Although Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat are seen as the? symbols of the fighting game genre, their styles are not guaranteed hits, with many preferring to venture toward other IPs for their daily dose of adrenaline.

But diving into a new fighting game is not a trivial matter, after all, no one wants to fall in love with a title only to find either a bare-bones experience or no one else playing it. Here are the best fighting games to play right now that are not part of the Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat franchises.

10. Killer Instinct

• Release date: November 22, 2013
• Available on: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X
• Developed by: Double Helix Games (At launch) / Iron Galaxy Studios
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

To start with a well-placed Wind Kick, we have Killer Instinct. Released in 2013 as a reboot, KI earned praise for its action-packed gameplay but d?ivided many given its small roster and content approach. Fast forward 10 years and 20 characters later, and the ga?me has grown to be an unquestionable success.

Looking a little more into its combat, Killer Instinct offer??s an easy-to-pick-up but highly technical approach that revolves around the ability to Combo Break. To put it on as few words as possible, the mechanic allows you to interrupt your opponent's offense through a well-timed input. Get the timing wrong, however, and you will be in for one hell of a time.

9. Brawlhalla

• Release date: October 17, 2017
• Available on: Mobile, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch
• Developed by: Blue Mammoth Games
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

Brawlhalla is a live-service platform fighter that plays just like you would expect, you pick a character and then battle your foes until they either fall or are pr??opelled out of the screen. Given its free-to-play status and cross-play/progression features, the game can be seen as the ideal ??pick for those looking to play online with friends new to the genre.

Brawhalla is also widely known for its crossover characters. But don't worry, as to avoid turning a F2P game into a pay-to-win exp??erience, all of them (except Rayman) are presented as skins to already existing and free-to-obtain units.

8. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2016)

• Release date: December 16, 2016 (PS4) / March 7, 2017 (PC / Xbox One)
• Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Series S/X
• Developed by: CAPCOM
• Does it have rollback netcode? No

An enhanced version of the title of the same name, now running at 60fps, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 allows players to pick from a roster of 50 signature characters as they take part in 3v3 battles. In true MvC fashion, air combos are? the norm here, and a well-timed assist can change everything.

If you can, I recommend playing the game's PC version, as even if its?? base roster already packs q??uite a punch, its community has done a phenomenal job by producing a wide array of extra characters.

7. UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes

• Release date: January 24, 2024
• Available on: PS5, PS4, PC, and Switch
• Developed by: French Bread
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

The latest installment in the series and a direct sequel to Exe:Late[cl-r], UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes takes a natural step forward by smoothing its predecessor's edges and adding new mechanics to the mix. True to the franchise's fame, the title also features one of the most diverse rost??ers in the market.

It's important to point out that, even if visually similar to other sprite-based series like BlazBlue and even its older sibling Melty Blood, UNDER NIGHT is a completely different beast. The reason? The way its Grind Grid system awards control, all ??while penalizing backpedaling and pushing you to be as efficient as possi??ble.

6. Soulcalibur VI

• Release date: October 19, 2018
• Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X
• Developed by: Bandai Namco
• Does it have rollback netcode? No

After the mixed reception of Soulcalibur V, Project Soul decided to bet all of their remaining chips in Soulcalibur VI, a soft reboot of the franchise taking ?place in a new timeline.

But although the game ended up failing to meet its publisher's expectations, SC6 succeeded in presenting the most polished version of the franchise's signature combat, now featuring improved animations and getting a breath of fresh air through new mechanics. In true Soulcalibur fa??shion, you will also find a good amount of single-player c??ontent here, be it from its in-depth character creation system or its Soul Chronicle and Libra of Soul modes.

5. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

• Release date: December 11, 2023
• Available on: PS5, PS4, and PC
• Developed by: Arc System Works
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

An updated version of Granblue Fantasy Versus, now featuring new mechanics, improved visuals, and the more than welcome addition of rollback netcode, GBVS RIsing's ability to blend standard fighting and RPG elements makes it one of Ark System Works's most distinct games.

Apart from its?? story mode bosses, that can be seen in the game's cooldown mechanic. Also featured in the vanilla version, the mechanic does exactly what you might expect and adds different cooldowns to Special Moves/abilities, thus forcing players t??o plan their every move to maximize their damage and options.

