The Majors: Why Fighting Games Are More Than Button Mashing
What do you think of when you think of fighting games? For many, it is the image of two players angrily punching buttons, attempting to deliver the most devastating combos. But as someone who has spent hundreds of hours fighting in blocks of pixels, I can assure you — it’s so much more than that. Fighting games combine strategy, skill, and creativity, and they have been a pillar of gaming culture for decades. Let me break it down for you.
The Modern Era of Fighting Games
Fighting games have evolved immensely since the days of Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. In those days, the graphics were pixelated and the mechanics rudimentary. Even then, though, the essence was present: outsmarting the other guy was fun. Fast forward to now, and games such as Tekken 7, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Guilty Gear Strive have set new standards with their visually striking graphics, complex game mechanics, and rich narratives.
I can still recall the first time I played Street Fighter II at an arcade. The joystick felt massive and clumsy, and I had no idea what I was doing, but I was being overcome by adrenaline. That’s the magic of fighting games — they suck you in, no matter if you’re a casual player or a serious pro.
[How are you, reader? Fine, but busy? Yeah, me too. Full disclosure: I work for a competing publication.]
Why are fighting games so addictive? For one thing, they are very rewarding. Every victory feels deserved, and every defeat teaches you something fresh. Fighting games are different than your average genre, though, they require your full attention. You’re not just responding to the game itself; you’re reading your opponent’s actions, flexibly adjusting your strategy, executing inputs with exact precision.
I will admit, I lost track of how many times I wanted to throw my controller across the room after getting owned by a friend’s cheap combo. But those moments drove me to improve. And when I snatched that perfect counter or pulled off a slaughtering combo, total bliss. That’s the appeal of fighting games—they make you strive.
The Fight Game Community
One of my favorite parts of fighting games is the community. You’ll never meet a more passionate and more supportive person than a street fighter. I’ve formed close friends for life through fighting games, and I’ve learned a ton from people who wanted to share what they knew.
If you’re new to the fighting game genre, don’t let it scare you. Yes, there’s a learning curve but the community is there to support you. Whether it’s figuring out how to perform a dragon punch or grasping frame data, there are a ton of resources and players looking to help.
Why You Should Try You Fighting Games
It’s a great time to get into fighting games, even if you’ve never picked one up before. With all these great titles available across various platforms, there’s something for everyone. Despite whether your preference is fast-paced action, deep lore, or competitive play, fighting games offer a distinct experience that’s tough to come by in other genres.
So pick up a controller, choose a character that resonates with you and get started. You may find a new interest — and possibly a tested way to play to your strengths.
These fun and flashy games are not just a genre, but a test of mind, reflexes and creativity. Whether you’re playing for fun or with the aim to compete, there’s so much to learn and more to master. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s throw down!