5 Long Forgotten Fighting Games That Deserve a Revival

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Classic fighting games evoke fond memories of arcades and intense competition. While popular series like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter are still going strong, and others like Fatal Fury have made a comeback, there are many other older games that deserve a modern revival to introduce them to a new generation of players.

Many classic fighting games are now available on newer consoles, often packaged together in collections. A prime example is the Capcom Fighting Collection, which includes popular titles like Marvel vs. Capcom alongside lesser-known games such as Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. However, these releases aren’t complete remakes; they’re primarily ports of the original games with some minor updates.

5. Rival Schools

Capcom’s Rival Schools stands out as one of their most original fighting games. Unlike the classic 2D Street Fighter games, Rival Schools featured 3D graphics and team-based battles with groups of students. It even included Sakura from Street Fighter as a playable character! While many fighting game fans fondly remember Rival Schools’ unique characters and gameplay, the last installment was a Dreamcast version released back in 2000.

Unlike other Capcom fighting games like Marvel vs. Capcom, Rival Schools really focused on team-based combat. Matches weren’t just about individual fights; players built up a “Vigor” meter to unleash powerful team-up attacks. With its super moves, the ability to launch opponents high into the air, and unique defensive options like timed blocks and move cancellations, Rival Schools offers a truly unique experience within Capcom’s lineup. Plus, its high school setting helps it stand out and would make a revival particularly appealing.

4. Bloody Roar

The fighting game Bloody Roar is due for a comeback – whether through a new sequel, a remake, or simply a revival. While the original game didn’t feature many characters, the roster grew with each installment, culminating in Bloody Roar 4 released in 2003. Since then, the series has been inactive. Fans consistently praise the game’s fast-paced action, particularly the unique ‘Beast Transformation’ mechanic that lets players change forms mid-fight.

In Bloody Roar, players controlled characters who could transform into powerful beasts like wolves, rabbits, moles, foxes, or gorillas. These transformations, called “Zoantrhope” forms, made characters faster and more dangerous, leading to fast-paced and thrilling battles. The game’s impressive graphics helped it stand out among early 3D fighting games such as Virtua Fighter, Soul Calibur, and Tekken, offering a unique experience. With its dark atmosphere and potential for even more complex transformations, Bloody Roar feels ripe for a modern revival.

3. The Last Blade

SNK has created many excellent fighting games, and The Last Blade is a hidden treasure among them. It’s easy to miss when popular titles like Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters get so much attention, but The Last Blade offers a unique experience. Set in Japan’s Edo period, the game strongly emphasizes the look and feel of that era. While Samurai Shodown is known for its powerful attacks, The Last Blade features quicker, more dynamic 2D fighting.

A standout feature of The Last Blade is its Speed and Power modes, selectable at the start of each match. Speed mode focuses on quick, extended combos and a wider variety of special moves to keep opponents off balance. Power mode, on the other hand, prioritizes raw damage, replacing fast attack sequences with powerful, unique attacks. This blend of fast-paced action and heavy-hitting power makes The Last Blade feel like a mix of The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown, and it’s a prime example of SNK’s creative game design that deserves a modern revival.

2. Darkstalkers

The phrase “Darkstalkers are not Dead” has become something of a running joke among Capcom fighting game fans, because the Darkstalkers series hasn’t seen a new release in years. The last game, Vampire Savior, came out in 1997 and was only available in arcades. This is unfortunate, as Darkstalkers is widely considered one of the most visually appealing and easy-to-learn fighting games ever created, thanks to its unique cartoonish, horror-inspired 2D pixel art.

As a fighting game fan, I always thought Darkstalkers stood out, even among the greats. It wasn’t just the gameplay, but the way it presented everything. The characters were so memorable – they weren’t just fighters, but really cool takes on classic horror tropes. You had John Talbain, a werewolf who was also a kung fu master, Bishamon as this awesome undead samurai, and the succubi Morrigan and Lilith, who are still fan favorites today. Honestly, I think Darkstalkers really set the stage for a lot of fighting games that came after it. It’s not totally forgotten, thankfully, but I really believe it deserves a proper comeback!

1. Star Gladiator/Plasma Sword

Most fighting games stick to realistic settings, like modern street fights or historical periods. However, Star Gladiator stands out by fully embracing science fiction. Unlike typical fighting games focused on martial arts, Star Gladiator and its sequel, Plasma Sword, feature characters who battle with laser swords, cosmic powers, and even robotic viruses in 3D arenas.

Star Gladiator played like Soul Calibur, letting players move freely around arenas with the goal of knocking opponents out of the ring. Plasma Sword built on this foundation by adding quick dashes and unique Plasma skills that changed how players fought. Plasma Sword also featured more complex combos and a cast of characters inspired by sci-fi adventures like Cowboy Bebop and Flash Gordon, setting it apart from traditional fighting games like Street Fighter and Tekken.

When Star Gladiator first came out, newer 3D fighting games quickly surpassed it, and Capcom shifted its focus to other projects. As a result, the game faded into obscurity. However, Star Gladiator now stands out due to its unique setting, which could make it a good candidate for a comeback that showcases the diverse gameplay fighting games used to offer.

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2026-05-28 01:41