Fighting games are one of the most popular and competitive genres in the gaming industry, with millions of fans around the world who enjoy testing their skills and reflexes against other players or the computer. Fighting games are also known for their rich and diverse rosters of characters, their flashy and satisfying combat mechanics, and their intricate and engaging stories that span multiple games and timelines.
2023 is set to be a big year for fighting games, as three of the most iconic and long-running franchises in the genre are expected to release new entries: Mortal Kombat 1, Tekken 8, and Street Fighter 6. These three games will compete for the attention and affection of fighting game fans, as they will offer different styles, features, and experiences.
But which one will be better? Which one will deliver the most fun and satisfying gameplay, the most compelling and immersive story, and the most loyal and passionate fanbase? This article will compare and contrast these three upcoming fighting games based on what we know so far, and try to answer the question: which fighting game will be better in 2023?
Also read: Diablo 4: The Ultimate Guide
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat is one of the most legendary and influential fighting game franchises in history, with 11 main entries and numerous spin-offs since its debut in 1992. The series is known for its brutal and bloody combat, its diverse and memorable roster of characters, and its complex and convoluted story that spans multiple timelines and dimensions.
Mortal Kombat 1 is the latest installment in the series, and it will be a reboot that will reset the Mortal Kombat universe and introduce new gameplay features, modes, and fatalities. The game was officially announced on May 18, 2023, with a reveal trailer that showed some of the returning characters and their redesigned looks. The game will be released on September 19, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Mortal Kombat 1 will follow the events of Mortal Kombat 11’s Aftermath DLC, which ended with Liu Kang defeating Shang Tsung and Kronika, the goddess of time, and becoming the new Fire God and Keeper of Time. Liu Kang then decided to create a new era for the Mortal Kombat universe, with the help of his ally Raiden.
However, creating a new timeline is not as easy as it sounds, and Liu Kang will face new challenges and threats as he tries to shape the history of Mortal Kombat. The game will feature a new Story Mode that will explore Liu Kang’s vision and how it affects the characters we know and love.
According to NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 1 will feature “reimagined versions of iconic characters as they’ve never been seen before”, which means we can expect some drastic changes in their appearances, personalities, and allegiances. For example, in the reveal trailer, we see that Scorpion has a more human look, Kitana has a more royal attire, Mileena has a more feral appearance, and Shang Tsung has a more youthful appearance.
The game will also introduce new characters that will play important roles in the new timeline. Some of these characters have been teased by NetherRealm Studios on their social media accounts, such as a mysterious female warrior named Zara, a masked assassin named Reiko, and a cybernetic ninja named Sektor.
Mortal Kombat 1 will also introduce some new features that will add more depth and variety to the combat system. One of these features is the Kameo Fighter system, which allows players to choose a secondary character from a separate roster that will assist them during matches. These Kameo Fighters can be summoned at any time during a match to perform various actions, such as attacking the opponent, distracting them, healing them, or setting up a combo. The Kameo Fighters will have their own moves and abilities, and some of them will be familiar faces from the Mortal Kombat series.
Some of the Kameo Fighters that have been leaked or rumored include Tremor, Johnny Cage, Khameleon, Mavado, and Ferra. These characters will not be playable on their own, but they will add more options and strategies to the matches. NetherRealm Studios has not revealed the full list of Kameo Fighters yet, but they have promised to share more details soon.
Another new feature that will be introduced in Mortal Kombat 1 is the Kombat Pack, which is a bundle of downloadable content that will include six new playable characters and five new Kameo Fighters. The Kombat Pack will be available as part of the Premium Edition and the Kollector’s Edition of the game, or as a separate purchase.
The Kombat Pack will also include some guest characters from other media franchises, such as Homelander from The Boys, Peacemaker from DC Comics, and Omni-Man from Invincible. These characters have been leaked by a retailer listing from Amazon Italy, which also revealed some of the other DLC characters: Quan Chi, Ermac, and Takeda.
These guest characters will join the tradition of Mortal Kombat featuring crossover fighters from other genres, such as horror, action, and comic books. Previous Mortal Kombat games have included characters like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface, Alien, Predator, RoboCop,Terminator, Rambo, Spawn, and The Joker.
Mortal Kombat 1 will also have a beta test in August for those who pre-order the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The beta test will allow players to try out some of the game modes and features before the official launch. NetherRealm Studios has also confirmed that Mortal Kombat 1 will support cross-play and cross-progression across platforms after launch.
