Fighting Game Of The Year 2018: The Ultimate Champion!

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

The year 2018 was a phenomenal one for fighting game enthusiasts. From stunning graphics to intricate mechanics and nail-biting esports tournaments, there was no shortage of action. But when it came to the ultimate accolade – Fighting Game of the Year – the competition was fierce. So, who emerged victorious? Let's dive into the contenders and the ultimate champion.

The Nominees: A Year of Titans

Before we reveal the winner, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible lineup of nominees. These games pushed the boundaries of the genre and captivated players worldwide:

  • Dragon Ball FighterZ: Arc System Works delivered a visual masterpiece with Dragon Ball FighterZ. Its vibrant colors, faithful character representations, and accessible yet deep fighting system made it an instant hit. The game's fast-paced 3v3 battles were a spectacle to behold, appealing to both hardcore fighting game fans and newcomers alike.
  • Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition: Capcom's flagship fighter continued its evolution with Arcade Edition. This update brought significant improvements, including a robust arcade mode, enhanced visuals, and a rebalancing of the character roster. While it had a rocky start, Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition proved that Capcom was committed to supporting and improving their game.
  • Tekken 7: Bandai Namco's Tekken 7 maintained its legacy as a premier 3D fighting game. Its intricate movement system, diverse character roster, and emphasis on strategic play kept players hooked. The game's engaging story mode and regular content updates ensured its longevity in the competitive scene.
  • BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle: Arc System Works continued their dominance with BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, a crossover extravaganza featuring characters from BlazBlue, Persona, RWBY, and Under Night In-Birth. Its 2v2 tag battles and simplified controls made it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. The game's unique roster and vibrant visuals made it a standout title.

Dragon Ball FighterZ: A Deep Dive

Dragon Ball FighterZ really captured the hearts of fighting game fans in 2018, and for good reason. The game is a visual treat, perfectly mimicking the iconic art style of the Dragon Ball anime. Arc System Works nailed the look and feel, making every super move and character animation a spectacle. But it wasn't just about the graphics. The gameplay itself was incredibly well-designed.

The 3v3 team battles added a layer of strategy, requiring players to understand character synergies and team compositions. The accessible controls made it easy for newcomers to pick up and play, while the depth of the mechanics kept veterans engaged. Features like auto-combos and simplified special move inputs meant that anyone could pull off impressive moves, but mastering the game required a deep understanding of its systems.

Moreover, Dragon Ball FighterZ quickly became a staple in the esports scene. Its fast-paced matches and exciting tournament moments drew large crowds and made it a must-watch for fighting game enthusiasts. The game's online infrastructure was also solid, allowing players from around the world to compete against each other seamlessly.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition: The Redemption Arc

Street Fighter V had a bit of a rough start, to say the least. When it first launched, it was criticized for its lack of content and various gameplay issues. However, Capcom was determined to turn things around, and with Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, they did just that. This update brought a wealth of new content and improvements that revitalized the game and won back many fans.

The Arcade Edition added a proper arcade mode, which was a huge relief for players who missed the classic single-player experience. It also included new characters, balance adjustments, and visual enhancements that made the game feel fresh and exciting. Capcom's commitment to supporting the game with regular updates and new content helped to build a strong and dedicated community.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition also made significant strides in the esports world. The Capcom Pro Tour continued to be a major platform for competitive play, showcasing some of the best Street Fighter players in the world. The game's strategic depth and intense matchups made it a thrilling spectator sport.

Tekken 7: The King of Iron Fist Continues

Tekken 7 is a game that needs no introduction. It's a long-standing and beloved franchise in the fighting game community, known for its deep mechanics, intricate movement, and diverse cast of characters. Tekken 7 continued this tradition, offering a refined and polished experience that appealed to both veterans and newcomers.

The game's 3D fighting system is one of its defining features, allowing players to move freely around the arena and utilize a wide range of offensive and defensive techniques. The character roster is incredibly diverse, with each fighter having their own unique style and moveset. Mastering Tekken 7 requires a significant investment of time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.

Tekken 7 also has a strong presence in the esports scene, with tournaments held around the world. The game's strategic depth and exciting matches make it a popular choice for competitive play. Bandai Namco has continued to support the game with regular updates and new content, ensuring that it remains a relevant and engaging title.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle: The Crossover Dream

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle was a unique and exciting entry in the fighting game landscape of 2018. It brought together characters from different franchises, including BlazBlue, Persona, RWBY, and Under Night In-Birth, creating a crossover spectacle that fans had been dreaming of. The game's 2v2 tag battles and simplified controls made it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players.

The game's roster was a major selling point, with each character bringing their own unique abilities and playstyles to the table. The tag battle system allowed for creative team compositions and strategic gameplay, as players could switch between characters to extend combos and control the flow of the match.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle also had a vibrant and active community, with players organizing tournaments and sharing strategies online. The game's unique roster and exciting gameplay made it a standout title in the fighting game scene.

And the Winner Is...

After much deliberation and consideration of its impact, innovation, and overall quality, the Fighting Game of the Year 2018 was awarded to...

Dragon Ball FighterZ!

Why Dragon Ball FighterZ Won

Dragon Ball FighterZ wasn't just a great fighting game; it was a cultural phenomenon. Here’s why it took home the crown:

  • Accessibility: The game's simplified controls and auto-combos made it easy for newcomers to pick up and play, expanding the fighting game audience.
  • Depth: Despite its accessibility, Dragon Ball FighterZ offered a deep and rewarding fighting system that kept veterans engaged for hours.
  • Visuals: The game's stunning visuals and faithful representation of the Dragon Ball universe made it a joy to watch and play.
  • Esports: Dragon Ball FighterZ quickly became a staple in the esports scene, with thrilling tournaments and a dedicated community.

Honorable Mentions

While Dragon Ball FighterZ took home the top prize, it's important to acknowledge the other incredible fighting games that were released in 2018. Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, Tekken 7, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle all made significant contributions to the genre and deserve recognition.

Conclusion

2018 was a fantastic year for fighting games, with a diverse range of titles that catered to different tastes and skill levels. Dragon Ball FighterZ emerged as the ultimate champion, but all the nominees deserve praise for their contributions to the genre. Whether you're a hardcore fighting game veteran or a newcomer looking to get into the scene, there's no shortage of great games to choose from. So grab your controller, challenge your friends, and get ready to fight!