Summary
Platform fightershave a lot of mobile entries, and there are quite a few that focus heavily on IPs from small indie games. However, there are also the big budget AAA entries to the genre that boast a wide range ofwell-known characters, and iconic locations from which they come from.
Few fighting games are unique and innovative enoughto create a whole new subgenre, but it is no secret that platform fighters were pioneered by theSuper Smash Bros.franchise. While the original is dated and clunky, a plethora of titles have been released over the years, with some of them ranking pretty high on Metacritic. To avoid this list becoming little more than a ranking ofSuper Smash Bros.games, the entries will be limited toone game per franchise.
5PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
Metascore: 74
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royaleis the first and only platform fighter with a heavy focus on PlayStation characters. While it has been compared toSuper Smash Bros.,with some calling it a blatant rip-off, the gameplay is very different. WhileSmash Bros.focuses on building up a meter from being hit that increases knockback,PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royaleinstead has the player dealing the damage build up a meter.
This meter allows the player to perform a special move to eliminate opponents upon being hit by it. Characters used in the game draw from some of the biggest names in PlayStation, such asGod of WarandRatchet & Clank, but also from some of the older titles that might not be known to modern gamers today, such asFat Princess. Players will need to be aware of what each stage is capable of, as they can have elements that force adaptation.
4Multiversus
Metascore: 76
Multiversusis the Warner Bros. entry into the world of platform fighters. This showcases just how many different properties are owned by WB and has characters ranging fromLoony TunestoGame of Thrones. One of its biggest strengths, and one ofthe waysMultiversussets itself apart from other platform fighters, is just how heavy a focus it has on 2v2 — for both competitive PvP and a PvE mode called Rifts. Rifts allow two friends to play out a series of challenges to collect stars that will lead to claiming rewards.
Each rift has different Gems that will augment gameplay, and come in a wide range of different difficulties. Playable character’s attacks and abilities are almost always references to their source material, and this is a true treat for all die-hard fans. 2v2 matches are made even better by allies being able to aid each other with support abilities, and each character has a role to help players know what play style to use for that character. This is also the highest-scoring free-to-play platform fighter out there, making it one all fans should give a whack.
While the firstNickelodeon All-Star Brawlwas seen as little more than a shallowSmash Bros.clone, the second game makes it feel like a game worth playing. The combat is fun, the sounds have weight to them, and the Slime mechanic makes for an enjoyable experience with each match. Slime can be used to enhance moves and grant some extra mobility for preventing ring-outs or escaping an enemy.
However, Slime can also be used to pull off characters' most powerful abilities that rival some ofthe bestSuper Smash Bros.Final Smashes. Just likeMultiversus, the iconic characters featured in the roster make tons of references to their source material.
2Lethal League Blaze
Metascore: 82
Lethal League Blazeis a fighting game with acompletely unique feel compared to every other gameon this list. Instead of players using a range of attacks to hit their opponents, they will be hitting a ball around. This ball is what will be dealing damage to players, giving a unique experience. While some might say this makes it too different, this is exactly what earns it such high praise and what makes it a must-try for fans of platform fighters looking for something new and familiar at the same time.
Lethal League Blazeis afighter with stylish visualsand requires quick reflexes, making this a thrilling experience. While stages need 4 surfaces for balls to bounce off of, and nothing to obstruct them, they do not feel bland in any way. Stages look amazing and vibrant, with lots of backgrounds having a sense of depth and some even having lots of moving elements to them.
TheSuper Smash Bros.franchise would dominate this list if all of its entries were added. While the second entry on this list has an 82, the majority of theSuper Smash Bros.games surpass the 90 mark. The firstSuper Smash Bros.game defined the platform fighter genre.Meleestands the test of timeas the most competitive installment of all theSuper Smash Bros. games, andUltimatehas the largest roster out of any of the previous ones.
Super Smash Bros.Ultimateis the perfect entry to jump into the franchise by offering players the perfect blend of fun and skill. It also has such a large cast of iconic characters that most players will find one they have already played in another game. Players who enjoyUltimateand want something more competitive should check outSuper Smash Bros. Meleeas well, as both of these entries are equally worth experiencing.
