The Best SNES Fighting Games of All Time

As the third installment in the illustrious Street Fighter II series, Turbo: Hyper Fighting ramped up the action with faster gameplay and a slew of new features. Characters were given unique moves and abilities, such as Chun-Li's fireball or the aptly named "air hurricane kick" by Ryu and Ken. Not only did this title boast an impressive roster of 12 fighters, but it also introduced a revolutionary combo system that added depth and strategy to matches. Overall, Turbo: Hyper Fighting was undeniably a game-changer in the fighting genre, setting the standard for titles to come.

Following its gory and groundbreaking predecessor, Mortal Kombat II expanded on the series in several major ways. Newcomers to the fray, like Baraka, Jax, and Kitana, brought the roster count to a total of 12 versatile kombatants, each with their own distinct move sets and fatalities. With improved visuals, smoother animations, and the addition of stage fatalities and friendships, Mortal Kombat II elevated the gore factor while still injecting a dose of dark humor. This sequel cemented the Mortal Kombat franchise's status as both a technical and controversial powerhouse in the fighting genre.

Showcasing a diverse cast of 16 characters, four of whom were fresh faces, Super Street Fighter II was a worthy follow-up to its lauded predecessors. The game's updated engine provided enhanced character animations and a new combo system that encouraged inventive playstyles. Tournament mode added even more replayability, allowing for competitive clashes between players in a bracket-style format. With its vivid sprites, refined mechanics, and memorable sound bites, Super Street Fighter II held the attention of die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

With its prequel storyline and striking manga-inspired visuals, Street Fighter Alpha 2 captivated fans of the franchise and solidified its place as a standout entry. This title featured memorable mechanics like Custom Combos and Alpha Counters, offering players countless strategic possibilities. The 18-character roster was a masterful mix of series veterans like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Sagat, as well as compelling newcomers such as Sakura and Gen. From its refined gameplay to its engrossing aesthetics, Street Fighter Alpha 2 proved to be an evolution of the series and a new benchmark for fighting games.

Boasting a robust cast of fighters with distinctively stunning character designs, Killer Instinct revolutionized the fighting game landscape with its innovative combo system. Featuring the unprecedented ability to break opponents' combos mid-attack, this title demanded both skill and strategy in equal measure. Its darker tone and unforgettable big-bad boss character, Eyedol, helped to set Killer Instinct apart from competitors. With its captivating gameplay and awe-inspiring visuals, Killer Instinct remains a cherished classic among fighting game enthusiasts.

Taking the series' trademark gore and fast pace to new heights, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 offered an intricate fighting experience that pushed the boundaries of the genre. With an impressive roster of 22 kombatants, including the iconic Scorpion and Sub-Zero, this title satisfied fans while introducing several innovations. New gameplay elements, such as the introduction of a run button and "Brutality" finishing moves contributed to its more aggressive tone. Setting a standard for future titles, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 sparked a frenzy in both arcades and home consoles alike.