We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 fighting games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of fighting games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 and fighting games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Skullgirls
- Release Data: Reverge Labs/Autumn Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
While light on content, the core play in Skullgirls works beautifully on numerous levels.
Astounding animation dresses up its solid basics and the roster provides plenty of possibilities for strategies and play styles.
Overall, Skullgirls is a fantastic game and a great example of what can be accomplished by even a small team of dedicated and talented professionals.
#24. SoulCalibur
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2008
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
While SoulCalibur‘s gameplay has survived the transition intact, the same unfortunately can’t be said for all of its gameplay modes.
However, SoulCalibur is still an extremely good fighting game, and provided you have a friend to play it with on your couch, it’ll certainly keep you entertained for a while.
#23. Dead or Alive 5
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo Koei Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
The subtleties of its solid fighting mechanics are easy to miss under all the flashy visual effects.
It is a game new players can pick up and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by too many options, while still offering complexity to those who know where to look.
Basically, it’s a dynamic fighter that can be enjoyed by players of all skill types.
#22. Tekken 6
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you’re a newcomer, the game is as welcoming as ever, and there’s plenty here to keep you occupied until you’re ready to start creating your own combos.
Ultimately, whether you’re a fighting fan or are just curious to dip a tentative fist into the genre, Tekken 6 is the game for you.
#21. Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
While the game itself is basically the same Virtua Fighter 5 bolstered with a graphical makeover, it’s hard to fault it when the core fighting system is just so meticulously polished.
And if what you want most from a fighting game is a deep, technical, and incredibly rewarding competitive experience, you can’t go wrong with Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown.
#20. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The comic book presentation, which was always one of the strengths of this franchise, really draws you in, making you feel as though you’re witnessing an epic battle that’s spilling out of the pages of a graphic novel.
For fighting fans, comic fans, or gamers, there’s plenty to love in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3.
#19. The King of Fighters XIII
- Release Data: SNK Playmore/Atlus, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The 2D character sprites fill up the screen with astonishing detail and the color edit mode lets you alter your fighter’s color scheme to your liking.
All of these features, combined with the tightly balanced fighting mechanics, make The King of Fighters XIII a fantastic game that can easily compete with the heavy hitters in the fighting game genre.
#18. Injustice: Gods Among Us
- Release Data: NetherRealm Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2013
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Injustice looks great, plays great, and feels like a breath of fresh air for the fighting game genre.
The developer has done a great job at making you feel like someone with super powers.
The entire package embraces that concept and delivers an experience that would normally be found exclusively within the pages of a DC comic book.
#17. Tekken Tag Tournament 2
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Stripping the series down to its basic fundamentals, and leaving any unnecessary junk out in the process, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 feels like a strong installment overall.
It is certainly unapologetic, and those without patience to master the game’s mechanics may become bored or frustrated too quickly to appreciate its depth.
#16. Ultra Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2014
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
With all of its tweaks, new mechanics, and extra game modes, Street Fighter IV Ultra will definitely appeal to the diehard Street Fighter IV fans.
Nearly every aspect of the game has received some sort of enhancement or upgrade, and the result is an expansion that makes a great game even better.
#15. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
- Release Data: Backbone Entertainment/Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 represents good value for those who missed out on playing the game the first time around or those who want to play it again.
Though it’s a little rough around the edges in the implementation of its biggest feature, 2D fighter fans will find that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is well worth adding to their collection.
#14. Street Fighter X Tekken
- Release Data: Capcom, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter X Tekken provides complex combat in an inviting package.
The fighting genre needs to become accessible to a wider range of players, and this game takes an important step in the right direction.
Accessibility that doesn’t come at the expense of variety is a smart move and sets this fun and flashy fighter apart from the pack.
#13. Persona 4 Arena
- Release Data: Arc System Works/Atlus, 2012
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Persona 4 Arena is a fast-paced fighter that can be easily enjoyed even if you’re not a Persona fan.
For those who are Persona fans first, and fighters second, the game’s lengthy story mode will keep you intrigued, so long as you don’t mind its dry presentation.
#12. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
- Release Data: Arc System Works/Atlus, 2014
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax delivers in multiple ways.
It is a fun, balanced and accessible fighter by a veteran development team that knows how to make an excellent arcade fighting game.
However, it still finds a way to be true to the source material, despite the game being of a very different genre.
#11. SoulCalibur IV
- Release Data: Project Soul/Namco Bandai Games, 2008
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Unique fighting styles, weapons and characters coupled with very fluid and technical gameplay is really the formula for success in an ideal fighting game.
SoulCalibur IV hits all those right on the head.
Simply put, this game is a must-have for any fighting fan and a great starting place for newcomers.
#10. Dead or Alive 4
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you like fighting games, Dead or Alive 4 is for you.
Between its great selection of powerful fighters and its terrific action, there’s an awful lot to learn and master in this greatest installment in the series.
That the whole thing looks so good certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
#9. Mortal Kombat
- Release Data: NetherRealm Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
With all the content, an in-depth Story mode, and a wide range of modes to play through, Mortal Kombat is one of the most complete fighting games around.
And not only that, the return to 2D fighting and a substantially tweaked control system have made the game more accessible for newcomers.
#8. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
- Release Data: Arc System Works, 2010
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
At the end of the day, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is a great fighter that goes beyond the cliches of the Tekken’s and Street Fighter games.
Overall, it has great graphics and a very solid gaming engine, and more importantly, it’s quite enjoyable.
#7. Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
This is a great fighting game.
It has all the right elements, but is lacking in just that little bit of depth.
It is, however, will be great for those who like, or are intrigued by fighting games but may have been a little too afraid to jump in.
And if you love your fighting games though, this is still a must-have.
#6. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
- Release Data: Arc System Works/Aksys Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
BlazBlue is weird, bright, and loud.
The colorful artwork, wild action, and totally unique characters may intrigue you, assuming they aren’t too much for you to handle.
If you can get past the noisy presentation and bizarre characters, you’ll find a very solid fighting game with plenty of options.
#5. Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
- Release Data: Iron Galaxy Studios/Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
It may have a steep learning curve, but the training additions to this version make it easier than ever to get into.
If you’ve ever wondered what all the Street Fighter III fuss was about, then there has never been a better time to find out.
#4. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
- Release Data: Backbone Entertainment/Capcom, 2008
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is a great addition to the Street Fighter franchise and will keep dedicated fans entertained for a long time to come.
Unfortunately though, new players to the title will most likely be deterred by the fairly steep difficulty curve.
But hardcore fans should get this, though.
#3. Virtua Fighter 5 Online
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2007
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Virtua Fighter 5 Online is a great fighting game and the addition of a good multiplayer mode only makes it better.
But keep in mind that the game is geared toward players who have experience with the series and isn’t friendly to newcomers.
If you’ve been playing Virtua Fighter for a while, this game is worth adding to your library.
#2. Super Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2010
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Super Street Fighter IV is an easy recommendation.
The gameplay is fast, fun and easy to dig into, and deep enough so that you’re always discovering new ways to chain combos and improve your skills.
Whether you’re a franchise veteran or a total newcomer, you can’t go wrong with Super Street Fighter IV.
#1. Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter IV will welcome you with open arms, whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer.
Amazing presentation, intricate and enjoyable fighting gameplay, and long-term appeal make this a must-have.
Street Fighter IV is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the fighting genre in this generation.
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See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 fighting game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
