Fighting Game Of The Year 2018: The Champion Revealed!

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey everyone! Let's dive into which fighting game snagged the coveted title of Fighting Game of the Year in 2018. It was an exciting year for the genre, filled with intense competition and groundbreaking releases. So, who emerged victorious? Let's break it down.

The Contenders of 2018

2018 was a fantastic year for fighting game enthusiasts. We saw a mix of new IPs and established franchises vying for the top spot. Each game brought something unique to the table, making the selection process incredibly tough. Among the notable contenders were Dragon Ball FighterZ, Soulcalibur VI, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, and Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st].

  • Dragon Ball FighterZ: This game, developed by Arc System Works, took the world by storm with its stunning visuals, faithful representation of the Dragon Ball universe, and accessible yet deep fighting mechanics. Its 3v3 team battles and gorgeous animations made it a visual spectacle and a joy to play.
  • Soulcalibur VI: Bandai Namco's weapon-based fighter made a triumphant return, boasting improved graphics, a robust character creation system, and engaging single-player content. The addition of Geralt from The Witcher series as a guest character further boosted its appeal.
  • BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle: Arc System Works delivered another crossover hit, bringing together characters from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY. Its accessible tag-team mechanics and vibrant roster made it a popular choice among both casual and competitive players.
  • Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st]: This stylish and intricate fighter from French Bread continued to evolve, offering a deep and rewarding experience for hardcore fighting game fans. Its complex mechanics and unique characters set it apart from the competition.

The Ultimate Winner: Dragon Ball FighterZ

And the winner is… Dragon Ball FighterZ! This game truly captured the hearts of both critics and players alike, dominating the awards circuit in 2018. Its widespread appeal, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics propelled it to the forefront of the fighting game scene. Dragon Ball FighterZ was not just a great fighting game; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought together fans of the genre and the iconic anime series.

Why Dragon Ball FighterZ Stood Out

So, what made Dragon Ball FighterZ the standout title of 2018? Several factors contributed to its success:

  • Visuals: The game's graphics were a marvel to behold. Arc System Works perfectly captured the look and feel of the Dragon Ball anime, with vibrant colors, dynamic animations, and faithful character models. Each special move and super attack was a visual treat, making every match feel like an episode of the show.
  • Gameplay: Dragon Ball FighterZ struck a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Its simplified control scheme made it easy for newcomers to pick up and play, while its complex combo system and strategic team battles offered plenty of depth for seasoned fighting game veterans. The game's "easy auto combos" allowed new players to feel powerful right away, while still rewarding skillful play.
  • Fan Service: The game was a love letter to Dragon Ball fans. From the iconic characters to the faithfully recreated stages and special moves, Dragon Ball FighterZ was packed with content that resonated with fans of the series. The game even featured dramatic finishes that recreated famous scenes from the anime, adding an extra layer of excitement to each match.
  • Competitive Scene: Dragon Ball FighterZ quickly became a staple of the competitive fighting game scene. Its fast-paced action, strategic team battles, and high skill ceiling made it a thrilling game to watch and play. The game was featured at major tournaments around the world, attracting top players and a large audience of spectators.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of Dragon Ball FighterZ on the fighting game genre cannot be overstated. It revitalized the scene, attracting new players and reinvigorating interest in classic franchises. Its success paved the way for other anime-inspired fighting games and set a new standard for visual quality and gameplay mechanics. The game's influence can still be felt today, with many developers drawing inspiration from its innovative approach to the genre.

Other Notable Fighting Games of 2018

While Dragon Ball FighterZ ultimately took home the top prize, it's important to acknowledge the other fantastic fighting games that were released in 2018. Each of these titles offered something unique and contributed to the overall strength of the genre.

Soulcalibur VI

Soulcalibur VI marked a triumphant return for the weapon-based fighting series. The game featured stunning graphics, a robust character creation system, and engaging single-player content. The addition of Geralt from The Witcher as a guest character further boosted its appeal, attracting fans of both franchises. Soulcalibur VI offered a unique blend of weapon-based combat and strategic gameplay, making it a standout title in its own right.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle was another crossover hit from Arc System Works. The game brought together characters from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY, creating a diverse and vibrant roster. Its accessible tag-team mechanics and fast-paced action made it a popular choice among both casual and competitive players. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle showcased Arc System Works' expertise in creating visually stunning and mechanically engaging fighting games.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st]

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] continued to evolve as a deep and rewarding fighting game for hardcore fans. Its complex mechanics, unique characters, and stylish presentation set it apart from the competition. The game offered a challenging but ultimately satisfying experience for players willing to invest the time to master its intricacies. Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] demonstrated the continued innovation and creativity within the fighting game genre.

The Significance of Fighting Game of the Year

Winning the title of Fighting Game of the Year is a significant achievement for any game. It represents recognition from both critics and players, solidifying a game's place in the history of the genre. The award can boost sales, attract new players, and inspire developers to push the boundaries of what's possible in fighting games. The Fighting Game of the Year award is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion of the developers who pour their hearts and souls into creating these amazing games.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Dragon Ball FighterZ rightfully earned the title of Fighting Game of the Year in 2018. Its stunning visuals, accessible gameplay, and faithful representation of the Dragon Ball universe made it a standout title that resonated with fans around the world. While Dragon Ball FighterZ was the ultimate winner, 2018 was a strong year for fighting games overall, with titles like Soulcalibur VI, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, and Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] also making significant contributions to the genre. Each of these games offered something unique and helped to push the boundaries of what's possible in fighting games. Whether you're a hardcore tournament player or a casual fan, there was something for everyone to enjoy in the fighting game scene of 2018. What were your favorite fighting games of 2018? Let us know in the comments below!