Unleashing the Power: The Best PS Vita Fighting Games You Need to Play
For enthusiasts of portable gaming, the PlayStation Vita remains a beloved console, despite its discontinuation. Finding the definitive titles for this handheld can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it comes to specific genres. If you’re a fan of high-octane combat and intricate mechanics, then the world of PS Vita fighting games offers a surprising depth of experiences. This article complements the video above by diving deeper into the top-ranked fighting games on the PS Vita, providing additional insights and context for each one.
The PS Vita platform successfully delivered a range of fighting experiences, from realistic simulations to over-the-top anime brawlers. Each game mentioned here has been assessed by PlayScore, a standardized rating that combines both gamer and critic reviews to provide an objective measure of quality. This comprehensive guide helps identify the must-have titles for your collection.
10. ONE PIECE: Burning Blood (PlayScore: 7.52)
Kicking off our exploration of essential PS Vita fighting games is ONE PIECE: Burning Blood. This title perfectly translates the adrenaline-pumping world of the massively popular ONE PIECE anime and manga into a dynamic fighting game. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, known for their narrative-driven games, it immerses players in a compelling story, revisiting pivotal moments like the Marineford Arc from various perspectives, including those of Luffy, Ace, Whitebeard, and Akainu.
Mechanically, ONE PIECE: Burning Blood offers fast-paced, 3D arena battles where players utilize each character’s unique fighting skills and iconic Devil Fruit abilities. The cell-shaded art style ensures the game looks as if it has been directly lifted from the manga pages, maintaining visual fidelity and capturing the essence of the series. Its gorgeous visuals and over-the-top anime action contribute to its strong reception among fans and critics alike.
9. Real Boxing (PlayScore: 7.65)
If the fantastical elements of anime fighters are not your preference, Real Boxing presents a grounded, realistic alternative among PS Vita fighting games. Powered by the Unreal Engine, this simulation aims for ultimate realism in professional boxing. Immersion is significantly enhanced by stunning graphics for its era, coupled with advanced deformation technology that visibly exhibits the impact of each powerful punch. This realism provides a visceral experience not commonly found in portable titles.
Players are able to create their own boxer and progress through the boxing ranks in an inspiring story mode. While it may not feature licensed boxers, the game masterfully conveys the intensity and excitement of the sport. Success in Real Boxing demands thoughtful strategy and precise execution, moving beyond typical button-mashing prevalent in other fighters. Both a robust single-player campaign and competitive online leaderboards are available, catering to different playstyles.
8. Street Fighter X Tekken (PlayScore: 7.89)
The fusion of two iconic fighting franchises, Street Fighter X Tekken, stands as one of Capcom’s critically acclaimed crossovers, released in 2012. This title brings together the established rosters of Street Fighter and Bandai Namco’s Tekken, creating an epic showdown. While its gameplay mechanics lean more towards the Street Fighter style, it masterfully combines the best features of both series, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans.
The game allows players to pit their favorite Street Fighter characters against their Tekken counterparts, exploring interesting character relationships and amusing banters after each fight. Its balanced cast and competitive mechanics were well-received by both critics and gamers. From classic pairings like Ryu and Ken to Jin and Yoshimitsu, Street Fighter X Tekken successfully bridges two universes, providing a rich, strategic fighting experience on the PS Vita.
7. Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!! (PlayScore: 7.97)
For those seeking a refreshing deviation from the typically male-dominated fighting genre, Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!! delivers a vibrant and unique experience. From the same development team behind the acclaimed BlazBlue series, this third entry in the 2D fighting series introduces a “delicious buffet of warring waifus.” It is a dynamic fiesta of female fighters, each with distinct personalities and fighting styles, all vying for victory.
The game boasts an impressive roster of 23 different characters, which can be paired with 19 unique Arcanas. These Arcanas infuse battles with a flurry of magical abilities, allowing for extensive experimentation to find combinations that best suit individual playstyles. Arcana Heart 3 is celebrated for its bright, colorful visuals, spectacular full-screen super attacks, and diverse character designs. Additionally, three new game modes—Story, Time Attack, and Trial—provide ample content for players to restore the world to its true form.
6. Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax (PlayScore: 8.00)
Another compelling crossover fighting game on the PS Vita is Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax, which brings together an all-star cast of popular characters from the Dengeki Bunko Universe. This title celebrates the franchise’s long history, marking its 20th anniversary when it initially released in arcades in 2014. It made a significant impact on the PS Vita, offering diverse fighters from beloved light novels and anime series.
Set in a 2D plane, the game adopts mechanics similar to traditional arcade fighters, allowing players to choose a main character and an assist character to aid in battle. It is widely regarded as a faithful port of the cult fighting game, featuring Sega-themed locations that serve as serene yet intense backdrops for skirmishes. Performing stellar combos with characters like Sword Art Online’s Asuna and Kirito, or Valkyria Chronicle’s Selvaria Bles, makes for an engaging and fan-service-rich experience.
5. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PlayScore: 8.07)
When discussing the pinnacle of crossover fighting games, Capcom’s supersized fighting series, Marvel vs. Capcom, consistently features at the top. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is an expanded version of its predecessor, “Fated Two Worlds,” adding 12 new characters from both iconic franchises. Players engage in thrilling 3v3 skirmishes with heroes and villains such as Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Phoenix Wright, and many more.
