MAX REACTS: IGN Top 10 Best Fighting Games

[@sniggelbob]

Watching him confidently list every single mainline Street Fighter EXCEPT 3rd Strike was hilarious

[@LostSoulSilver]

And then just processing it in shock for like 6 seconds

[@chaelmavik]

I mean if you ask a casual fan, or a regular person who doesn't really play fighting games, what Street Fighter is, the last game they're gonna think of is 3rd strike.

[@leithaziz2716]

@@chaelmavik *Laughs in SF1*

[@irasac1]

@@leithaziz2716 lol

[@bigchiefartimations64x65]

@@chaelmavik street fighter 2*

[@TypetwoAbsolute]

Max: "I never thought I'd find myself side by side agreeing with a game reviewer's fighting game top list" IGN: "What about agreeing with a fighting game fan's opinion?" Max: "Aye, I could do that"

[@Xendrick]

I swear, I hope IGN paid the guy responsible for this list well, the guy is definitely a sensible fighting game fan who knows what's up with the genre and industry and its future

[@ShaunInce123]

Clearly Max wrote this IGN list.

[@yoyooo2008]

of course it would be

[@RandomGuyCDN]

Only difference is that Max probably would have redid the daigo parry from the correct character positions.

[@leosamuelmat]

Of course grimmjow

[@-Nine9-]

This was Max bait

[@PSVitaat2am]

I think we all suspected as much!

[@VoiceFGC]

Honestly, this is SUCH a good list, I agree with it for the most part. Never knew that there was anyone at IGN that actually cared for the depth of fighting games instead of just the visuals and roster of crossover characters.

[@regularspecial1]

i think people really give IGN a bit too much flak. its still a person that has to write this stuff and they love video games just as much as we do, or else they wouldnt be in the industry. they are as nerdy and into video games as anyone else

[@Kara-de5cz]

@@regularspecial1 this is hype to hate on IGN apparently

[@UhDewSea]

Strive is waaaaaayy too high. Should be 9 at highest

[@boyloftus]

@@UhDewSea cap

[@suiken3149]

Good list for hardcore FG players, not so good as far as making impact generally in gaming. Are you saying SFII and MK1 weren't great games just because they had outdated mechanics?

[@blackmanta2527]

The way that KI influenced the whole fgc of the importance of Rollback netcode is something so great

[@soundshape6496]

And seasons

[@azuresaiyan9005]

KI was also the first fighting game to incorporate the seasons model.

[@Kango234]

@@azuresaiyan9005 as someone who has never owned an Xbox, it was crazy when I realized KI was pretty much the only fighting game doing that at the time.

[@Kelpie9423]

It was definitely an early adopter but skullgirls was first

[@logandunlap9156]

@@Kelpie9423 you can thank mike z for rollback on Skullgirls, KI, and Guilty Gear +R

[@MetaRam]

I've been following IGN's fighting game reviews for the past year or so and I have to say whoever's been doing it (Ronny Barrier, I think?) has been absolute fantastic. This list reflects their understanding of the FG genre.

[@diccchocolate416]

It seems like in general ign have been trying to get people who know what their talking about on the right games.

[@suiken3149]

So this is just an FG player's favorites, instead of being objective. Any list without SFII, MK1 and Tekken 3 are invalid.

[@Arkouchie]

​@@suiken3149 I mean, best and most important are not neccesarily the same thing. Those games are without a doubt each among the most important, but can they still be considered the best, after literally hundreds of games of iteration and development?

[@suiken3149]

@@Arkouchie Yes. Most technical and the most impactful games are two different things. The games I mentioned are very impacful not just within FG community but video games at whole. It would be disrespecful not to put them on greatest list just because their mechanics are outdated.

[@Arkouchie]

​@@suiken3149 A game doesn't remain the best if a better game came out later, but the first game had more significance. That's simply not the case. Street Fighter 2 means a lot to a lot of people, but so does SF4. And SF4 arguably plays better. MK1, as impactful as it is, was completely superceded by 2 and 3, because those games had the same mechanics but more polished and refined. Are SF2 and MK1 historically important games? Yes, absolutely. But I'd never recommend anyone try to devote their time to them, the way you would a more modern game.

[@traviszander]

I remember being a Sophomore in high school seeing the first screenshots in EGM of SFIII and being blown away by the frames of Ryu's Haduken. I was in awe seeing the energy blowback in his gi. Such a great time in gaming.

[@theoutlawking9123]

EGM magazines were the Best, it and PSM.

[@JP33Ka]

class of 99?

[@traviszander]

@@JP33Ka 98. Graduated at 18.

[@aerith6172]

Shit, I had PSM around when I was growing up. I was a class of 2012 btw 😂

[@InitialDL84]

Damn those were the damn days. I was heavy on PSM, especially with their sick cover art. Also Tips & Tricks, GamePro, and of course EGM. Class of '03 baby! (For high school)

[@CodeNameX001]

I remember seeing my older brother's friend bring over Guilty Gear XX when it first came out, and not knowing what to think about it. After all, they seriously named their flagship character "Sol Badguy". 20 years later, and I'm obsessed with every song, every reference, every stpry beat, and every character tweak.

[@JTown465]

I remember liking the "idea," of traditional fighting games, but the ones I'd been exposed to, Tekken, Street Fighter and Soul Calibur, felt too stiff to me. I wanted the supers to feel more like DBZ Kamehamehas, and to feel fast like Melee which I was playing alot at the time. Then my friend described a "Heavy metal-themed 2D fighting game," and showed me Guilty Gear XX (at that time Accent Core) and it was exactly what I wanted. Every fight felt like a gonzo, gritty 90s scifi anime brawl and I fell in love with Arc Sys games and fighting games as a genre. Just scrolling through the roster and seeing things like, "sexy witch with an electric guitar, "cute anime girl with angelic wing, devil wing and a lizard tail, "possessed guy whose body is constantly being contorted," and "basically the grim reaper." Just felt like the most metal roster I'd ever seen.

