Fighting games on portable video game consoles started its stride on the PlayStation Portable. It’s successor, being the PlayStation Vita, did not disappoint in this regard. Here are seven of the best fighting games on-the-go without compromising in its quality as compared to their console counterparts.
Best ps vita fighting games
7. Dead or Alive 5 Plus
The PlayStation Vita boasts a rich selection of fighting games, including well-known titles like Street Fighter X Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, among others. Amidst this competitive landscape, Dead or Alive 5 Plus can juggle along with the rest of the lineup. As the enhanced version of Dead or Alive 5, Dead or Alive 5 Plus offers an extensive character roster, featuring 19 returning characters, two newcomers, and three crossover characters from Virtua Fighter. Each character comes with unique playstyles and voices in both Japanese and English, any otaku would be proud.
Dead or Alive 5 Plus provides a variety of gameplay modes, ensuring robust replayability. The Story mode, while central, is complemented by other significant modes such as ‘Fight’, ‘Online’, and ‘Extras’. The Story mode itself consists of 71 episodes filled with fights and cutscenes, offering hours of engagement. Tutorials are also highly recommended to master the game’s mechanics. Beyond Story mode, players can explore Versus, Arcade, Time Attack, and Survivor modes, each offering different challenges and requiring strategic gameplay.
Dead or Alive 5 Plus looks mighty impressive on the Vita’s screen, be it OLED or LCD, all the while maintaining the smooth 60fps gameplay. The game is known for its exaggerated physics, especially concerning the female characters, and includes a unique ‘OMG’ mode exclusive to the Vita. The Touch mode, which offers a first-person perspective and utilizes the Vita’s touchscreen, is a fresh twist to the gameplay. With 46 trophies to earn, Dead or Alive 5 Plus promises long-term engagement for players until
6. Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!!
Fighting games have evolved significantly over the decades. The days of simple 2D brawlers with limited moves and combos have given way to more complex systems, particularly with the advent of 3D fighters. In the early days, 2D fighting games were straightforward, and players quickly learned the mechanics to avoid defeat. However, as 3D fighters emerged, the complexity increased, and 2D fighters also adapted, sometimes excessively. This evolution has created a nostalgic divide for long-time fans who grew up in the 90s, where 2D fighting games were the pinnacle of the genre.
Arcana Heart 3: Lovemax!!! is a modern 2D fighting game that respects the legacy of classic fighters while incorporating contemporary elements. Its gameplay is a crucial highlight, offering a diverse cast of characters with extensive movesets to master. Unlike some modern fighters, the game focuses on move-based combos rather than complicated key inputs, reminiscent of older games like Variable Geo.
Arcana Heart 3: Lovemax!!! Moves with detailed 2D sprites and creative stage designs. The game’s all-female cast offers a wide variety of characters, each with distinct playstyles, ensuring something for every player. The sound design, including catchy tunes and extensive dialogues. The story mode adds depth, with characters pursuing gems that grant wishes, leading to a final boss battle. This fighting game offers a fresh yet nostalgic experience for both new and veteran fighting game fans.
5. Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 delivers the intense 3-on-3 combat of its console version surprisingly seamlessly to the PS Vita. The controls are well-optimized for the handheld device, with responsive spacing buttons and an easy-to-use D-Pad, making it simple to execute Hyper combos without hand cramping. The game also allows for customization of face button controls to simplify executing special moves and Hyper Combos. All additions from the Ultimate version, including 10 new characters and gameplay tweaks like the updated aerial exchange system and balanced X-Factor mode, are present, although Shuma-Gorath and Jill Valentine remain DLC-only characters.
From a technical standpoint, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is impressive on the Vita, capturing all the detail and intensity of the console versions with fast and smooth performance. The game supported both ad-hoc and infrastructure modes for online play, handling well over PSN for ranked and non-ranked matches, and allows creating matches with touch controls disabled for purists. Remember, the online experience may have differed.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 remains a visually stunning and well-performing fighter that showcases the capabilities of the PS Vita due to its use of the touch controls. It is as great as it looks and plays. Still one of the greatest fighting games of all time and a must-have for everyone.
4. Street fighter X Tekken
Street Fighter X Tekken for Vita is another successful fighting game port from Capcom, able to retain the quality of the original console versions. The game faithfully combines the worlds of Street Fighter and Tekken, a concept that has excited fans since its announcement. The Vita version includes DLC content from the original game, such as alternate costumes and additional characters, enhancing the roster and gameplay options. Touch screen controls are also integrated, offering customizable combo buttons and easy access to partner tagging and throws.
