Prepare to fight! The revelation of 12 new upcoming titles indicates that 2023 will be a thrilling year for fans of fighting games. The PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1, PC, and Switch are just a few of the platforms where these games will be available. There is something for every lover of fighting games to look forward to, from hotly anticipated games like Project L to fresh takes on venerable brands like Fatal Fury. Prepare to fight and demonstrate your talents in these next combat games.
#1. Street Fighter
According to GameSpot official, we have received almost 15 more minutes of gameplay footage for Street Fighter 6. It is known that there was a beta testing phase for the game, and some people managed to hack into it and are still playing a copied version of the game. However, Capcom has issued a warning against such unauthorized use. On the positive side, the game is set to be released on June 2nd this year for both PC and current-generation consoles. This is how the game looks based on the recently released gameplay footage.
#2. Mortal Combat 12
It’s possible that I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll give a quick reminder. A couple of weeks ago, Warner Bros announced that Mortal Kombat 12, as well as Suicide Squad and Justice League, will be released in 2023. At this time, there is no specific release date for Mortal Kombat 12, but some speculate that it may be showcased during E3 2023, where its gameplay can be demonstrated. Regardless, Mortal Kombat 12 will be an exclusive title for the next generation of consoles, with crossplay support on PCs.
#3. Tekken 8
At number three, we have one of the longest-running franchises out there. It was also teased during Evo 2022, where it made a brief appearance and came away with a new trailer. The trailer finally confirms that the game will be released by the end of this year, possibly in October. All the characters in the game are being built from the ground up with a new engine. This game is an exclusive title for PC and next-generation consoles. Here’s a look at the recently released trailer that showcases how the game really looks.
#4. Shadow Fight Arena
Shadow Fight 4 Arena, or simply Shadow Fight Arena, is no longer exclusive to mobile devices as it’s finally coming over to PCs later this year. Although it won’t be released on consoles. Currently, it is one of the most downloaded, highly rated, and praised mobile fighting games. The game is officially in development for PC with controller support for both multiplayer and campaign modes. Unlike its mobile version, it will no longer be a free-to-play game on PCs. Here’s a look at the gameplay footage that demonstrates how the game really works on a video platform.
#5. Beast Fists
Built with the use of Unreal Engine since December of last year, at number five we have what is probably one of the most innovative fighting games revealed in recent months. This game is the first work of its developers and is called Beast Fists. It’s technically just a physics-based fighting game, but it’s heavily inspired by titles such as Mortal Kombat, Injustice, and even Tekken, which is quite unusual. The game features a diverse range of characters and will be a PC exclusive. It’s set to be released in just a few months, so make sure to check it out.
#6. Injustice 3
At number six, after almost six years since its previous iteration, Ed Boon, the creator of the Injustice and Mortal Kombat series, came out with the word that fans should patiently wait just a little bit longer. However, technically speaking, NetherRealms Studios has yet to confirm if Injustice 3 is in development at all, especially since we have rumors of Mortal Kombat 12. So I guess we’ll just have to wait a little longer, perhaps until E3 2023, to see what’s in store for the Injustice series.
#7. Project L
Project L is a highly anticipated fighting game that has been talked about for several years now. The game was finally shown off last year with new gameplay footage, and it has become even more popular since then. Project L is a 2D/3D assist-based fighter set in the same universe as League of Legends. It will be released on PC and previous generation consoles. In case you missed it, the game is rumored to be coming out sometime soon.
#8. Metal Revolution
At number eight, we have Next Studios’ highly anticipated PC port of one of the best Android fighting games of all time, Metal Revolution. It is a cyberpunk-style fighting game that is set to release by the end of 2023. This game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. To add to the good news, a new trailer has been released to give us a taste of what’s to come.
#9. Blazing Strike
Access developers, the creators of the old Blazing Strike game, announced in December of last year that a new game will be launching in fall of 2023 on PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. To go along with this great news, they released two gameplay videos. Just in case you need a refresher, Blazing Strike is a 2D fighter playable in both single player and online multiplayer modes.
#10. Undisputed
Sitting on Steam and other online stores for a couple of months now, we have the long-awaited Undisputed, probably the best MMA-inspired fighting game ever. The game has great graphics and a lot of characters to choose from, as well as a great multiplayer mode. The full game, which includes a career mode, is said to be released on all consoles simultaneously in a few months. Just keep in mind that it is still in Early Access phase on Steam.
#11. Fatal Fury
SNK recently announced a new Fatal Fury game with a reveal of Terry Bogart, Andy Bogart, Joe Higashi, and a few other characters. It’s been almost 20 years since the last new entry in the Fatal Fury series, so fans are eagerly anticipating this release. According to the developers, the aim is to represent a new turning point with more brutal gameplay than previous iterations, similar to Mortal Kombat. However, a precise release date for the game is yet to be announced.
#12. Blazing WorldStars
Last but not least, we have the first work of its developers, “Blazing Worldstars.” This 90s-inspired classic fighting game is currently available as a demo for PCs only. It features a six-button fighter like every 2D fighter game with special moves, throws, and super moves. It’s just like “The King of Fighters” but a little more old school in graphics and characters. Make sure to check it out in case you missed it.