[@VAL3NTIN3]

Even every video on the hub?

[@apoclypse]

I remember renting the very first Guilty Gear game on the PS1 and though tit looked so cool, unlike any other fighting I had ever played at the time. Just the style, music and gameplay were so different.

[@CodeNameX001]

@Jack Agresti ...Do you have one? 🤲

[@MostLikelyMortal]

Okay but naming their pro tag’s last name “bad guy” is still pretty silly

[@mypal1990]

Seeing the top ten lists gets the conversation going for the fighting game community. Max at least had a neutral stance while going in on what this list did right and wrong.

[@TheMightySilverback_]

Holy shit Emmanuel, did you used to hang out in the Colins Last Side Facebook page?

[@PSVitaat2am]

Yes I feel his opinion is a lot more neutral.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Neutral stance is lame. Give you real opinion bruh like or hate the list

[@yagokain4189]

@@pleaseshutup7053 Thats not what neutral stance means lel.

[@Miriam_J_]

@@pleaseshutup7053 Some people aren't angered by the thoughts of casuals. Insane, I know

[@LiquidChamploo]

I will always consider Soulcalibur 2’s (Nintendo) Link to be the best guest character ever. He was such a creative and true to his series character, the way his mechanics were incorporated with his item’s was wild! Especially his bombs 💣 ❗️

[@brianworden7022]

SoulCalibur 2 is my favorite fighting game.. and is my favorite fighting game seires.

[@masterofchaos7282]

Yay! More Max reactions. Always fun to watch his opinions and thoughts. I’d personally like to watch him react to some hardest bosses in fighting games list or videos talking about certain characters (recently saw a fun one about akuma in tekken) or unique esports (like the megaman battle network series)

[@a.c.slater7989]

To be fair he kinda did in triple ko

[@rubmysweatythighs6599]

Who watches his overblown reactions

[@itisnotreallythatimportant]

@@rubmysweatythighs6599 The 2227k people i guess

[@RyanSaotome]

No SoulCalibur at all kinda makes me sad given its actually my favorite overall fighting game series. The original Dreamcast game and the 2nd was absolutely crazy for their time, typically you see these kinds of lists give it its due simply because of how influential it was even if the series has gonna gone down in popularity over the years.

[@Cosdamotto]

My very first fighting game was Soul Blade on ps1. Such a fun game.

[@andrewkennedy8129]

yeah i fucking LOVEEE soulcaliver for the gamecub

[@TheWeapon33]

SC2 should be on any list IMO. It still puts most fighting games to shame with how much content it had.

[@killbot80k]

Absolutely agree. Fun fact, the first Soul Calibur on the Dreamcast is the 4th highest rated game of all time on Metacritic. Meaning it has beaten out games like Breath of the Wild and all of the Mario games which is wild to me.

[@babarshah6479]

I feel the same way for Soulcalibur...hell a lot of lists snub BlazBlue series.

[@Destruxtionstyle]

As great as MvC2 was, I think UMvC3 appealed to a larger fighting game audience just due to advancements in technology and how easier it is to spread influence. I know a lot of people who also specifically like MvC3 because of the Devil May Cry characters. MvC3 just did something right and has the same sticking power that MvC2 has IMO

[@dantemustdie00]

It also had a bigger Marvel villain presence that wasn't just mostly X-men villains (nothing wrong with them or anything). Tho they kinda dropped the ball with having no Spiderman villains.

[@andimari9194]

Yeah. The addition of dmc characters(my pfp lol), other capcom charscters like Frank west and Phoenix Wright, along w amazing marvel characters like deadpool coming in definitely broadens the audience

[@PSVitaat2am]

I like it, I just wasn't a fan of mvc-3 air juggles.

[@JMed24]

@@andimari9194 I'm hoping for a new MvC just so we can get DMC 5 Dante (and maybe Vergil and Nero). A lvl 3 that has Dante go into Sin Devil Trigger would be sick.

[@000mjd]

Actually i agree, MvsC2 was my least favorite of all the series when discovered it, because i found the game's presentation so bland compared to 1 obviously later i found what really the game has to offer, but with UMvsC3 really was love at first sign, great presentation, music, quantity and quality.

[@SentaiDadvsRiderGirl]

The narrator wasn't saying that Tekkan 7's system was designed to be more accessible by being simpler. He was making a rudimentary point about the need to know lesser moves because unlike Tekken Tag Tournament you only need one character instead of two.

[@SlowLearner-z3h]

Yeah, sometimes i have the feeling, that Max hears what he wants to hear rather than what was actually said. But, we are all guilty of that sometimes.

[@everdash]

21:22 "It's either going to be SF 4, SF 5, or SF 2." [shows the only one he didn't mention] "Yeah, okay. Yeah, okay. Yeah... okay."

[@garv04]

😂😂😂😂

[@Amaling]

The interesting thing with the Strive ranking is that you could say at the time it was recency bias, but with more time passing the influence of this game becomes more and more clear. Rollback existed for a while, as we even hear with this video on Killer Instinct, but following Strive now every single big fighting game franchise is damn near hostaged to have good rollback whether with new entries or in rollback updates, which yknow is a big win for all of us. Something that wasn't even mentioned was the meter system mechanics, risc and tension being meters which favour offense are already showing their influence in Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. In terms of visual influence, calling Project L's visually identity Strive with a runeterra skin is not an understatement. It's pretty insane how much influence this game has already had in two years. Sound design as well, the COUNTER in Strive might be a bit too much for some people but compare COUNTER visual + sound design language with SF6 Drive Impact Collisions. They're not just slowed down they're LOUD. And I would say something about musical influence, but I have a really hard time thinking of any devs which could reach anywhere near the level Daisuke and Co's fanboyism gets with Strive. Sure I can never do in Strive what I can do with Venom in previous GG entries, but there's a reason why this previously niche franchise broke into the FGC mainstream in a way no other from the fighting game underground has for a reason. Ultimately, those previous GG games are still there and with great netcode if you're looking for that complexity.