Mortal Kombat 1 is a must-have for fans of fighting games and Mortal Kombat in particular. It will offer a fresh and exciting experience that will honor the legacy of the series while also taking it to new heights. Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19th, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Pre-order now to get access to Shang Tsung and the beta test in August.
Tekken 8
Tekken is another legendary and influential fighting game franchise, with eight main entries and several spin-offs since its debut in 1994. The series is known for its realistic and fluid combat, its huge and diverse roster of characters, and its dramatic and emotional story that revolves around the Mishima family and their cursed bloodline.
Tekken 8 is the upcoming installment in the series, and it will be the conclusion of the Mishima saga that has been going on for over 25 years. The game was announced on February 25, 2023, during a Sony State of Play showcase, with a teaser trailer that showed some of the returning characters and their new looks. The game will be released on December 12, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Tekken 8 will follow the events of Tekken 7, which ended with Kazuya Mishima defeating his father Heihachi Mishima in a brutal fight atop a volcano. Kazuya then threw Heihachi’s body into the lava, seemingly killing him for good. However, the teaser trailer for Tekken 8 revealed that Heihachi is still alive, albeit badly burned and scarred. Heihachi vows to end Kazuya’s reign of terror once and for all.
The game will feature a new Story Mode that will wrap up the conflict between Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as reveal the secrets behind their cursed bloodline and the mysterious Devil Gene that grants them demonic powers. The game will also feature other characters from the Tekken series who have their own stories and motivations, such as Jin Kazama, Kazuya’s son and Heihachi’s grandson; Lars Alexandersson, Heihachi’s illegitimate son; Nina Williams, a professional assassin; Lee Chaolan, Heihachi’s adopted son; Alisa Bosconovitch, an android; and many more.
According to Bandai Namco Entertainment, Tekken 8 will feature “the largest roster in Tekken history”, with over 50 playable characters from previous games as well as new ones. Some of the new characters that have been revealed or rumored include Lidia Sobieska, the Prime Minister of Poland; Fahkumram,
a Muay Thai champion; Kunimitsu II, the daughter of the original Kunimitsu; and Kiryu Kazuma, the protagonist of the Yakuza series.
Tekken 8 will also introduce some new features that will enhance and refine the combat system. One of these features is the Rage Drive system, which allows players to use their Rage meter to perform powerful and unique attacks that can change the tide of the battle. The Rage Drive system will replace the Rage Art system from Tekken 7, which allowed players to perform cinematic and devastating super moves.
Another new feature that will be introduced in Tekken 8 is the Wall Break system, which allows players to break through certain walls and floors in the stages and transition to new areas. The Wall Break system will add more dynamism and unpredictability to the matches, as well as create new opportunities for combos and strategies.
Tekken 8 will also have a beta test in November for those who pre-order the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The beta test will allow players to try out some of the game modes and features before the official launch. Bandai Namco Entertainment has also confirmed that Tekken 8 will support cross-play and cross-progression across platforms after launch.
Tekken 8 is a must-have for fans of fighting games and Tekken in particular. It will offer a thrilling and satisfying experience that will conclude the epic story of the Mishima saga and deliver the best gameplay in the series. Tekken 8 will be released on December 12th, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Pre-order now to get access to Lidia Sobieska and the beta test in November.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter is perhaps the most well-known and influential fighting game franchise in history, with six main entries and countless spin-offs since its debut in 1987. The series is known for its fast and flashy combat, its iconic and charismatic roster of characters, and its simple but deep gameplay mechanics that have shaped the genre.
Street Fighter 6 is the upcoming installment in the series, and it will be a reboot that will introduce new gameplay features, modes, and characters. The game was announced on January 31, 2023, during a Capcom showcase, with a reveal trailer that showed some of the returning characters and their new looks. The game will be released on March 15, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Street Fighter 6 will follow a new story that will focus on Ryu, the main protagonist of the series, as he travels around the world to hone his skills and face new challenges. Along the way, he will meet old friends and foes
such as Chun-Li, Ken Masters, M. Bison, Akuma, and Cammy. He will also encounter new characters that will join the Street Fighter universe, such as Lucia Morgan, a detective from Metro City; Rashid, a Middle Eastern fighter who can manipulate wind; Necalli, an ancient warrior who feeds on the souls of strong fighters; and Laura Matsuda, a Brazilian fighter who uses a hybrid of jiu-jitsu and electricity.