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ

• Release date: January 26, 2018 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) / September 27, 2018 (Nintendo Switch)
• Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Series S/X, and Switch
• Developed by: Arc System Works
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

The game responsible for raising the bar when it comes to anime/manga-based titles, Dragon Ball FighterZ takes the al?ready over-the-top approach of most tag fighters and turns it up to 8000 by allowing players to both fly across the screen and make use of all of the planet-destroying mo?ves they wish to come out on top.

The above is then paired with a roster featuring faces going from the classic Dragon Ball Z anime adaptation (and its many non-canon movies) to Super and even GT. In other words, no matter which season is your favo??rite, you are sure to meet?? a representative here.

3. The King of Fighters XV

• Release date: February 17, 2022
• Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Series S/X
• Developed by: SNK Corporation
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

Even if it hurts not seeing KOF as part of the big three, The King of Fighters XV is considered by many as the franchise's best entry point since XIII. After all, long gone are the days when your e??xecution needed to be pitch-perfect to land damaging combos.

The game also showcases significant improvements in presentation when compared to XIV, as well as a few new m???echanics that premiered both at launch and later in the game's cycle (I'm looking at you, Advance Strike). The roster also doesn't disappoint and features a total of 59 characters at the time of writing.

2. Guilty Gear Strive

• Release date: June 11, 2021
• Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X
• Developed by: Arc System Works
• Does it have rollback netcode? Yes

The first Guilty Gear game to go mainstream, Guilty Gear Strive is the seemingly final chapter in the Soul Badguy story and the most inviting title in the franchise. Truly, what ArcSys managed to accomplish deserves commendation, as they succeeded in giving the series an overhaul while keepi?ng its soul intact.

But that was not achieved without its losses, as many see the removal of certain moves/mechanics as a tone-down. For me, although I believe GG Strive excelled in adjusting its scope to make sure everything would be up to par, I can't say that I don't miss the wild Dragon Install Sol combos featured in the ??older entries.

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

• Release date: December 7, 2018
• Available on: Nintendo Switch
• Developed by: Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd
• Does it have rollback netcode? No

The latest in the series that helped coin the term platform fighter, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate takes the first spot in our list given how its easy-to-pick-up mechanics and welcoming presentation make the game a guaranteed fit for all, n??o matter if they are newcomers looking to have fun or seasoned players.

Another huge difference between the game and pretty much all other fighting games in the market lies in its star-filled roster of 82, which features both Nintendo staples and wild crossov?er characters. Have you ever imagined having Bayonetta and Samus fare off against Joker and Sora? Well, wonder no more.

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While it may be overshadowed at the moment by its RPG counterpart, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, the formidable fighter Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is not one to sit back. Two months after the announcement trailer, Nier: Automata's 2B is back with a new trailer showcasing? some devastating fighting and a killer version of Weight of the World.

Another reminder of Nier: Automata's greatness

2B is set to become available on February 20, 2024, as the second DLC fighter. Her pack will cost $7.99 individually. Alternatively, players who have purchased the Deluxe Character Pass 1 will receive the android alongside five other DLC fighters. Aside?? from her iconic swords, Virtuous Contract and Virtuous Treaty, 2B (and 2P) can wield a large number of weapons from the YoRHa armory??.

At th?is point, 2B is a safe bet for just about any game. The character is overwhelmingly loved by gamers, no matter their preferred genre. It's to the point that even if she's not a legitimate ??addition to a title, you can almost guarantee there's a mod that adds her in some way, shape, or form.

While she doesn't exactly mesh with the world of Granblue, 2B is immune from much criticism due to the "rule of cool." Be it Final Fantasy XIV, Soulcalibur VI, and more, Square Enix knows that she pri?nts money and wil??l license the character for just about anything. That's a huge win if you're a fan, and even if you're not, you get to beat the white-haired war machine into the ground.

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Everybody calm down! It's happening! Everyone's favorite sword-wielding android, 2B, is coming to Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. I didn't know that I was missing her but it's abundantly clear t?hat I was.

In a move that is both simultaneously surprising and not, Square Enix is licensing o?ut one of its most popular characters. It appears that the puppet character, Nier, will have some competition in several ways.

When is 2B coming to GBVSR?

