When many players think of fighting games, most will be in awe of how well pro gamers can hit multiple combos in games likeTekkenandStreet Fighter.These games favor a more aggressive style of player where having the skill to strike and time combos comes effortlessly.
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Many games likeBlazBlueandGuilty Gearpenalize players for playing too defensively, and others likeDragonBall FighterZare designed for exciting fights, where combos and power moves dominate. However, some players prefer tactical fighting games where they strategize, take their time, parry, and reverse opponents that are too aggressive. This list will focus on games where getting too aggressive will result in an easy and humiliating loss.
8For Honor
For Honoris a medieval online fighting game that pits knights against samurai, Vikings against Ninjas, and more. It’s a fighting game where players must master deflections, feints, parries, and counterattacks to be successful. The game goes to every effort to replicate medieval battles and fights.
As a result, players that try and fight too aggressively will be easily defeated and punished in combat.For Honoris morelike a chess gamewhere players will wait for their opponent to make a mistake and create an opening. Fighting too aggressively leaves opponents wide open to killing blows and counterattacks.
Dead or Alive 5is a fast-paced fighting game that looks similar to fighters likeTekken,and players can attack with combinations and fast attacks. However, the most successfulfighters inDead or Aliveknow how to fight defensively, hitting reversals and following up with combinations.
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A goodDead or Aliveplayer will take their time and reverse an aggressive fighter’s best attacks. The animations are fluid, and countering impatient opponents with a reversal is satisfying. In addition, defensive players can move around the 3D environment and take advantage of fighters that come forward.
6Undisputed
Undisputedis the latest boxing sim that’s still in early development but is already acomplex and satisfying fighting game. The boxing genre is a different kind of fighting game compared to games likeTekkenandStreet Fighter. Stamina maintenance and learning not to get are as essential as landing a knockout punch.
Two good fighters inUndisputedcan often go the distance without getting knocked out in a back-and-forth fight that depicts the sport of boxing. Aggressive players will get punished if they try to go for an easy win. Gettingcounter-punched inUndisputed, as well as gassing themselves out, can leave players open to a quick win for a defensive fighter.
5Bushido Blade
Bushido Bladeis PS1 exclusive and remains one of the best sword-fighting games ever produced. Unlike theSoulCaliburseries, where combos and super moves will win a fight,Bushido Bladeplayers can be cut down after one good strike with a sword.
Limbs can be targeted to weaken an opponent’s defenses and break them down piece by piece.Bushido Bladeis a unique sword-fighting sim where fights can end in seconds or several minutes with two good players. Trying to fight too aggressively will result in an easy win for the defending fighter.
4UFC 4
LikeUndisputed,UFC 4is a combats sports game geared toward strategy and timing instead of aggressive combos. As a mixed martial arts game,UFC 4rewards combinations, but more often than not, they are more effective as a means of counterattacking.
Trying to be too aggressive will make a fighter predictable for the defensive player, leaving them open for counters, takedowns, submissions, and an easy technical knockout. Stamina also plays a big part inUFC 4,and running out of stamina because a fighter has gassed out will leave them defenseless.
3Samurai Shodown
Despite its stunning but cartoonish art design,Samurai Shodownis a more thoughtful and methodical fighting game than theSoulCaliburseries. Not as strict as aBushido Blade,but the gameplay is more rewarding for defensively-minded players.
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Being cautious and looking for openings make it a morerealistic fighting gamethan it appears.Samurai Shodownfeels more like a nod to classic and violent samurai movies. As a result of the defensive style, the game is accessible to new players with its easy-to-pick-up control system. Overly aggressive players will get countered, have their weapons knocked out of their hands, and more.
2Fight Night Champion
If playingUndisputedin its early access state doesn’t appeal, or if players don’t have access to a PC that can run it,Fight Night Championis still the king of the ring in the boxing genre. The fighting system is easy to pick up, but defensive fighters that bob, weave, and counter their opponents are the most successful.
Even when players pick a boxer known for his aggression, like Mike Tyson, a patient fighter will outlast him and defeat the powerhouse in the later round after he’s gassed himself out trying to score the knockdown.Fight Night Championrewards tactics and timing over throwing mindless punches.
1Hellish Quart
Even though it is a title in early access,Hellish Quartis the closest players will get to a spiritual successor to theBushido Bladeseries. The indie title is even more realistic and methodical than its Japanese counterpart and relies on its physics-based engine and timing to win. Aggressive players find themselves at the mercy of a careful player as they’ll lose heads and limbs with well-timed counterattacks and strikes.
LikeBushido Blade, fights between Musketeers, Hussars, Swedish Reiters, and more. Even in early access,Hellish Quartis the ultimate sword-fighting and dueling simulator available to buy. Using feints and creating openings is the best way to win, as coming forward and attacking too aggressively will result in getting riposted and cut down.