The most notable changes in this installment involve refined aerial combat and the X-Factor system, which introduces new strategic layers. These updates contribute to a more balanced fighting environment, offering fresh challenges for both veteran players and newcomers. As one of the PS Vita’s launch titles, it was highly praised for its smooth transition to the portable console, boasting stellar technical and graphical performances despite hardware limitations. Its expanded roster, enhanced online play, and fresh visual flavor solidify its status as one of the best fighting games on the Vita.
4. Mortal Kombat (PlayScore: 8.09)
Mortal Kombat, specifically its ninth installment, achieved widespread acclaim not only for its fluid fighting mechanics but also for its signature gore. The series has consistently embraced unbridled gruesomeness, which has resonated with fans for decades. The brutal fatalities—ranging from decapitations and freezing to stabbings and impalements—have become a hallmark, providing satisfying conclusions to each fight. This legacy proudly continues on the PS Vita.
Developed by NetherRealm Studios, this title pays homage to the series’ past by opting for a more arcade-friendly 2.5D perspective, moving away from full 3D rendering. The introduction of the Super Meter added new strategic depth, charging with every move and allowing for devastating special attacks. Players can unleash lethal combos with characters like Liu Kang and Kitana while unraveling the Redcon story of Raiden and Shao Kahn. New costumes and a responsive touch-screen controlled Challenge Tower further enhance the experience, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
3. J-Stars Victory Vs+ (PlayScore: 8.09)
For those seeking the ultimate crossover fighting game experience rooted in anime and manga, J-Stars Victory Vs+ by Bandai Namco is an unparalleled choice. While not an established franchise itself, the sheer star power of its diverse cast serves as its primary selling point. This game uniquely combines characters from various Shonen Jump series, creating a star-studded roster that brings absolute joy to manga fans.
Iconic characters like Goku, Naruto, and Luffy compete in explosive matchups, with sparks, shurikens, and Kamehamehas flying across dynamic 3D arenas. Spike Chunsoft’s specially designed mechanics ensure that despite their differing art styles, the manga characters translate beautifully into this unfamiliar 3D world. The game allows for jaw-dropping super moves performed to a heart-thumping soundtrack, delivering an authentic celebration of Shonen Jump’s legacy on the PS Vita.
2. Dead or Alive 5 Plus (PlayScore: 8.47)
Team Ninja’s Dead or Alive franchise has been a staple in the fighting game genre since its inception in 1996, and Dead or Alive 5 Plus continues this legacy on the PS Vita. Often described as one of the “hottest” fighting game titles due to its collection of feisty and visually striking femme fatales, it offers much more than just fan service. This game is also renowned for being one of the most balanced fighters available, transitioning smoothly to the portable console with minimal technical issues.
Beyond its detailed character models and anatomical physics, the game excels with polished gameplay mechanics. Players can dive into engaging button-mashing action or focus on strategic wins using perfectly timed counters. The smooth combat animations enhance the immersive fighting experience, making Dead or Alive 5 Plus a high-quality fighting game that delivers on both competitive depth and visual appeal.
Runners-Up: More PS Vita Fighting Games to Explore
While the top 10 represent the cream of the crop, several other fighting games for the PS Vita offer compelling experiences. These titles provide a variety of combat styles and character rosters, ensuring there’s something for every fighting game enthusiast:
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Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition (PlayScore: 7.45): This knockout title becomes even better with enhanced visuals and all available DLC. It brings superhero brawls to life, allowing players to control iconic DC characters in explosive battles.
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Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Force (PlayScore: 7.40): A portable spin-off of the Extreme Vs. series, this game is tailored for fans of mobile suit battles. Players can assemble their squad and engage in dynamic Gundam action.
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PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PlayScore: 7.31): Drawing inspiration from Super Smash Bros., this game gathers beloved PlayStation characters for an ultimate digital skirmish. Players can unleash special moves with Sackboy, Kratos, and other iconic figures.
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Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds (PlayScore: 7.26): This chibi-fied spin-off of the Phantom Breaker series offers a unique take on the genre. Players control eight original characters and defeat hordes of monsters in a side-scrolling beat ’em up fashion, adding a different flavor to the fighting game landscape.
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Guilty Gear X2 Accent Core Plus R (PlayScore: 7.02): As the fifth version of the X2 title, this game is praised for its excellent balance and significant rework of two in-game bosses. It offers a refined and competitive experience for fans of the Guilty Gear series.
1. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma (PlayScore: 8.52)
Claiming the top spot as the best fighting game on the PS Vita is BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma. This third installment of Arc System Works’ acclaimed fighting series closely follows in the footsteps of “Continuum Shift,” further solidifying the franchise’s legacy. Its success led to an extended version, which introduced new story elements and additional characters, showcasing its enduring popularity.
Chrono Phantasma keeps the series’ “wheel of fate” turning by introducing a wave of fresh faces alongside its already popular cast. The game features over 28 playable characters, each boasting unique skills and intricate move sets that profoundly impact the course of fate in battle. A new mechanic called “Overdrive” replaces “Continuum Shift’s Gold Burst,” granting players the power to stop time, adding even more strategic depth to its trademark fighting experience. While it may not be the ideal starting point for newcomers to the series, Chrono Phantasma is an outstanding title overall, celebrated for its overhauled fighting mechanics, exciting new content, and deeply engaging story, making it the definitive PS Vita fighting game.