During Granblue Fes 2023, Cygames and Arc System Works announced the Nier: Automata star would be joining the fantasy fighter's roster in February 2024 as part of the Deluxe Edition Character Pa?ss 1 or for $7.?99 individually. In addition to 2B as a playable character, she'll also be usable as a Premium Avatar as part of the DLC.

For those who don't speak Japanese or want to sift through 6+ hours of footage, a post was made on Twitter (now X), including a 65-second video of the blindfolded battler.

2B makes a rather stylish entrance with Pod following some conversation between the baffled Gran and Djeeta. She then gets to work with both the Virtuous Contract and Virtuous Treaty swords before unleashing a Skybound Art wi??th several Pod units.

She looks formidable with large sweeping attacks, quick-fire attacks from Pod, and teleporting dodges aplenty. I'm certainly excited to try her out as, despite not really enjoying Nier: Automata's st??ory, 2B's design and gameplay completely won me over.

This isn't 2B's first foray into fighting game territory, as she previously traveled back in time to fight against the likes of Nightmare and Voldo in Soulcalibur VI. She was a ton of fun to play then and her appearance in GBVSR looks to be a repeat performance. Whether you intend on playing her or not, it'll be wise to practice against her in the training mode as she's likely?? to be a pop?ular pick following the release.

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Granblue Fantasy Versus fans are going to have to wait a little longer for the next entry. Cygames, Inc. announced a delay that pushes Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising to December 14, 2023. 

Rising was originally set for November 30, so the wait is just a matter of a couple weeks. According to the press release, the delay was put in place to "allow for additional fine-tuning." Cygames apolo??gized to fans who were looking forward to diving in at the tail en??d of November. When it launches, the Arc System Works-developed fighter will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. 

Early access action

While Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising has been delayed, that doesn't mean November will be completely bereft of battles. The second open beta test will be held from? November 9 to November 12 on all three platforms. In addition to cross-platform multiplayer, the open beta will offer up access to the Grand Bruise Legends! party mode. Look for more details to be announced via the official social accounts soon. 

Early Access play will be available for those who pre-order the Deluxe Editi??on from the PlayStation Store. With the delay in place, the Early Access date has been shifted to December 11, with the caveat that there may be changes to th?e schedule between now and then. PlayStation Store pre-orders also come with a bonus PSN Avatar Set, which isn't currently planned for post-launch release in other forms. The set includes avatars for Gran, Djeeta, Siegfried, Nier, Narmaya, Beelzebub, and Seox. 

If you're itching for Granblue Fantasy Versus showdowns in the meantime, the first game is currently on sale on the PlayStation Store and Steam between now and November 8. It's currently $1.99 on the P??S Store and $3.99 on Steam. 

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Japanese developer heads westward

CyGames Inc, the Japanese developer behind the Granblue Fantasy and Shadowverse franchises, has announced it is expanding into the west, establishing two new st??udios in Europe and the United ??States.

"Following the worldwide launch of Cygames�strategic card game Shadowverse in June 2016, a Global Business Development team was established alongside branches in Korea and ?Taiwan to further pr??omote the company’s titles outside of Japan," said the company in a statement."

"Cygames America and Cygames Europe are the latest additions to Cygames' ongoing push to promote and market their t??itles in North America and Europe, which together account for roughly half of the world’s video game marketplace. In keeping with the company’s vision to be the best in entertainment, Cygames strives to continue providing high-quality content for fans all around the globe."

The CyGames Ameri?ca office is located in Los Angeles, where it is overseen by CEO Motohiro Okubo. The European office is situated in London, UK, and is run by Managing Director Hiroaki Ochiai. It appears that both studios will focus mostly on marketing, distribution, and the localization of products. Currently, it seems that neither team will feature in-house game development.

The next major release from the studio will be the revamped fighter Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, which is currently in development at Arc System Works with an eye to launch in later in 2023.

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Online coding requires a little more tweaking

CyGames has announced that it has had to, unfortunately, postpone its upcoming beta for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising �Originally scheduled for PlayStation platforms in May, the beta will now take place a?t a later, currently unspecified date.

