In the mid-1990s, we saw the release of Sony’s first PlayStation, which came out before internet gaming became the town’s talk. We saw some of the finest video game PlayStation 1 fighting games.
PlayStation 1 was one of the better systems for fighting games. We saw the Tekken series and the first few installments of several of this console’s most popular fighting games. Even after all this time, many of these games are still played in some competitions. So, if you want to go down memory lane and enjoy some of the best PlayStation fighting games in the ’90s, you’re in the right place.
Unlike games on previous consoles, fighting games on the PS1 had a different setup. This amazing gadget can handle both 2D and limited 3D. The fighting game era on the PlayStation 1 is actually when the old-school arcade fighters start to fall behind.
If you feel like revisiting the PS1 era and reviving your nostalgia in 2024, here’s the best Playstation 1 fighting games list. These obscure PS1 fighting games are an accurate portrayal of the gaming scene of the era. So, without further ado, let the fight begin!
1. Tekken 3
Developer: Namco
Released: 1998
Tekken 3 is one of the top PS1 3D fighting games. This game is a benchmark for franchises that they should look to replicate when making a sequel. This game showed much improvement from the original two games in nearly every area, and they weren’t even bad to begin with!
Unlike other games at the time, you didn’t just have to mash buttons like a madman to win; it required high skill.
This arcade-born franchise raised the standard for 3D fighters and mastered the skill with its third entry, Tekken 3. Depending on the character, previous entries used 3D to a somewhat small extent. Tekken 3, on the other hand, toned down the over-the-top jumping and made it easy for each character to sidestep its opponent. This game showed one of the most intricate and well-polished combat systems in video games to date. Thanks to its vast and varied cast of characters and remarkably good graphics for a console copy of an arcade game, Tekken 3 quickly established itself as a classic. It still holds the honor of being the second-best-selling fighting game on any platform of all time, after only Super Smash Brothers Brawl.
Even if you are not a fan of obscure PS1 fighting games, Tekken 3 has the ability to captivate you. It is among the elite in the fighting game genre and played a significant role in introducing an entire generation of gamers to the art of capoeira. After all these years, the legacy of this series continues to evolve, with Tekken 8, which was released on January 26.
2. Battle Arena Toshinden
Release: January 1, 1995
Developers: Tamsoft, Takara, Playmates Interactive Entertainment, Digital Dialect
Toshinden was one of the original PS1 launch games during the mid-90s. This game was an excellent demonstration of Sony’s initial console’s 3D capability. In the game, you can move around freely around the arenas, setting new standards for excitement and innovation. Among a variety of 2D games that were all the rage back then, Toshinden was miles ahead of its generation. It was the first 3D fighter to use weapons.
It features quirky characters with a mix of weapons such as swords, clubs, whips, and claws. Toshinden mixed its melee combat with flashier special moves like fireballs. From its graphics, you can clearly tell that it’s one of the oldest games on this list. But the gameplay remains engaging and has endured the passage of time admirably.
Knowing that it was released in 1995, the graphics are not so bad, and the fighting is amazingly playable and responsive, even though it is a bit simple for some. As a gamer, you cannot deny the fact that Battle Arena Toshinden has played a big role in shaping the home fighting game scene. The game has left a mark on players and remains an important milestone in gaming history.
3. Bushido Blade
Developer: Light Weight
Release: March 14, 1997
Bushido Blade mainly focused on realism. Even to this day, this game is among the most unique fighting games. While nearly every other game on this list uses 2D graphics and stages, Bushido Blade allows players to explore fully 3D settings.
It introduced a “Body Damage System,” departing from the traditional health bars and time limitations. Most hits would result in an instant death during a match, but it was also possible to wound enemies and cause them to slow down. This mechanic had tense and tactical battles in stark contrast to the bulk of the genre’s combo-heavy fighting games.