[@theartisticvampire2598]

I would Have Soulcalibur 2 on my list the gameplay was tight and with characters like spawn, heihatchi and especially Link helped more people get into the series that to this day people want Link back in the game

[@MisterNyte]

I am one of those people

[@profound369]

2 was probably better as a straight up fair play quality neutral game. SC6 has a bunch of cutscenes, RE also basically ruins matches

[@Kelenae]

Ya question is, who would you take off the list for Soulcalibur. Skullgirls maybe? VF5?

[@MisterNyte]

@@Kelenae I'd take off VF5 personally

[@PhirstPlays]

Ty. You gets da like. Lack of dev support from SCV and, SCVI/SCPRS{paper,rock, scissors} is what keeps it from making the list, pretty sure of this

[@dantepatel]

Hey Max, here's an idea for a video: comparing different fighting game sequels. I have my own ideas about why people prefer MvC2 or UMvC3, but it seems to be a pretty split opinion. It would be interesting to hear someone experienced with the games breakdown the differences in mechanics. You could also do this for why people like 3rd Strike the best.

[@sagia4645]

I would actually love to see you making a list of the most influential fighting games. Would really be interesting to watch.

[@christopher_loren]

SSBMelee, SF3, SF2, Tekken3, KoF98 in some order. There's your top 5 that Max would prob say. If you consider Smash a fighting game, Melee is unequivocally #1. SF2 unequivocally #2.

[@fernandomora4230]

@@christopher_loren Not to sound rude but what exactly makes Melee the most influential smash game? The way I always saw it was outside of competitive smash, Brawl and Ultimate are way more influential smash games.

[@architchaudhary1285]

@@christopher_loren No SSB is even close to being as influential as SFII.

[@bongalberttio318]

@@fernandomora4230 maybe because it's the first smash games to have a competitive scene, and live longer and better than two titles after it (brawl and sm4sh)

[@Gibbidens]

Probably the most influential SSB is gotta be Melee, I mean...why shouldn't be it? It generated an infinite request of clones since it's release back in 2001, and it's still played 21 years after... I don't feel like it's the best out of them all (Ultimate just took the crown forever, probably), because of the highest and most demanding cieling you'll ever have to surpass in a fighting game in order to be called good at this point in time that we are at, but it is definitely holding up on why people came to love Smash in the first place: the tight and responsive inputs, the sheer speed, an unmatched freedom of movement, an obscure and fascinating roster of characters and many other aspects that defined it's legacy into the future. It deserves every recognition aside just being a glitch focused cramps inducing platformer/fighting game.

[@KalinhoPL]

Tekken 3 was the greatest for me. Graphics, music, characters, great balance between complexity and availability, and nostalgia of course - it was my first game I earned money from.

[@noahleach7690]

that final line makes it seem like nostalgia though

[@Galimah]

Mm.. pure nostaliga dont make good lists. Mostly, it is always the latest entry in a fighing game serie that are the best. No kid today would choose Tekken 3 over Tekken 7

[@juiceistan1291]

Facts

[@SuTheory]

@@Galimah but I do

[@gamerkingdom1442]

🤔 why not YOU make a most “INFLUENTIAL” Fighting Games? It could be a unique list compared to the other list I’ve seen

[@PotatoRankEX]

He said on stream he's thinking of making one

[@RainerLuizFonseca]

if it was a "most influential" list, Mortal Kombat would've been rated way higher (probably number 2), but Street Fighter would had still taken the crown. It is THE most influential FG of all time.

[@shockz1715]

Max could easily do a lot of lists: Fighting games hidden gems, Worst 3d fighting, worst 2d fighting, best Smash clones, best fighters of decade/5 year periods, etc.

[@orlanzo2621]

@@RainerLuizFonseca I'd put VF over MK in terms of influence (within the genre), VF literally created an entire sub genre of fighting games. MK influenced the creation of the ESRB, which is huge, but it didn't really impact the fighting game genre as much.

[@RainerLuizFonseca]

@@orlanzo2621 and that would be fine. VF would've taken number 3 on my list anyway. Personally, I would say MK is still a tad higher because of the amount of people it brought to the fighting genre as a whole, it became a sensation and literally the whole world got to know of this game for one reason or another. VF created an entire sub-genre, which is huge, but it was Tekken who really delivered on the 3D FGs. VF was outshined by competition while MK is still going strong

[@onilao]

I feel like soul calibur should have been on the list due to having such an impact on so many people even casuals who no longer play fighting games but still that could be a more personal choice. Not a bad list still!

[@gatorloki548]

NGL a scammer

[@GetShrekd]

Yep, its tough to say though. Of all the picks here, maybe I'd say take off MVC? Soul Calibur is just amazing, but everything on this list, I kind of get why it was put there.

