We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox fighting games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of fighting games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox 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. SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom
- Release Data: SNK Playmore, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
In all, SVC Chaos: SNK Vs. Capcom is a decent fighter with a stripped down fighting system that some may prefer over fancier, more combo-filled variations.
While it’s obvious this game was more or less slapped together, at least the fighting in SNK Vs. Capcom holds up relatively well.
#24. X-Men: Next Dimension
- Release Data: Paradox Development/Activision, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
A number of X-Men: Next Dimension‘s characters require unlocking, and various other extras can also be obtained from repeated play.
Overall, it can be a fine game to play with casual gamer friends who are fans of the source material, but since better fighting games starring the X-Men already exist, it’s hard to get too excited about this one.
#23. Capcom Fighting Evolution
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
It does a decent job of throwing together a bunch of different characters into the mix, and letting them take advantage of their respective games’ specific play mechanics.
But unless you’re dying to experience some of the strange matchups that are possible here, you could just go back to playing whichever games all these fighters are from.
#22. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Games, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
This game has tons of content, great characters, and simple controls, suggesting that it was designed with more casual players and Marvel fans to pick up and immediately enjoy.
If you’re a patient player that’s into the subject material, you’ll probably get some benefit out of Marvel Nemesis, thanks to the wealth of comic book goodies.
#21. Samurai Shodown V
- Release Data: SNK Playmore, 2006
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
It isn’t flashy and it isn’t the sort of game most of your friends will want to play.
If the chance for some old-school gaming is enough that you’ll forgive a few flaws and a methodical fighting system, it’s obvious that you should give this one a try.
#20. Digimon Rumble Arena 2
- Release Data: Black Ship Games/Bandai, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Digimon Rumble Arena 2 lets you play as and against your favorite Digimon characters.
In locations ranging from icy glaciers to fields of fire, you can play it in single-player mode or compete against three of your friends in multiplayer brawls.
Overall, this is a game that comes to life when you play it with friends.
#19. Bloody Roar Extreme
- Release Data: Eighting/Raizing/Hudson, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Overall, Bloody Roar Extreme isn’t as good as any of the installments in the major 3D fighting game series out there, though it’s certainly competent and appealing in some ways.
It’d make a decent quick session and a fine way to kill some time, especially if you have some friends who’d be willing to try it.
#18. Godzilla: Save the Earth
- Release Data: Pipeworks Software, Inc./Atari SA, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
With a solid single-player experience and a multiplayer game that is as much fun locally as it was online, Godzilla is just a fantastic game.
And the fans have spoken and they recognize this game to be a fun and challenging fighter that will please both gamers and Godzilla fans alike.
#17. The King of Fighters NeoWave
- Release Data: SNK Playmore, 2006
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The King of Fighters NeoWave is a decent 2D fighting game that’s recommendable only to those looking for more King of Fighters.
It’s not a substantial or impressive upgrade for the series, but if you’re a fan, chances are you enjoy picking apart each new installment, noting subtle differences to moves and abilities, and so on.
#16. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is only useful for fans of the game who don’t care about online support and don’t already own any other version of the game.
If you fall into that category, then the game has something to offer.
#15. UFC: Tapout 2
- Release Data: DreamFactory/TDK Mediactive, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Overall, UFC: Tapout 2 has some strengths, but they’re the same strengths that the previous Tapout game had.
The game doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, so if you didn’t buy the first Tapout, then the sequel is definitely good enough.
#14. Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus
- Release Data: Studio Gigante/Microsoft Game Studios, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Tao Feng looks and sounds just fine, but it doesn’t have a strong enough fighting system to make it a viable option for fans of the genre.
Furthermore, you will need to have undying patience and ultra reflexes to master the almost musical combo system.
#13. King of Fighters: Maximum Impact: Maniax
- Release Data: SNK Playmore, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
In the end, King of Fighters: Maximum Impact: Maniax is probably one of SNK’s best forays into the realm of 3D fighting games, but then again, that’s not saying much.
