With the evolution of video games, fighting games have become a very influential game genre. In this genre, players usually see multiple characters competing, and the classic mode is often a two-on-two duel. This kind of game is not limited to one-on-one battles, but can also include more characters for fierce battles.
The main reason fighting games are unique is that they include a variety of game mechanics such as blockade, wrestling, counterattacks and combos.
The roots of fighting games can be traced back to 1976's "Heavyweight Champ", and although it was a boxing game, it was just the beginning of this emerging genre. When a real fighting game appeared, it was 1984's Karate Champ. This game not only introduced battles between players, but also laid the basic framework for subsequent fighting games.
With the gradual rise of fighting games, various unique game designs and features have gradually emerged. For example,
Introduced in 1984, Yie Ar Kung-Fu introduced a health meter and showcased a variety of different fighting styles that became quintessential elements of fighting games.
After that, "Street Fighter" launched in 1987 pushed fighting games to another peak. This game introduced special attacks, and its sequel, Street Fighter II, integrated and optimized many fighting game conventions, making it a leader in the video game industry in the 1990s.
"Street Fighter II" is considered to have set the standard for fighting games, with many subsequent games being designed with reference to it.
The operations of fighting games are usually based on precise button combinations and quick reactions. Players need to fully understand the unique skills of each character in order to gain an advantage in fast battles. In this process, players not only have to control the character's attacks, but also need to manage defense, counterattack, and even use special skills to win.
Fighting games usually present a side perspective. Even in a three-dimensional space, the movement of the character is still mostly limited to a two-dimensional plane. This design allows designers to present character movements and interactions in a more understandable way.
In addition to movement restrictions, fighting games also shrink players' actions into two major strategies: attack and defense, such as blockade defense, wrestling, etc. In many games, especially the Street Fighter series, these are basic moves players must master in order to escape their opponents' siege.
In current fighting games, the use of stunts and combos is extremely common, and these require players' superb skills and timely reactions to execute.
With the development of technology, fighting games not only become more and more beautiful in game graphics, but also have more diverse gameplay designs. From the early days of Karate Champ to today's Tekken and Super Smash Bros., these titles deliver technology and innovation. It can be said that fighting games are no longer limited to simple narratives, but show rich storylines and diverse characters.
Today, fighting games not only retain the traditional battle mode, but also introduce diverse modes such as single-player play and online competition, stimulating players to continue to explore the world.
Fighting games, as one of the important types of video games, have gone through decades of development and have had a profound impact on the entire game industry. From "Heavyweight Champ" to today's classic, this journey has witnessed countless innovations and changes. How will fighting games evolve further in the future?