[@noahleach7690]

having an impact on people who quit the genre doesnt seem like a big plus ngl lol

[@Mene0]

Surprisingly good list, but even I, a huge GG fanboy, wouldn't put Strive at nº 2. Not yet, at least, it's too early. Tekken 7 and KoF 13 have made a bigger impact for sure

[@imanerdcort1773]

I can see why Strive is on 2 though, not only did it reached mainstream success, but was the trigger to change an entire industry’s thought process (though the process of the game being ranked that high early is something I agree)

[@santiagoasprino4175]

If you're an actual GG fanboy, Strive wouldn't be on the list to begin with lol

[@lukelmaooooo]

the fact that strive is this big and it hasn't even had its title update yet is crazy. it's more popular than every other anime fg combined excepting fighterz

[@santiagoasprino4175]

@@RicochetForce Their success with casuals was not at all due to simplifying the game or the mechanic changes they did. The pandemic, arcsys's rep from doing DBFZ, big marketing, anime aesthetic, good netcode, big reveal, lack of other big titles, good music. All of these helped Strive's success. Casuals (the many that are playing Strive) didn't get into the game because of the gameplay changes from Xrd, and a lot of them are probably oblivious to those changes Xrd would 100% be the Guilty Gear entry in such a list. Though I wouldn't even put it that high since I think impact and legacy is more important when making a "greatest/best" list. Strive shouldn't even be top 20 lol

[@lizardboinatsu3540]

Personally 3 is a little high for strive. I fucking love strive A lot! Its a great blend of music, gameplay, and just pure joy when pulling off combos. Its net play definantly pushes it high, but frankly I would have knocked it down to the number 3 spot... or even 4.

[@superhyperultra4857]

As someone who watches some IGN game reviews, those they actually assign to review FGs you can actually tell he has extensive background on the genre for years which not surprising on how the list turned out.

[@carlosrueda9204]

Sounds like max needs to make a top 10 influential fighting games list

[@Kenjionigod]

I'm not surprised IGN would be more in tune than WatchMojo. Regardless of all the criticism but earned and unjustified, they have a lot of people on the team that are definitely genuinely passionate about gaming.

[@bionicallyacomputer292]

ahh

[@cmysharingan]

I pretty much agree with this list, even though some of my personal favorites aren't on the list (Soul Calibur 2 for instance). I think 3rd Strike being first proves exactly why defensive mechanics that rival offensive mechanics is SO IMPORTANT. Knowing that a player could completely turn the tide in offense and defense makes it one of the greatest.

[@hoiaroam]

It’s crazy to me that they mentioned the outreach that 3S had on newcomers to the fighting game genre. I (a 28 year old, grown-ass man) remember playing SF2 with my friends in sophomore year of high school and thinking it was insane, and that I’d never touch fighting games again. 2 months later, same friends show me 3S, Evo Moment 37, and some other crazy shit they could do, and I’m instantly hooked, trying to figure out how to play the damn game, and absolutely loving every damn second of it. Trying to figure out how to beat my friends at 3S was the true foundation to everything I came to love about the fighting game genre. The game and, honestly, Max’s videos truly inspired a whole generation of kids to keep playing fighting games and getting better at them. I can only hope that the games my nephew and nieces will be playing in the future are games that I can help them get better at and help them enjoy. I’ll be curious to see where this list is 5-10 years from now with T8, Project L, SF6, whatever next GG:S seasons come out, and anything else that’s on the horizon. These have been a crazy good 5 years for fighting games, and I really cannot wait for what’s next! The hype is super real!

[@thega.merdude]

My interest in fighting games comes almost entirely from hearing the Street Fighter 3rd Strike soundtrack. Genuinely such fantastic music.

[@drfudgecookie5800]

Me but with guilty gear. The reason I even knew it existed was because of Smell of the Game.

[@glutenfree8348]

Exactly same. When I first heard necros theme I knew I stepped into something big. Still the best soundtrack for fighting games I’ve ever heard

[@allainangcao28]

When the Daigo Parry happened, 3rd Strike blew up in popularity when it comes to bringing in new FGC players.

[@adam99x2004]

Soul Blade (Edge) and Soul Calibur won me over in the fight genre in the late 90's /early 2000's. Characters, music, settings...it was great. I played the Street Fighters, Mortal Kombats, some Tekkens (rented), Killer Instincts...but something about the Soul Franchise just clicked with me. Going back and listening the Soul Blade intro...or it's soundtrack puts me at ease :)

[@SergeofBIBEK]

We all need to shine on to see how far we've come on the journey.

[@GATESOFKELL]

I know Mitch Saltzman is a big fighting game dude at IGN, he's very close to Ben Moore, formerly of Easy Allies. I remember them both being EXTREMELY high on Strive over the last year, so that would probably be a good reason that Strive is so high, and also maybe why T7 and MvC3 got in over legacy titles. Mitch is a pretty modern fgc dude.

[@UndeadEggmiester]

This is a interesting list because it feels like it was focused a lot on "modern" gamers and games that can easily be played by nearly anyone this day and age. I understand their thoughts and it doesn't matter if I agree or not. Truthfully said I'm disappointed there was no crazy random game like Bushido blade.

[@islandboy9381]

Its still wild then that Third Strike got first pick though

[@janematthews9087]

@@islandboy9381 If this list was made a year ago, I woulda called BS. BUT. they specifically mentioned ease of access, and luckily 3rd strike came bundled in that Capcom fighting collection thing, so that sorts itself out. Meanwhile USF4, you have to dig out a 360 or play on PC, which...eh....

[@RedThebaron97]

@@janematthews9087 the only thing you can say for USF4 on the access thing is that they sell it for dirty cheap, i got my copy for like 2 bucks on steam

[@GATESOFKELL]

I think there is definitely a point to be made about a game's availability making it better. Being able to just buy a game and go online with as few barriers in your way as possible is an appealing prospect, and while there may be legacy titles that you could argue are better games, actually finding a modern playable version of those games is either hard or actually impossible.

[@stijnvonck1431]

Or Last Bronx

[@paddington2063]

This guy is a great reviewer, actually. Him and the racing game guy are fantastic.

