Best Story-Driven Fighting Game Franchises

When players think of fighting games, there are a few things that immediately come to mind. Flashy rapid-fire combos, screen-filling special moves, and a roster of colorful and quirky characters. Aside from a few notable stand-outs, the story of a fighting game usually takes a backseat in the player's mind, if it even exists at all. People just want to punch, kick, and Hadoken their way to the top of the leader boards.

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In the last decade or so, however, there's been a noticeable effort on developers' part to raise the stakes and heighten the action in their brawlers with ever more intricate and elaborate plot lines woven between titles that not only fill in the gaps, but push the whole franchise — and, indeed, the genre — forward. Many of the best fighters have properly fleshed-out backstories, reason, and purpose now. Below are some of the best story-driven fighting game franchises where the narrative is just as important as the punches.

6 BlazBlue

Combines 2D Anime Action With A Visual Novel

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

Far from being just another anime beat 'em up with generously proportioned characters and blinding finishing moves, the BlazBlue series sets itself apart within the genre — especially when it comes to story. Developed by Arc System Works, the studio set out to create a 2D spectacle fighter that had a little more to offer.

So, they combined the classic gameplay with a visual novel format that actually pushes an engaging plot, fleshing out the characters, their backstories, and giving each one motivation and purpose. The result is a playable manga that continues to enjoy critical acclaim for its brawling and its narrative.

5 SoulCalibur

A Quest To Obtain A Legendary Sword

• 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.

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Since it first hit arcades and consoles, the SoulCalibur series has continued to evolve, introducing new characters and mechanics, each with their own reasons for hunting down the legendary blade. And, it is this plot-line throughout the franchise that remains consistent even today.

4 Dragon Ball Xenoverse

A New Angle On A Familiar Story

• Take part in iconic Dragon Ball battles to defend the timeline.

As any anime will probably tell you, the story of the Dragon Ball franchise is just the bit that happens in between the fights. However, in some ways, the Dragon Ball Xenoverse games did the opposite — they used the existing narrative to build an entirely new storyline that elegantly weaves in existing lore and characters presented in a familiar package — and it's what drives the action forward.

History is in trouble, and that means it's up to everyone's favorite purple-haired, time-hopping Super Saiyan to save the day. Trunks uses the titular Dragon Balls to wish for a worthy warrior powerful enough to defend the timeline, and that just so happens to be the player character. Then, it's a case of making sure events from the series play out as they're supposed to — even if it means watching Krillin die again.

3 Street Fighter

Resist Or Embrace The Strength Of Psycho Power

• Uncover the truth behind the mysterious organization, Shadaloo.

Street Fighter is the story of rivals Ryu and Ken on their journey to become martial arts champions and learn the various spirit and ki-related energies. The whole affair truly starts at the end of the original Street Fighter, where Ryu defeats Sagat and drives him mad. It is then that the Muay Thai master is approached by M. Bison and initiated into Shadaloo, a mysterious organization seeking world domination.

Throughout the whole series, the struggle between Soul and Psycho Power has been a constant, as opposing forces clash in spectacular battles. The characters have their own reasons for joining either side of the fray, and most utilize some form of spiritual energy that's key to the narrative — be it victory, revenge, madness, or dominance.

2 Tekken

Become The Champion Of The King Of Iron Fist Tournament

• Witness the tragedy of the Mishima family.

A mainstay of the fighting game genre, Tekken and its story had humble beginnings, initially positioning itself as a more grounded alternative to its flashier anime cousins. The plot follows a global roster of combatants entering the King of Iron Fist Tournament for a chance to win a huge cash prize — or take a shot at its cruel founder, Heihachi Mishima.

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Since that initial title, backstories and motivations have been expanded upon, including a family feud subplot about the Devil Gene and control of the Mishima Zaibatsu. And then, of course, there's Yoshimitsu just doing his (admittedly very cool) thing. But, at the heart of all this is Heihachi himself — and the lengths he will go to for ultimate power.

1 Mortal Kombat

Fight To Protect Earthrealm From Shao Kahn

• Win by any means necessary.

Look past the blood and gore, and there's actually a fascinating story behind the Mortal Kombat series that's existed since the franchise's very first release. Eons ago, the Elder Gods enacted a tournament in an attempt to curb the imperialistic ambitions of Shao Kahn, Emperor of Outland. Only after winning 10 consecutive competitions would the warlord be allowed to merge his plane of existence with Earthrealm.

To this end, Earthrealm's best warriors fight a seemingly endless onslaught of fiendish fighters from beyond their reality, guided by the Thunder God Raiden to victory in typically brutal fashion — until Shao Kahn cheats and begins his takeover anyway. Whether players fight for the defense or enslavement of Earthrealm is the entire impetus for the series, and this consistent plot has remained central to the series throughout.