The 25 Best 2D Fighting Games of All Time

Our favorite fighting games face-off for the top spot.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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2D fighting games have a special charm about them that a 3D fighter just can't match. Maybe it's the complex simplicity about them. Or perhaps that back-against-the-wall feeling you get when a character rushes in on you is what makes them so irresistible.

Whatever it is, 2D fighters seem to be making a comeback and we couldn't be happier. Recent games like Skullgirls and Injustice are a sign that the genre is still beloved by gamers everywhere, so we decided to sit down and figure out our 25 Best 2D Fighting Games of All Time.  Did your favorite titles make the list? Click through and see for yourself.

Be sure to note: 2D fighting games are defined by whether or not they're fought on a 2D plane, so even a game with 3D graphics like Super Smash Bros. Melee still qualifies for this list. Trolls, you have been warned. 

RELATED: The 50 Most Dominant Fighting Game Characters

RELATED: Complex's Ass-Kicking Fighting Video Game Soundboard

RELATED: The 25 Best SNK Fighting Games Ever Made

Primal Rage

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Eternal Champions

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Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

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BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

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Street Fighter X Tekken

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Marvel Super Heroes

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Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge

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Skullgirls

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Super Street Fighter IV

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Garou: Mark of the Wolves

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Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match

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Killer Instinct 2

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Street Fighter Alpha 3

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Injustice: Gods Among Us

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Street Fighter 3: Third Strike

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Samurai Shodown II

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King of Fighters XIII

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Mortal Kombat II

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Killer Instinct

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Guilty Gear XX

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Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001

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Street Fighter 2 Turbo

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Super Smash Bros. Melee

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2

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