Strange Trend
By LAMP 2 Comments
Multiplayer games seem to be an escalating form of competition, and fighting games can be some of the most intense multiplayer games, seeing as it's direct 1 on 1 conflict. Also, for the most part, the companies that are known as fighting game companies have revamped their games to an incredible degree, making them minimalist affairs in the face of their predecessors. That return to ease of use is what's causing the fighting game resurgence.
On the other hand, there's UFC Undisputed (currently my GotY) which is not only competative and has the air of sports, but it has a violence to it that is captured very well by how the game works. It's an excellent recreation of UFC in a video game, even if it is a little obtuse control-wise.
At the same time, I cannot help but feel that the return of markets for these older genres (fighting games, adventure games) has a lot to do with people getting burned out over usual console fare; the endless stream of racing, shooting, and sports games. Eventually, there has to be something else to do. So it's good that fighting games are back to fill that hole.