Martial arts games

How are martial arts shown in fighting games?

Even some of the retro martial arts games tried to present real techniques with respect: even though the graphics didn’t allow for a realistic representation of a fight, you could see that developers had at least a basic understanding of how it should look. As years passed and the technology allowed for better-looking games, titles resembled the “real deal” even more. 

With series like Virtua Fighter or Street Fighter, more and more moves could be implemented into a title, making the whole fight look convincing. There was also a time when early Mortal Kombat games had (at the time) a photorealistic feel that, even though MK was always over-the-top, offered gameplay that felt pretty fresh, paired with great graphics. Still, these were the days of 2D arcade martial arts games, so no wonder that a brand-new alternative was shocking yet extremely popular. The gore finishers became the signature feature of the series that it has always been known for. 

As much as the gameplay was fluid and satisfying with two-dimensional titles, we knew that 3D models would someday replace the “traditional” 2D looks of games like that. Series like Tekken made the first step, and, gradually, the third dimension took over. 

Contemporary titles can present all sorts of real-life techniques in a competent, precise manner. Numerous game developers, including the people responsible for the previously mentioned Street Fighter franchise, decided to maintain the 2D spirit in their creations. This series still has comic-like visuals (with a heavy touch of cel-shading). That’s also why it’s still so popular – due to it being so distinctive. 

Best martial arts games

There aren’t too many titles that stick to the realistic portrayal of brawls, which doesn’t mean that Sifu doesn’t belong to accurate-looking Kung Fu games. It has a soulslike aura to it – meaning that you need to be careful in every moment of your vengeance attempts; otherwise, you will lose quickly. 

The game has an intriguing concept of aging – every time you die, you get significantly older, up to elderly age. You will fight with thousands of enemies, using the environment to your advantage, including any object that you stumble upon – everything can serve as a weapon. Combine it with an impeccable combat system, and you have a great title to play.

Cold steel is just as exciting and has its place among other great fighting games. One example of accurate sword-fighting is an online TPP title, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT. It’s mixing sword-wielding techniques with parkour, making for an adventure that requires planning. We also can use a unique hook, which, similarly to the one in Sekiro, allows us to travel long distances in a short time. It can also help us hide from our opponent(s) and strike at the best moment. 

If you’ve been craving various fighting styles, you can try most of the Yakuza titles. They may not be strictly karate games on PC, although these games implement numerous techniques that are represented faithfully. The developers knew that if the main character could utilize all sorts of martial arts, the gameplay would only benefit from that fact. 

Other than this, the series is a heavily Japanese experience and a solid alternative to the Grand Theft Auto series. Under the layer of weird humor and crazy events that you’re taking part in lies a phenomenal story of prideful members of the Yakuza. 

That was only a tiny chunk of what you can expect from martial arts games. They can focus only on the battle aspect, as in arcade titles from back in the day; they may also pay their respects to the existing styles, expending upon the concept and creating a whole new experience. All are worth your attention – so take your time and find your favorite on GG.deals!