[@Max-iq7fd]

Congrats🎉 you were selected amongst the shortlisted winners 🏆 for the ongoing MacBook-M2/PC/Ps5 giveaways 🏆ωнατѕαρρ the number above☝🏼

[@giuliano482]

It felt a lot more like a 'what are the best fighting games to go and play now' list rather than a 'what are the most influential/greatest of all time' one. Though saying that KoF13 you can't easily play so that doesn't fit and SF3 was unexpected, I thought they'd go for SF5 after choosing MvC3 over 2. No Soul calibur surprised me as well, given others on the list.

[@kn5w]

What you need to remember about lists like this is that you're not getting many old-school games as, put simply, they're not available to buy right now. This is why you're seeing the likes of Tekken 7 over Tekken 3/5. However, I will say that the person/people who wrote it (who may or may not be the person doing the VO), are in-tune and have done a really good job. Putting KoF XIII over XIV and XV is a good indication that they had a bit of freedom with their pick and chose wisely, even if KOF 98 was good. Put simply, without the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary collection, you wouldn't get SFIII 3rd Strike at #1. It's the reason that we are seeing UMvC3 rather than MvC2.

[@RonnyBarrier]

I appreciate that! I did the VO and produced the list, but it was a panel of 7 of us voting on it. 98 and 2002 were definitely discussed to take XIII's place.

[@gyytgy3330]

I think it’s more to do with Fightcade as that’s where most people play 3S

[@Secarstra777]

Nice

[@thecry4]

Maybe I am crazy, but I think DOA3 should have been on there. At least for me. Probably 9th or 10th... but thats purely personal preference. Soul Caliber would also be one I'd expect on there. Though I enjoyed SC2 more than SC1. But DOA3 just holds a special place in my heart, I loved its counter system and it has a few of my favorite characters.

[@joshbell123]

I was really surprised seeing 3s on this list when it got published the other day. Mad respect to the editor that wrote that article. I may not agree with some of the other choices but anytime 3s gets love it's a good thing

[@gfslamguitar]

This was such a fun surprise. I thought this was going to be Maximilian absolutely pooping on IGN for a solid 10 minutes. I think once in a while IGN drops bangers, and this dude needs a bonus. He sounded so into the review. I believe this is his own list. Which is super cool, if so. Another great video dude. I have never commented before, but I've become a huge fan lately. Keep it up dude!

[@greypolar2720]

Surprised to not see Soul Calibur. I think it helped pull a lot of people into fighting games. When I first mentioned SC to my friends in '99 or so, they were turned off by the fact that it was a fighting game, but I convinced them to try it and they were hooked.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

List is invalid without souls calibur

[@DaermaeonBranKor]

I can’t believe a Soul Calibur didn’t make the list. One of the all time best.

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

KoF XIII striking again is great to see, suprised still no venture into '98 UM considering its popularity.

[@awaister]

The best kof is still 2002 um if you’re a hardcore kof player

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

@@awaister Yeah I prefer '02UM over '98 UM but in terms of casual appearance I usually see a lot more activity for the latter than the former.

[@000mjd]

@@kingdomcomesuperman3669 the problem it's that 2002 taked long time to be the game that was 02 UM meanwhile 98 was good from the start

[@wildercerrate7295]

2002 UM supremacy

[@o_oro-q1k]

@@awaister i wouldn't consider myself a hardcore execution god despite playing the series for a fair while but 02UM is still my favorite

[@Deniz_50]

Can't believe there was no soulcalibur or samurai shodown.

[@AngelCam7]

I really like seeing Max react to content like this, sharing his own viewpoint that either counteracts or, in this case, supports the choice of games on the list. 🙂

[@sunnygo8469]

From the 1st time i played 3strike i loved it. The match was ken vs ryu and when they did the fist bump animation i knew. The music stood out too. A beautiful, fun and complex game.

[@mrkarate8134]

Battle Arena Toshinden is very underrated along with Bushido Blade 2.

[@conanbdetective]

🤣

[@BroNapartay]

I vant a revolution!

[@orlanzo2621]

I have a LOT of nostalgia for the BAT series but ehhhh, lol. The games aren't that great honestly, and they've aged like milk, especially gameplay-wise. But man i loved the characters and the music, still do.

[@mrkarate8134]

@@orlanzo2621 I feel like BOT paved the way for Soul Calibur/Soul Edge

[@orlanzo2621]

@@mrkarate8134 Yep! I always said that as well. Even a few of the characters seemed like they might have been at least a slight inspiration. Duke=Siegfried, Rungo=Rock, Eiji=Hwang, etc.

[@BebehCookieIcecream]

When that 3S banger started playing I pogged in-sync with max. Awesome list.

[@meteor22]

They got someone to compile this list that is an ACTUAL FAN of fighting games. I think that's a pretty obvious assumption to come to after seeing the picks from this guy.

[@syzonax]

I think I've heard that dudes voice before and he has good takes and reviews, one of the good IGN reviewers

[@xlixity]

I disagree; I felt he went with safe picks beloved by internet circles on reddit or forums, given how his actual explanations for these games seemed very generic and vague. The way Max explains games and the way the IGN guy explains says it all.

[@vigil4270]

@@syzonax Usually the reviewer isn't the one narrating the video

[@abxy2257]

@@vigil4270 In this case it is. He's Ronny Barrier, a big FG nerd that works at IGN.

[@o_oro-q1k]

Strive at 2 and KOFXIII over 02UM and 98 still bugs me

[@danimorgan3085]

Someone get this man more lists

[@MIrfanPerdana]

This person gets it!

[@Sierlea]

It's incredibly rare for a top 10 list to be so good!

