Best Platform Fighters, Ranked

Platform fighters have a lot of mobile entries, and there are quite a few that focus heavily on IPs from small indie games. However, there are also the big budget AAA entries to the genre that boast a wide range of well-known characters, and iconic locations from which they come from.

Few fighting games are unique and innovative enough to create a whole new subgenre, but it is no secret that platform fighters were pioneered by the Super Smash Bros. Franchise. While the original is dated and clunky, a plethora of titles have been released over the years, with some of them ranking pretty high on Metacritic. To avoid this list becoming little more than a ranking of Super Smash Bros. Games, the entries will be limited to one game per franchise​​​​​​.

5 PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

Metascore: 74

• Developer: SuperBot Entertainment
• Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
• Release: November 20, 2012

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is the first and only platform fighter with a heavy focus on PlayStation characters. While it has been compared to Super Smash Bros., with some calling it a blatant rip-off, the gameplay is very different. While Smash Bros. Focuses on building up a meter from being hit that increases knockback, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale instead has the player dealing the damage build up a meter.

This meter allows the player to perform a special move to eliminate opponents upon being hit by it. Characters used in the game draw from some of the biggest names in PlayStation, such as God of War and Ratchet & Clank, but also from some of the older titles that might not be known to modern gamers today, such as Fat Princess. Players will need to be aware of what each stage is capable of, as they can have elements that force adaptation.

4 Multiversus

Metascore: 76

Multiversus is the Warner Bros. Entry into the world of platform fighters. This showcases just how many different properties are owned by WB and has characters ranging from Loony Tunes to Game of Thrones. One of its biggest strengths, and one of the ways Multiversus sets itself apart from other platform fighters, is just how heavy a focus it has on 2v2 — for both competitive PvP and a PvE mode called Rifts. Rifts allow two friends to play out a series of challenges to collect stars that will lead to claiming rewards.

Each rift has different Gems that will augment gameplay, and come in a wide range of different difficulties. Playable character’s attacks and abilities are almost always references to their source material, and this is a true treat for all die-hard fans. 2v2 matches are made even better by allies being able to aid each other with support abilities, and each character has a role to help players know what play style to use for that character. This is also the highest-scoring free-to-play platform fighter out there, making it one all fans should give a whack.

3 Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Metascore: 77

While the first Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl was seen as little more than a shallow Smash Bros. Clone, the second game makes it feel like a game worth playing. The combat is fun, the sounds have weight to them, and the Slime mechanic makes for an enjoyable experience with each match. Slime can be used to enhance moves and grant some extra mobility for preventing ring-outs or escaping an enemy.

However, Slime can also be used to pull off characters' most powerful abilities that rival some of the best Super Smash Bros. Final Smashes. Just like Multiversus, the iconic characters featured in the roster make tons of references to their source material.

2 Lethal League Blaze

Metascore: 82

• Developer: Team Reptile
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
• Release: October 24, 2018

Lethal League Blaze is a fighting game with a completely unique feel compared to every other game on this list. Instead of players using a range of attacks to hit their opponents, they will be hitting a ball around. This ball is what will be dealing damage to players, giving a unique experience. While some might say this makes it too different, this is exactly what earns it such high praise and what makes it a must-try for fans of platform fighters looking for something new and familiar at the same time.

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Lethal League Blaze is a fighter with stylish visuals and requires quick reflexes, making this a thrilling experience. While stages need 4 surfaces for balls to bounce off of, and nothing to obstruct them, they do not feel bland in any way. Stages look amazing and vibrant, with lots of backgrounds having a sense of depth and some even having lots of moving elements to them.

1 Super Smash Bros.

Metascore: 93 (Super Smash Brothers Ultimate)

The Super Smash Bros. Franchise would dominate this list if all of its entries were added. While the second entry on this list has an 82, the majority of the Super Smash Bros. Games surpass the 90 mark. The first Super Smash Bros. Game defined the platform fighter genre. Melee stands the test of time as the most competitive installment of all the Super Smash Bros. Games, and Ultimate has the largest roster out of any of the previous ones.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the perfect entry to jump into the franchise by offering players the perfect blend of fun and skill. It also has such a large cast of iconic characters that most players will find one they have already played in another game. Players who enjoy Ultimate and want something more competitive should check out Super Smash Bros. Melee as well, as both of these entries are equally worth experiencing.

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