Best fighting games for ps3? It is not simple to follow in the footsteps of the most popular console in home console history. Thankfully, Sony’s PlayStation 3 was up to the task, and it looked to build on Sony’s momentum from the PlayStation 2 with a device that leapfrogged into the future with new breakthroughs like Blu-ray disc technology and Sony’s PlayStation network.
The PlayStation 3 was a commercial success, selling more than 87 million consoles and outselling its seventh-generation opponent, the Xbox 360. Of course, a large part of that success was due to the power of the PS3’s gaming roster, which included some heavy-hitter fighting titles that are still popular today.
Let’s get started with the best fighting games the PS3 has to offer!
What is a Fighting Game?
A fighting game is exactly what it sounds like, with two combatants squaring off in a one-on-one match that requires special moves and lightning-fast reactions.
Fighting games have grown in popularity since the days of arcade Street Fighter, with famous franchises typically carrying over narratives from earlier console editions. A fighting game may also feature the player sparring against the computer or another player, either locally or via multiplayer from around the world.
The broadened definition of a fighting game allows games based on more prevalent fighting forms, such as mixed martial arts or wrestling, to be classified as fighting games.
1. Street Fighter IV
Street Fighter IV, the indisputable champion of PlayStation 3 fighting games, is everything you remember about the original fighting series, but better.
Ken, Ryu, Chin-Li, and Guile have all returned, along with a few new characters that contribute to a richer plot and deeper gameplay. Unsurprisingly, Street Fighter IV stays true to its roots as a 2D fighter while using some 3D camera views to provide a modern flavor.
The PlayStation 3 version of the game was a highlight of the game’s cross-platform release, thanks to its online functionality, which allowed two players from anywhere in the world to compete against each other via quick challenges or tournaments.
Of course, the true story of any Street Fighter title is its gameplay and special moves, and there are plenty of them here. Street Fighter IV improves on prior iterations of the genre with super combinations, extreme combos, focus strikes, and more. What matters most is that the game stays true to the fundamentals that have helped it become one of the most memorable fighting game franchises in history, earning it a 94 Metascore.
2. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, released in 2008 for the PlayStation 3, is a fantastic 2D fighting game that also seems like a duel between two rivals.
Calamity Trigger is the first high-resolution 2D fighter from the team who created Guilty Gear for the PlayStation 2. Calamity Trigger immediately attracts your attention, thanks to the hand-drawn 3D backgrounds that look stunning. Once you get passed the background, you’ll be able to go right into battles, or “rebels,” in which two players compete to inflict enough damage on their opponent to reduce their health to zero.
There are a total of 12 fighters, each with their own unique special attacks and fighting styles that you must learn. There’s a vampire, a doctor, and a ninja, and that’s before you even look at the other characters’ bios. With a limited number of characters, it’s easier to choose someone you enjoy playing and perfecting every move they have.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger received an 87 Metascore on the PlayStation 3, thanks to a few PS3 console exclusives such as distinct soundtrack, scenery, and animation, as well as online multiplayer for up to six players at a time.
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3. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is a gorgeous 2D fighter with an 87 Metascore that is often seen as a successor to Guilty Gear on the PlayStation 2.
This game is amazing since it has roughly 17 hours of action, which is more than enough combat to keep many PS3 players busy. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, the sequel to Calamity Trigger, corrects many of the flaws in the previous game and includes new modes, all while upgrading the aesthetics and character tales.
What makes Continuum Shift unique is that, unlike many other fighting games, fights in this game can run up to five rounds, known as “rebels.” Players in each rebel (or match) fight to fill their “Heat Gauge,” which may be used for more sophisticated moves that do a lot of damage.
Different modes, such as a beginner and instructional mode, assist introduce new players to the series and ensure that beginners are prepared to step into the “ring” and pull off spectacular moves and combinations just like any skilled player. If nothing else, you can always appreciate the game’s near-perfect soundtrack.
4. UFC Undisputed 3
While UFC Undisputed 3 isn’t your normal fight game by any means, it is nonetheless a fighting game.
This is everything you know and love about no-holds-barred UFC fights, but without the pay-per-view price tag. There are many real licensed combatants at your disposal, as well as far more depth to the overall action than you might have expected. Ultimate fights, championship defense, title mode, and pride mode seek to hook you from the start, and you will be hooked between one of these modes.
Have you ever wanted to simply pummel your opponent and force the referee to physically separate you? That’s a strange thing to think, yet you can have that same experience as part of UFC Undisputed 3. This selection reflects the title’s overall depth and advancements over the first two games in the franchise. There will be a learning curve, but to be the best in this sport, you must go through some trial and error with your moves. An 86 Metascore attests to its realism and gameplay, which will keep you entertained for hours.
5. Persona 4 Arena
There’s something truly special about Persona 4 Arena’s hand-drawn aesthetics that makes it such a fantastic PlayStation 3 game.
Creating a 2D-style fighting game in a 3D combat universe requires something truly unique, which Persona 4 Arena easily delivers. The game was released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 two months after its predecessor, Persona 4, and jumps immediately into a new fighting competition. Of course, there’s a mysterious murky plot to help build a narrative, but you’re really here for the fighting.
In total, you can play as one of 13 different characters in a variety of scenarios, including a single-player option that combines elements of a visual novel. In addition to the story mode, there are training and challenge modes, as well as an arcade game featuring three-round fights and additional plot aspects.
One of Persona 4 Arena’s highlights is the “instant kill” special attack, which, once mastered, may take down any opponent, assuming the assault works. Persona 4 Arena received an 86 Metascore thanks to its distinct art design and enjoyable gameplay.
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Final Thoughts
Fighting games on the PlayStation 3 were not among the console’s best-sellers, despite providing some memorable experiences. Still, seeing names like SoulCalibur and Street Fighter on this list is not surprising given the expectations these franchises hold.
Some newcomers, like the dual BluBlaze games, contributed whole new titles to the mix, helping to position the PS3 as the best machine for fighting games in the seventh generation of gaming.