Control-wise, the game performs well on the Vita, feeling familiar to those accustomed to fighting games on PS3 or PS2. The touch screen controls can be handy, although the rear touchpad may require disabling to prevent accidental inputs. The gameplay mirrors the console experience closely, with well-represented rosters and Tekken characters adapting seamlessly to the 2D space. The visual presentation, just like all of the fighters in this list, closely matches the console version without sacrificing performance or texture quality.
Street Fighter X Tekken on the Vita is a worthwhile experience for fighting game enthusiasts and Vita owners. It adds to Capcom’s legacy excellent port work, following the magnificence of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 on the Vita. This fighting game successfully merging two iconic fighting game franchises into a cohesive and enjoyable package.
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition is a fighting game by NetherRealm Studios, pitting DC Universe characters against each other with gameplay reminiscent of Mortal Kombat. The controls are straightforward, featuring standard punches, kicks, easy combos, and unique special moves for each character. Super moves are executed with simple button presses, and interactive environments add a dynamic element to the fights. With 30 characters ranging from iconic heroes like Batman and Superman to lesser-known ones like Ares and Zod, the game also includes Scorpion from Mortal Kombat, seamlessly integrating him into the DC roster.
The game offers all characters and their costumes unlocked from the start, providing a range of outfits and 15 iconic DC Universe levels to battle in. Despite its Teen rating, the game is quite violent. The story mode involves two alternate universes merging and an evil Superman attempting to establish a New World Order. The engaging cutscenes and story can be completed in about 4-5 hours. The graphics are impressive, with no slowdown.
Additional features include a ranking system where players level up to 100, customizable Hero Cards for online play, and 300 challenging STAR Labs missions for extended replayability. The Archives Mode allows players to unlock character concept art, music, and extras, similar to Mortal Kombat’s Krypt. The Vita version uniquely includes all iOS/Android exclusive content unlocked from the start, making it the definitive Ultimate Edition. Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition is a highly enjoyable and content-rich fighting game, making it maybe the best version of the well-received game fighter.
2. Mortal Kombat
The Mortal Kombat franchise remains timeless, and its reimagining on the Vita brings together the first three games into one cohesive story. The Story Mode is well-executed, with engaging cutscenes and excellent voice acting. The mode is structured in chapters, each focusing on a different character, making it an excellent way to learn how to play various characters. While not all characters are part of the story mode, they are all available in other game modes, ensuring fans can still enjoy their favorites.
The game’s fighting system is finely tuned, offering smooth and realistic combat. Players can fill a meter to perform devastating X-Ray attacks which adds an ultraviolent dramatic flair to the battles. Special moves for each character add depth to the gameplay. Although there are no characters to unlock, the game is packed with content and numerous unlockables, such as alternate costumes, new Fatalities, and concept art. The Krypt returns, allowing players to use MK Koins to unlock a variety of in-game items.
Mortal Kombat on the Vita also includes two Challenge Towers, with the main tower offering 300 varied challenges and the Bonus Challenge Tower providing 150 new challenges exclusive to the Vita. These challenges utilize the Vita’s touchscreen and gyroscope. Additional modes like Test Your Might, Test Your Sight, and the new Test Your Slice and Test Your Balance offer more ways to enjoy the game. With a roster of 32 characters, including guest appearances from Freddy Kruger and Kratos, and the return of gruesome Fatalities, the game is a komplete package of a portable Mortal Kombat experience.
1. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma
For a significant stretch of time, the BlazBlue series play second fiddle to Arc System Works’ other game, Guilty Gear. Guilty Gear has consistently been the pinnacle of 2D fighters, with its detailed backgrounds and smooth animations. However, BlazBlue has significantly upped its game with Chrono Phantasma (and Continuum Shift before it), offering a major facelift in graphics, animation, and gameplay.
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma introduces players to a world where characters wield bizarre, oversized weapons. The storyline, set in December 2199 during a New Year’s celebration, revolves around Ragna the Bloodedge, a notorious rebel with the highest bounty on his head. As Ragna appears in the City of Kagutsuchi, a diverse group of fighters aims to capture him, leading to intense battles. While the story is complex and spans several sequels, the primary appeal lies in this fighting game is, of course, its gameplay. The game includes classic modes like Arcade, Versus, Score Attack, and Survival, alongside the challenging Unlimited Mars Mode and a decent online mode.
The control system in BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma has seen a vast improvement, now rivaling, if not surpassing, that of Guilty Gear. Moves and combos are easier to execute, making the gameplay more fluid and accessible. The visuals have received a major upgrade, with new animations and beautifully hand-drawn backgrounds enhancing the experience. The soundtrack complements the game’s intensity with a mix of heavy metal and classical tunes. The English voice acting is also nice. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma stands as the best entry in the series at that point in time, with the PS Vita version matching the PS3 in every aspect. This game is a must-try for both seasoned and new fighting game fans.