed fighting games, certain elements often spring to mind: dynamic multi-hit combos, spectacular special moves that dominate the screen, and a diverse cast of unique, humorous characters. While some games have compelling narratives, they often take a secondary role in players’ minds or are even absent, overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment of throwing punches, kicks, and powerful energy blasts to climb the leaderboards.

Over the past ten years or so, developers have made a significant push to enrich their brawler games with complex and detailed narratives interwoven between titles. These stories not only complement but also advance the series, even shaping the genre itself. Many of today’s top fighting game franchises boast well-developed characters with compelling backstories and motivations. Here are some standout story-driven fighting game series where the plot is as crucial as the blows.

6 BlazBlue

Combines 2D Anime Action With A Visual Novel

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises

  • Stylish combos and flashy special moves complement the manga style.

Instead of being simply another anime-style fighting game with characters known for their impressive physiques and dazzling special moves, the BlazBlue series distinguishes itself within the genre, particularly in its storyline. Created by Arc System Works, this studio aimed to produce a 2D fighting spectacle that offered something more.

They blended traditional gameplay with a visual novel style, creating an immersive storyline that develops characters, their histories, and provides each one with a reason and goal. This fusion results in a manga-style game that continues to receive high praise for both its fighting action and compelling narrative.

5 SoulCalibur

A Quest To Obtain A Legendary Sword

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises
  • Master weapons from across history.

The story of the original SoulCalibur is a simple one that exists solely to push the characters into conflict. Originally released in 1996 as Soul Edge, this series saw nine warriors from around the world on a quest to take the legendary Soul Edge sword for themselves. From honorable samurai to a strange bendy man in bondage gear with knives for hands, the focus on weapon combat set it apart from its competitors and tied into the narrative quite nicely.

From its debut in arcades and consoles, the SoulCalibur series has consistently evolved, adding fresh characters and gameplay elements, each with their unique motivations for pursuing the fabled sword. This ongoing narrative thread within the franchise persists even to this day.

4 Dragon Ball Xenoverse

A New Angle On A Familiar Story

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises
  • Take part in iconic Dragon Ball battles to defend the timeline.

In the world of gaming, as any avid Dragon Ball fan knows, the tale between battles is where the real drama unfolds. But when it comes to the Dragon Ball Xenoverse series, it flipped that script – it took the established narrative and spun a fresh storyline right from it, seamlessly integrating classic lore and characters into a familiar setting that propels the action forward.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel uneasy about history’s precarious state. But fear not, for our beloved purple-haired, time-traveling Super Saiyan is here to turn the tide! Trunks, in his wisdom, summons the Dragon Balls and makes a wish – a wish that brings forth a mighty warrior, none other than us, the player character. Our mission now is to ensure that the story unfolds as it should, even if it means bearing witness to Krillin’s heart-wrenching sacrifice once more.

3 Street Fighter

Resist Or Embrace The Strength Of Psycho Power

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises
  • Uncover the truth behind the mysterious organization, Shadaloo.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d put it this way: “In the world of Street Fighter, my journey as Ryu or Ken unfolds, striving to be unrivaled martial arts champs. It all begins post-original Street Fighter, where I defeat Sagat, leaving him on the brink of madness. Soon after, this Muay Thai master gets ensnared by M. Bison and his shadowy Shadaloo organization, with their ambition to rule the world.”

Over the entire course of the series, the ongoing conflict between Soul and Psycho Power remains central, as powerful forces collide in thrilling combat scenes. Each character has their unique motivation for aligning with one side or the other, and they all harness some kind of spiritual energy that significantly impacts the storyline – whether it’s pursuing victory, seeking revenge, succumbing to madness, or striving for control.

2 Tekken

Become The Champion Of The King Of Iron Fist Tournament

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises
  • Witness the tragedy of the Mishima family.

A staple in the fighting game genre, Tekken and its narrative started with modest roots, offering a more realistic counterpoint to its anime-inspired contemporaries. The storyline follows various combatants from around the world competing in the King of Iron Fist Tournament for a substantial reward or an opportunity to confront its ruthless founder, Heihachi Mishima.

After the original title was set, more details about backgrounds, personal struggles, and goals have been explored, such as a family conflict over the Devil Gene and control of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Moreover, Yoshimitsu continues to carry out his intriguing activities. However, it’s Heihachi who stands at the core – demonstrating what he is willing to do for absolute power.

1 Mortal Kombat

Fight To Protect Earthrealm From Shao Kahn

Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises
  • Win by any means necessary.

Behind the gruesome violence and gore, there’s a captivating tale woven into the Mortal Kombat series that dates back to its initial release. Long ago, the Elder Gods organized a tournament as a means to check the expansionist desires of Shao Kahn, the Emperor of Outland. It was only after winning ten straight tournaments that this warlord could be granted permission to fuse his realm with Earthrealm.

In essence, Earthrealm’s top warriors engage in a persistent battle against hordes of malicious fighters from another dimension, under the leadership of Raiden, the Thunder God, who usually leads them to triumph in a harsh manner. However, Shao Kahn resorts to cheating and initiates his conquest regardless. The struggle between defending or subjugating Earthrealm is the driving force behind the series, and this consistent narrative has been a key element since its inception.

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2024-08-09 07:04