[@mgsxmike]

especially from IGN

[@Zetho]

So many local scenes for 3rd strike in NYC. I play it weekly and my love for the game grows more and more as time passes

[@ob1slam]

My top 13 list. 11th, 12th & 13th are basically honourable mentions: 1. SF 3rd Strike 2. Killer Instinct 3. Capcom vs SNK 2 4. Soul Caliber 2 5. Tekken 3 6. KoF 13 7. SF 4 8. SF Alpha 3 9. MvC 2 10. Dead or Alive 2 11. Tatsunoku vs Capcom 12. SF 2 Turbo 13. MK 3

[@kaz_araya7960]

Tatsunoko vs Capcom... Damn that's a game i haven't heard in a really long time

[@darklombax2580]

I would say ki revolutionize modern fighting games when it came to character monetization(it implemented the idea of seasons for the FGC), net code importance, and the unique feeling that each character brings.

[@jesselee9223]

3rd strike is amazing and my personal favorite but 4 deserved that spot. It single handedly revitalized the scene and it’s longevity was seriously impressive.

[@kauanjos3199]

Actually agree i wouldn't be playing fighting games if it wasn't for 4

[@ShadowBlade79]

People like to forget that SF3 almost killed the franchise at the time because of how radically different it was. SF4 almost singlehandedly revitalized the entire genre.

[@kauanjos3199]

@@ShadowBlade79 not only that but also because the machine arcades were super expensive because of the new chip that runs street fighter 3. So they were quite rare in the arcades

[@wildercerrate7295]

3rd strike will be the best game but 4 will always be remembered as a sort of savior of the FGC

[@wesleysolomon5364]

@@ShadowBlade79 And people also like to conveniently forget how saturated the arcade market was for fighting games at the time. If you didn't live during that time, then you wouldn't really understand it.

[@eduardoserpa1682]

Makes sense that Max agrees. The list has very modern FG sensibilities, and Max was a huge part in shaping the opinions of people on most of those games.

[@NeoDaOne]

I think that IGN being a video game focused company in terms of news and reviews, they would have a better understanding & in tune of what is going on from a fighting games. Mojo is top 10 of anything culturally so their take is much broader and not really speaking for the video game community.

[@TyrantWesker]

But IGN is also known for their shit takes, so it's rare for them to get things right.

[@NeoDaOne]

@@TyrantWesker which makes this list even more surprising.

[@Nickulator]

@@TyrantWesker Because every take from IGN is a representation of the individual journalist/critic giving their take, not IGN as a whole. Sure that person's take is then presented as "IGN's take" but that is rarely the case. Look I meme on IGN as much as the next guy, but they rotate new people in and out a lot and they let freelancers write articles for them, so their content is always going to be extremely hit and miss. Mostly it's misses, this list just so happened to be a hit.

[@MayDay0510]

I clicked this vid. YT said I wasn’t subscribed and I was pissed because I know I was and I woulda been had I forgot to check on Max. We love you dude

[@1234_Flux]

Virtua Fighter 5 is 16 years old and still doesn't have a sequel, that's insane!

[@LodanZark]

Yet, I am still waiting for VF5US for PC v.v

[@richadoruisuthegod3674]

@Asshat Zeppeli what do you mean?

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Nobody played it

[@SlowLearner-z3h]

@@pleaseshutup7053 It still sold over a million units. It was not enough for Sega, but the game did not "fail".

[@eastcoasttone3952]

Strive at #2 is definitely gonna get a lot of people riled up but I'm not mad at it

[@MobyDrip]

People are already malding in the comments.

[@SlowLearner-z3h]

Yeah, Strive seems to be the anime equivalent to SFV for some people. It gets a lot of unnecessary hate, but the game is great and it's definitely one of the greatest fighting games of all time. Besides that a lot of people seem to really enjoy playing it and that´s something that you can't say about some of the other "great" games people bring up all the time.

[@jeremygregorio7472]

1 sailor Moon for the super Nintendo 2 Shaq Fu 3 Street Smart 4 tongue of the fatman 5 Criticom 6 Brutal paws is furry 7 Marvel Nemesis 8 Hilander (ZX Spectrum) 9 Dangerous Streets 10 Black Hole Assault

[@chuckyluvsu13]

I just discovered your channel and absolutely love your content !! Thank you for being awesome

[@RichKnight36]

I remember how I was the only person in my arcade playing Street Fighter 3, and now, it's considered one of the greatest fighting games of all time. Ahead of its time.

[@perezty7]

Bloody Roar, Fighting Vipers, MVC Series, and Power Stone were on my list back in the day.

[@Senumunu]

this is a very good list when contrasted to this generation of fighting games i bet things will change in the future other games cant rely on SF shitting the bed anymore

[@pedroportela6476]

You do realize that SF "not sitting the bed" wouldn't change a single thing about this list, don't you? Remember "Only one game per series"? The only thing it would change would be SF6 replacing Third Strike, at best.

[@lukemoonwalker8444]

Arguably, a Smash rep will be needed soon because Smash clones are blowing up in recent years.

[@BiriBiri925]

I really hope SF6 gets things right. The era of SF5 was unbearable, I practically stopped playing fighting games because of this damn game. I pray that SF6 is at least as good as SSF4. We need a comeback ffs!

[@thealster370]

​@@BiriBiri925 now a year later. How do u feel about sf6? Me personal i think sf6 might objectively the best sf game. But my personal goat might be sf4 even though i didnt play it much.

[@BasketCase-rr7tx]

This list will have been written by Mitchell Saltzman. He's pretty much the only big fighting game fan who works for IGN.

[@doomzilla3568]

WOW, who knew IGN actually made a legit good list of fighting games!!! While i do wish games such as soulcalibur and marvel vs capcom 2 would be in the list, I'm still quite satisfied with what they picked. I'm impressed.