According to Capcom, Street Fighter 6 will feature “the most diverse and balanced roster in Street Fighter history”, with over 40 playable characters from previous games as well as new ones. Some of the new characters that have been revealed or rumored include Oro, a hermit who seals one of his arms to limit his power; Rose, a fortune teller who uses Soul Power; Dan Hibiki, a self-proclaimed martial arts master who is actually a joke character; and Rival Schools’ Akira Kazama, a biker girl who fights with her brother’s motorcycle helmet.
Street Fighter 6 will also introduce some new features that will revolutionize and innovate the combat system. One of these features is the V-Trigger system, which allows players to activate a special mode that enhances their abilities and unlocks new moves. The V-Trigger system will replace the Ultra Combo system from Street Fighter 4 and the Critical Art system from Street Fighter 5, which allowed players to perform cinematic and powerful super moves.
Another new feature that will be introduced in Street Fighter 6 is the Parry system, which allows players to deflect incoming attacks and create openings for counterattacks. The Parry system will add more skill and risk-reward to the matches, as well as create more hype and excitement for spectators. The Parry system was first introduced in Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, and it is widely considered to be one of the best mechanics in the series.
Street Fighter 6 will also have a beta test in February for those who pre-order the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The beta test will allow players to try out some of the game modes and features before the official launch. Capcom has also confirmed that Street Fighter 6 will support cross-play and cross-progression across platforms after launch.
Street Fighter 6 is a must-have for fans of fighting games and Street Fighter in particular. It will offer a fresh and exciting experience that will reboot the Street Fighter universe and deliver the best gameplay in the series. Street Fighter 6 will be released on March 15th, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Pre-order now to get access to Oro and the beta test in February.
Conclusion
2023 will be a great year for fighting game fans, as they will have three amazing games to choose from: Mortal Kombat 1, Tekken 8, and Street Fighter 6. These three games are the latest entries in the most iconic and long-running franchises in the genre, and they will each offer different styles, features, and experiences.
But which one will be better? Which one will have the most fun and satisfying gameplay, the most immersive and compelling story, and the most passionate and loyal fanbase? The answer is not easy, as each game has its own merits and flaws, its own charm and appeal, and its own history and legacy.
Ultimately, the best fighting game of 2023 will depend on your personal preference and taste. Maybe you like the bloody and brutal combat of Mortal Kombat 1, or maybe you like the fluid and realistic combat of Tekken 8. Maybe you like the flashy and fast combat of Street Fighter 6,
or maybe you like to play all three of them. Maybe you have a favorite character or a favorite mechanic that draws you to one game over the others. Maybe you have a nostalgic connection or a sentimental attachment to one game over the others.
The best way to find out which fighting game will be better for you is to try them out for yourself. You can watch gameplay videos and trailers, read reviews and previews, and listen to opinions and recommendations. But nothing beats playing the games yourself and experiencing them firsthand.
Fortunately, all three games will have beta tests that will allow you to sample some of their game modes and features before the official launch. You can also pre-order the games to get access to bonus characters and early access. You can also wait for the games to go on sale or become available on subscription services like Game Pass.
Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these fighting games. They are all made by talented and passionate developers who have poured their hearts and souls into creating the best fighting games possible. They are all made for fans who love fighting games and who want to have fun and challenge themselves.
Mortal Kombat 1, Tekken 8, and Street Fighter 6 are three of the best fighting games of 2023, and they will each offer something unique and special for fighting game fans. The only question is: which one will you play?
Mortal Kombat 1 is a reboot of the classic fighting game series that features reimagined versions of iconic characters in a new timeline created by the Fire God Liu Kang. The game has a new fighting system, game modes, and a feature called Kameo Fighters that lets you summon partners to assist you in battle. Tekken 8 is the latest installment of the popular 3D fighting game series that features a roster of over 50 characters, including newcomers and guest fighters. The game has a story mode that concludes the Mishima saga, as well as online and offline modes. Street Fighter 6 is the newest entry of the legendary fighting game series that boasts a rich single player experience with a World Tour mode that lets you create your own avatar and explore the world of Street Fighter. The game also has online and offline modes, as well as a new mechanic called V-Trigger that lets you activate special abilities.
All three games are designed to run on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PC and Nintendo Switch (except for Mortal Kombat 1 Kollector’s Edition). However, each game has its own style and aesthetic that may appeal to different players. Mortal Kombat 1 has realistic and gorey graphics that showcase the brutal fatalities and bone krushing moves. Tekken 8 has detailed and dynamic graphics that highlight the fluid animations and destructible stages. Street Fighter 6 has colorful and stylized graphics that emphasize the expressive characters and flashy effects.