Bushido Blade was set within a fully 3D environment and included dynamic movement and exploration during combat. The story centered on a gang of covert assassins turning on one another. There was a subdued sadness to this that brought back memories of old Japanese lone swordsman movies.
Beyond its gameplay and story, you could see a clear artistic vision in the game. It also offered a black-and-white option to enhance its dramatic aesthetic. While many games recently tried to explore weapon-focused combat, none have quite replicated the unique qualities that made the original Bushido Blade so special.
4. Street Fighter Alpha 3
Developer: Capcom
Release: June 29, 1998
While Tekken and Bushido Blade ventured into new territory with 3D gameplay, Capcom remained loyal to its roots with Street Fighter. This iconic franchise kickstarted the fighting game genre. Street Fighter Alpha 3 has an extensive roster of 34 fighters spanning the series’ history. It introduces three distinct “isms” playstyles, altering combo mechanics and special move dynamics.
Although some criticized the 2D, sprite-based graphics as outdated, in hindsight, Street Fighter Alpha 3 is visually appealing. It is one of the most remarkably polished and comprehensive additions to the PlayStation 1 Street Fighter games.
It was a prequel to the immensely popular Street Fighter 2 and a throwback to 2D art in a world that was busy making 3D fighters. Street Fighter Alpha 3 faced criticism for its pixel art at the time of its release. Yet, it still proved to be both a critical and commercial triumph. Ironically, pixel art has stood the test of time and remains visually appealing, while the 3D graphics of that era have not aged as gracefully. Street Fighter Alpha 3 enjoyed immense success on the PS1, selling over 1 million copies.
5. Darkstalkers 3
Developer: Capcom
Release: December 31, 1997
During the 1990s, Capcom produced high-quality fighting games, coming up with titles even better than their outstanding predecessors. Everybody has their preferences. Some like realistic fighting games, while others prefer exaggerated, graphically engaging titles. This is where Darkstalkers comes in with its cartoon–like graphics and movements.
You can think of this 2D fighter series as anime-meets-gothic-horror. It has a wide variety of creepy monsters, from vampires to mummies, demons, and even a yeti. You name it, it’ll be there.
We got to see a whole new look of the series with the arrival of Darkstalkers 3. It was so detail-oriented and fluidly animated sprites that people are still talking about it almost two decades and a half later.
Originally released in arcades, the game underwent multiple character additions and balance tweaks before arriving on the PS1. These enhancements played a huge role in making Darkstalkers 3 one of the most engaging, enjoyable, and charming fighting games.
6. Dead or Alive
Developer: Team Ninja
Release: March 12, 1998
The original Dead or Alive received a lot of attention and controversy. This was mainly due to its exaggerated physics and inadequately clothed female characters, which was quite ridiculous.
However, if we look past this superficial aspect, Dead or Alive proved to be a solid and delightful fighting game, probably one of the best fighting games the PS1 had to offer. It was so popular that the franchise released five sequels and several spin-offs, such as Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball. While it may not have been the most technically complex fighting game, it certainly was one of the sleekest.
The game had amazingly smooth gameplay and crisp 3D graphics for that time. It also included tough AI that forced players to strategize their moves. Dead or Alive may have been better than the rest due to its wide variety of fighters with their unique fighting styles. Additionally, interactive danger zones in the levels allowed for additional damage, which was new at that time.
7. Rival Schools: United by Fate
Developer: Capcom
Release: October 26, 1998
Just imagine this: a blend of Street Fighter with school kids fighting each other.
Rival Schools is a Capcom game that’s a reimagined SF game. So, it’s pretty straightforward to master, and you can jump into action easily. This game offers a familiar gameplay experience while introducing so many exciting new characters and moves to master.
Rival Schools faithfully recreates the arcade experience but also includes a second disc packed with additional awesome features. Among these is a favorite mode where you can learn and practice new moves. Talk about adding even more depth to the gameplay.
You can either play in tournaments or engage in multiplayer battles. This game offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement while simultaneously blowing off steam.
8. Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
Developers: Midway Games, Avalanche Software
This list of PlayStation 1 fighting games would be incomplete without mentioning the iconic Mortal Kombat Trilogy. In this timeless classic, you can play with all the characters from Mortal Kombat 1 through 3. These include Kano, Rain, Cyrax, Liu Kang, Shao Kahn, and many more.
These original games have some of the best battles many gamers have ever played. It has a roster of over 30 characters and 30 special moves and finishers to master. We highly recommend keeping a notepad handy during those training sessions to remember them all.
And the best part is that you can have old versions of characters playing against their newer selves. If that isn’t a blast from the past, then I don’t know what is!
This collection trilogy is the first three games before the series made the jump into 3D. That means it’s home to the gameplay that made it famous and half of the best Mortal Kombat fatalities.
One of the game’s most exciting aspects is the ability to pit old versions of characters against their newer selves. It sounds pretty exciting, doesn’t it? If you’re a fan of the series, prepare for a nostalgic blast from the past. This collection still ranks as one of the best PlayStation 1 fighting games.
9. X-Men vs Street Fighter
Released: Jan 01 1996
Developer: Capcom
X-Men vs Street Fighter included all-time favorite characters that every gamer was a fan of. It was actually an arcade sensation and became a highly anticipated crossover game that eventually made its way to the Sega Saturn. It later came to the PS1, although it didn’t receive as favorable reviews on the latter platform. Despite this, it remained immensely popular among gamers.
The gameplay was pretty much similar to that of Street Fighter games. However, it did introduce a new tag-team format. You could pick characters from both the X-Men and Street Fighter franchises. So, if you’re thinking about dream teams like Wolverine with Ken, you got it. With a roster of 17 playable characters, X-Men vs Street Fighter offered far more diversity than traditional fighting games. With surprisingly tight graphics for its time, it is no surprise that it quickly became one of its era’s greatest and most beloved fighters.
10. Gundam Battle Assault 2
Release: July 17, 2002
Developer: NatsumeAtari
This game is all about gigantic robots fighting one-on-one in arcade-style combat. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? If you’re a Gundam enthusiast, you’ll definitely love this title. It didn’t include the most brutal fighting scene, but it is still a highly anticipated and enjoyable experience.
We saw Gundam Battle Assault 2 improve from its predecessor in every way, including its gameplay and animation. The audiences particularly enjoyed its vibrant colors, captivating hand-drawn backgrounds, and enhanced animations of the Gundams themselves.
11. Digimon: Rumble Arena
Release: December 6, 2001
Developers: Bandai, Hudson Soft
Even though the PS1 outsold its closest competitor, the N64, it lacked some beloved first-party Nintendo titles. To the dismay of Super Smash Bros fans, this was one of the games that wasn’t included in the PS1. Many people don’t know this, but the PS1 did receive a similar game called Digimon: Rumble Arena. You could call this game a clone of Nintendo’s brawler.
Digimon shares many similarities with Super Smash Bros. It included the “Digivolve” mechanic from the anime. It also introduced the final smashes before Smash Bros. even introduced them. It simplifies the controls and reduces the number of moves per character. However, it might have achieved higher appreciation if the game had more depth and supported four players like Smash Bros.
12. Tekken 2
Release: August 3, 1995
Developer: Namco
Upon its arcade debut in 1994, the original Tekken game stunned audiences with its technical prowess. The Tekken series is one of the best on the PlayStation 1 fighting games list. It might be difficult to jump into with its unique combo moves and the twisted story plots. However, back in the 90s, it was much easier to get into.
Tekken 2 was incredibly popular, and it improved a lot after Tekken. It offered a lot more fighters to choose from and an engaging story. This is where the Mishima Clan saga really began.
Tekken 2 had so many bonus modes and features that made gaming fun for players. If you ask players, they’ll still say they consider it one of the best PlayStation 1 fighting games.
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