[@shonenderpb4760]

Wanna talk about Killer Instinct’s influence reach? KI is in Bob ❤️ Abishola ep. 1

[@KingJadInfiniteHope]

3:34 the first great story mode in a fighting game was Def Jam.

[@blove88]

I agree although some will argue Rival Schools or Project Justice

[@blackmanta2527]

Nah X men Next Dimension also had a good story mode

[@xlixity]

KoF did it in the 90s.

[@rafaelcabanizas4997]

It should be on top 10 fighting games too atleast still worth playing at this year.

[@blove88]

@@xlixity If u wanna get technical, the Fatal Fury series actually got that ball rolling. SNK in the 90s walked so others like NetherRealm could run in the modern era

[@bjwaters]

Thinking about the list, I wonder if the writer is someone who is "in the know," but is younger than Max and his peers, perhaps even an '09er. I know the list was pretty clear that it was more interested in which games still hold up over anything like historical impact or importance, but I do think that seeing so many of these newer games on the list might be a reflection of someone who came to fighting games after the golden age of the 90s. And while seeing SF3 might question this logic, I still think it fits because if someone came into the FGC in '09, they entered into a culture that constantly stated that SF3 was the best, and simply absorbed it as fact. Perhaps the writer has since gone back and played SF3 (and the Online Edition was certainly a big deal when it came out in 2010, so they would have had the chance to), but this does feel like a list that's a reflection of what fighting games are now, rather than one that's comprehensive across the genre's entire history. Just my two cents, though. I could be waaay off base here. XD

[@Ultrahand]

I knew people would disagree with the list regardless because it was by ign, but honestly the picks are solid and I'd personally change only a few games and order

[@danieln6700]

No one can agree on a lost really. Everyone has their preferences or games special to them

[@YoungCheezy325]

What you said @23:00 is the most beautiful statement I could hear in current times. DO NOT DUMB DOWN FIGHTING GAMES and alienate your loyal fans. Casual players are just that, casual. If you have a passion you stick with something. You don't turn a steak house into a McDonald's to make it more accessible to other people. Keep the IP an art.

[@DaRkLoRd-rc5yu]

I mean I still love the feeling of over coming Gill in third strike. And also its still just so fun to play online. I'm still annoyed thirdstrike wasn't added to the last capcom fighting game collection cuz I want a version with that net code. Still a great collection because darkstalkers is sick as hell.

[@SanguinePink]

Street fighter anniversary collection

[@veeetox]

You should react to Screwattack's and Death Battle's top 10 fighting games list (those videos were made by the same group of people, but with a difference of like 10 years). I don't know if you remember GameTrailers, but these people were part of GameTrailers back then. The first video was released days after SF4 was announced, and the second was released on 2019. I'm sure you will like them

[@TheBattlesword]

Will you do Screwattack's Top Ten Modern Fighting Games sometime? It's nothing but safe bets, but I want to hear your thoughts on it

[@Tien1million]

Screwattack is still around?

[@CalyGamer13]

@@Tien1million Think they got bought by Rooster Teeth a few years ago.

[@rekkazan]

21:35 Max missed the biggest chance to say "Yeah that makes sense!"

[@louistop89]

"Now it feels like they're straight pandering to me"...then comes number 6

[@michaelschmidt4352]

I don't know how you can leave the Soul Calibur series off this list. Also shout outs to Tobal #1, Bloody Roar, and THQ's UFC 3

[@victim2077]

A good take coming from IGN, never thought I would see that day.

[@snowf6307]

I just want to say I very much appreciate the KZbin uploads because I can't really stay up to watch Max's streams anymore

[@blazejecar]

one thing on the fighterz/dbz titles front is that I've always felt it was a huge shame the fighting game community largely ignored DBZ: Budokai Tenkaichi series, particularly BT3, because it was an arena fighter and therefore "not a fighting game". BT3 was so insanely accessible with the simple combo mechanics and easy special moves that most people don't even know BT2 and 3 had a shit ton of depth, and a billion advanced mechanics for movement, pressure and combos, on top of a massive roster and tons of extra content. BT3 was sooo much ahead of their time. A bit unbalanced and perhaps too many characters, but I started playing fighting games because of that game and to me it's still easily the best fighting game I've ever played. Fighterz really isn't as good.

[@jeffgoggin1394]

Great take on "best" vs most influential. Maybe Strive is too high and maybe MVC2 over 3 but it's actually pretty solid imo

[@DrSlump-fz9ki]

So KOF XIII is my favorite fighting game of all time, but I think KOF XV should have been in it’s spot. It has more characters, better balancing, and far better netcode, as well as adding actual accessible mechanics to the game for it to be more newcomer friendly and keeping its depth. However, this game is something special and I can see other reasons why this game made it instead of XV.

[@Steveburto]

I bought 12 day one and then never touched 13 because of it. I missed out.

[@DrSlump-fz9ki]

@@Steveburto I have a soft spot for 12, but I also was top 10 in those leaderboards on 360 and PS3, so I also am extremely biased lol

[@draculathevampire934]

Xv is trash

[@themysteriousstrangerthatd8508]

I’d like to see him eventually watch/react to some of Thorgi’s Arcade’s Build the Roster videos

[@LV99MasterMonk]

I'm not a fan of lists like these as they are typically highly contentious within FGC, but at least there seems to be a well thought out argument for each entry rather than the presenter just gushing about why they like the game. Huh, IGN did something decent

[@RonnyBarrier]

We do our best. Thanks!

[@Kango234]

@@RonnyBarrier Oh wow I didn't expect to see you in the comments, but I have to echo their statement, I've grown weary of Top 10 lists over the years and I was hesitant to even watch this, but you did a fantastic job explaining your reasoning and not feeling beholden to legacy or classic titles.

[@RonnyBarrier]

@@Kango234 really appreciate it!