Nevertheless, fans of King of Fighters, or fighting games in general, might as well check out Maximum Impact to experience a few decent, fast-paced fights.
#12. Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
- Release Data: Pipeworks Software, Inc./Atari SA, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
But since there’s not much lasting value to look forward to once you get the character roster unlocked, Destroy All Monsters Melee is best suited as a casual game.
But if it makes you feel any better, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee is actually one of the best Godzilla games to date.
#11. Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout
- Release Data: DreamFactory/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Those who are unfamiliar with mixed martial arts competition can still appreciate the pick-up-and-play appeal of UFC: Tapout.
You can always grab a controller, mash on the buttons, and have a lot of fun on your first time with it.
But on its own merits, UFC: Tapout is an excellent, original fighting game that’s especially fun for two players.
#10. DreamWorks Shrek SuperSlam
- Release Data: Shaba Games/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Shrek SuperSlam is a good game for younger people and fans of the movies.
It’s a simple, easy entertainment that isn’t at all demanding or convoluted.
And it’s worth checking out if you love melee games or the Shrek series, because it does a fairly good job of delivering on both those fronts.
#9. Kung Fu Chaos
- Release Data: Just Add Monsters/Microsoft Game Studios, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you don’t take your gaming too seriously and have several other friends who feel the same way, then you could have a good time with Kung Fu Chaos.
The game’s got great graphics and responsive controls, and it’s good for a few laughs.
#8. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
- Release Data: Midway, 2006
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon may not be the definitive collection since it does leave some characters out.
However, the inclusion of 62 total warriors is a massive achievement.
Throw in the Konquest mode, a new fatality system, and perhaps one of the largest character creation modes we’ve seen, and you have a title that will keep Mortal Kombat fans busy for weeks.
#7. Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
You should know that the significance of online play in Capcom VS SNK 2 EO cannot be underestimated.
Without it, the game loses the only feature that really sets it apart from the other console versions, as well as other fighting games in general.
#6. Mortal Kombat: Deception
- Release Data: Midway, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
All told, Mortal Kombat: Deception is an outstanding, fully featured game.
And it’s one that’s naturally best suited to series’ fans—especially those who liked Deadly Alliance.
It’s these players who will appreciate the game’s peculiar emphasis on story and unlockable extras.
Not all of Deception‘s modes and features are flat-out great, but the game’s absolutely got it where it counts.
#5. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
- Release Data: Midway, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is a 3D fighter that doesn’t fall into the same trap that some other games have fallen into when making the 2D-to-3D transition.
What you’re left with is an unusual fighting game that does a great job of balancing the classic Mortal Kombat style with enough new additions to draw in newcomers.
#4. Def Jam: Fight for NY
- Release Data: Aki Corp./EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
It would have been easy for the developers behind this game to just crank out an incremental upgrade, but Fight for NY is anything but incremental—it feels like a whole different new game.
If you like wrestling games, fighting games, or even just the world of hip-hop, Def Jam: Fight for NY is a game well worth owning.
#3. Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
- Release Data: Arc System Works/Sammy Studios, 2004
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
This is one of the most highly evolved 2D fighting games—and not just from a gameplay standpoint, since Guilty Gear X2 #Reload is also among the first online fighting games.
That makes it very easy to recommend to any fan of the genre, except maybe for those who expressly dislike the game’s anime-inspired character design
#2. Dead or Alive 3
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Microsoft Game Studios, 2001
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Dead or Alive 3 is basically very similar to its predecessor.
So if you’ve already mastered previous Dead or Alive games, let alone other 3D fighting games, then you may find that there’s very little new for you here.
On the other hand, if you’ve never played a Dead or Alive game before, then this is great place to start.
#1. SoulCalibur II
- Release Data: Namco/Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
SoulCalibur II is both great for new players as well as veterans and it is a strikingly beautiful game even now.
More important than that, however, is that the core gameplay holds up in surprising ways.
You’ll not have had this much fun with a game this old ever.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox fighting game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