"The game is currently experiencing stability issues during online play," wrote creative dir?ector Tetsuya Fukuhara in a short statement on Twitter. "While we realize that some bumpiness is to be expected during beta testing, we would still like to put our best foot forward and ensure we deliver as e?njoyable an experience as possible."

"In order to test our recent implementation of rollback netcode, we will be launching a closed pre-access beta, followed shortly by an open beta. For those who would like t??o participate in the pre-access beta, registration will open when we announce the updated schedule. Thank you for your patience."

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, which was first announced during the Granblue Fantasy Fes in January this year, is a fully updated edition of the 2020 anime fighter, produced by veteran studio Arc System Works. The new edition will feature additional characters �including the buxom shepherd Anila �as wel??l as ??new mechanics and stages, a story expansion, and a full rebalancing of all characters.

While not the most popular fighter on the block, GBF:VS is a great scr??apper, and this new edition will help extend its lifespan and, hopefully, bring n??ew fans into the fold.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is scheduled to launch on Pla??yStation ?and PC later in 2023.

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Baaaaaaad to the Bone

Publisher CyGames and developer Arc System Works have released several updates pertaining to Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising, the expanded edition of the studios' gorgeous anime fighter, initially launched on PlayStation and PC back in the winter of 2020.

Perhaps first and foremost, we received a super cute teaser trailer for a brand-new DLC character, Anila. The... erm... "buxom" lass is an all-round fighter, who will combine rushdown and zoning-based fighting methods �afforded vast reach thanks to her trusty polearm while being aided and abetted by her flock of Divine Sheep. Quite honestly, I think this a wonderful idea for a fighting game c??haracter. You think you've seen everything, and then ArcSys is just like "I dunno... Magic Sexy Shepherd?"

Say hi to Anila in the teaser trailer below. She is expected to join the vanilla GBFV roster in March.

//www.youtube.?com/watch?v=Gy__NiGaKRg&ab_channel=%E3%80%90GBVS%E3%80%91%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B8%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B4%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B5%E3%82%B9%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising will feature a slew of new mechanics in order?? to refresh the cult fighter's gameplay. While the core gameplay will remain the same, two all-new mechanics are hoping to bring new dynamism and excitement to the fantasy fights. New "Dash Attacks" will allow players to close the gap with a quick poke, a sneaky low strike, or a combo-starting h??eavy, allowing for opponent openings in the blink of an eye.

The second mechanic, "Triple Attack", is essentially an auto-combo that can transition to a low or an overhead mixup on the third hit. The opponent will be required to recognize the animation, or simply predict correctly, in orde??r to defend against the fast combo. If they react correctl?y, however, there is a reversal opportunity, so be sure not to become too readable.

Finally, CyGames announced that it will hold a special open beta tournament over the course of EVO 2023, giving the public the opportunity to check out Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising ahead of its launch, complete with the? new mechanics and balance changes. More details will be announced closer to the beta's launch, but we can assume t??hat it will take place in early August, alongside EVO 2023 itself.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising launches later this year on PlaySt?ation and PC platforms.

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And yet I still can't download the mobile game from Google Play or the App Store

This weekend is the annual Granblue Fantasy Fes event in Japan, and as usual, we’re getting some big announcements from the world of Granblue. Specifically, Granblue Fantasy: Versus is getting an expansion that’s launching worldwide this year. Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising will feature new stages, new characters, and a new story for players to experience. As you can see in the Versus Rising t??railer below, it’s confirmed the game will have rollback net code and crossplay between PS4/PS5 and PC via Steam.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ln58g217C4

Skimming through the game's website, it's confirmed that all 24 characters from the original game will return for this semi-sequel. Additionally, anybody who missed out on Versus will be able to experience an abridged version of that game's celebrated story mode. If you play a lot of Versus online, know that the online lobby will be completely revamped for Versus Rising and will include the all-new "Grand Bruise Legends" mini-game?? mod??e.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOVAZg3QJF0

I guess calling it "Granblue Fall Guys" would have been a little too on the nose. Either way, all of that looks great, and it's nice to know that Street Fighter 6 will have some competition this year. Expect Cygames and Arc System Works to reveal more details and new features as we get closer to its launch date. Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising will release worldwide this year for PS4, PS5, and PC via Steam. And if you're still playing the original Versus, know that the final update for that game will release on January 24.

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