[@abel32695]

Third strike got me into fighting games in the 2010s just running sets with my homies after school. The music, the animations, the gameplay theres just too much to love about that game ❤️

[@binkyvonbinky6483]

3rd Strike I've always said is the best fighting game. My top five favorites that I played the crap out of as a teen when I played fighting games. 1 SF 3rd Strike 2 Capcom vs SNK 2 3 Bloody Roar 3 4 Soul Caliber 2 5 Tekken 5

[@binkyvonbinky6483]

@Aaron9 Meh, Alphas were okay, but music, art style, stages, and character designs in 3rd Strike were so much better. They made like 30 Alpha variations trying to get it right. You wanna have fun you gotta try and get like Alpha Gold 2 Hyper Max Tournament Edition on the Sega Saturn that never came out in America which is a port of some shit like Alpha 3 Uranium arcade. And the only reason you need that version is because someone in some video said it's the best version. 3rd Strike is 3rd Strike...as long as you don't get the Dreamcast version you're good, cause that controller sucks balls.

[@JennDouglas]

List is definitely written by several people since specific points like difficulty to pick up and play swing back and forth as praises.

[@cosmicspider2]

15:07 - 15:18 So basically like every other mainline entry...

[@thelastgogeta]

Or any spinoff Tekken if you choose one vs one mode...

[@neo7538]

I actually didnt think IGN could pour out a good video, damn I was wrong. writer, you did an amazing job. even I was blown away by the stuff written in the video

[@kingsman5121]

Top 5 for kof xiii is absolutely deserved

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

Glad just to see a KoF in general consistently making top 10, XIII seems to be the consensus but suprised no '98 yet.

[@kingsman5121]

@@kingdomcomesuperman3669 I rate xiii as snks best game and I’m someone who loves garou and loves kof 15 the way 13 looks and plays is just perfect

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

@@kingsman5121 I'd agree XIII is definitely one of the better ones, arguably my top 5 SNK games as well but I just thought the legacy of '98 would make this game appear more to casuals that XIII considering that games initial uphill battle after XII.

[@kingsman5121]

@@kingdomcomesuperman3669 I pray to god they have plans to give kof 13 rollback at some point that’s all it needs really a UM for it would be nice but rollback is really what it needs

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

@@kingsman5121 I'd imagine they'd save that for after they've completed XV as to not compete with themselves splitting the playership between both games. Its the last "popular" one to get that treatment (although I'd pray for them to do it to XI as well).

[@ryanadams8735]

I love KOF 13 but I would give the edge to KOF 2002 UM. Its a bit more fun for me, with the characters, gameplay and especially when it comes to the bosses. Would both be on my top 10 along with Garou.

[@voomy5155]

i think the best way to approach the strive v older gg games is its not a sequel to the old games. it is a NEW guilty gear game, and although it is more limiting than previous titles, it is more focused on what its trying to be. There is a manner of high octane fast paced anime fighters with 100 hit combos, so ggst didnt NEED to fill in that niche, so daisuke did what they normally do, they changed the smell of the game

[@sirHIXalotNA]

As someone who is part of the VF scene. Most people complain that VF5 online edition took too many options out. And that they made the fuzzy guard too strong. It is the first one that I tried to play and not mash in, so I like the game how it is.

[@samd1824]

Amazing top ten list ign 7/10 (For real anyone who watches ign reviews must have been surprised at how good this list was)

[@joeyisabsb1]

I am definitely surprised. Usually these lists are so nostalgia based that all the games listed are from 10+ years ago.

[@BiriBiri925]

Despite the fact that I have been playing fighting games since childhood, it was SF4 that brought me to this community for real. SF3 completely passed me by in those days, unlike Tekken 3, but after evaluating this game later, I came to the same conclusion. SF3 is the best fighting game. SF4 and SF Alpha 3 are nearby. There is something surprisingly attractive about it, amazing music, very beautiful graphics, unusual characters and endless gameplay depth. And of course the Evo Moment 37.

[@ToseRoyal]

I'm never sure if I'm a casual or hardcore fighting game fan, on one hand I'm not good at them, not a lab monster, nor am I particularly driven by climbing to the top of any competive ladders. On the other hand I've bought around 10 fighting games a year for the past 4 years, play at least a few hours every single week, am a big fan of robust or satisfying single player modes, and and love exploring niche fighting games and comparing the gameplay and aesthetic experiences of various titles. Maybe I'm hardcore but in a nontraditional way?

[@Max-iq7fd]

Congrats🎉 you were selected amongst the shortlisted winners 🏆 for the ongoing MacBook-M2/PC/Ps5 giveaways 🏆ωнατѕαρρ the number above☝🏻

[@Atrahasis7]

I think SF4 deserves top spot. SF3 is a darling but SF4 was the game that made even me, that I dont usually paly them, get hard into them and it was the same for many of my other friends. Even casuals. I genuinely think sf4 saved the genre.

[@Hexyvexy]

"It's IGN" It's a staff member at IGN. People are so quick to assume these outlets are monoliths. "Oh, Kotaku thinks X". There is an editorial oversight and general direction but that's not going to sway something like this piece.

[@anactualopinion868]

The soul caliber disrespect....SMH

[@burgerbitereal]

honestly Max, you're my favorite KZbinr currently. I've always wanted to get good at fighting games, but never had the inspiration to pick a game to practice, until I saw your Guilty Gear Strive videos that made me fall in love with the game. thank you so much for showing me the fun and awesomeness of the fighting game community.

[@Max-iq7fd]

Congrats🎉 you were selected amongst the shortlisted winners 🏆 for the ongoing MacBook-M2/PC/Ps5 giveaways 🏆ωнατѕαρρ the number above☝🏻