APersonafighting game may seem like an odd idea at first. After all, the series is debatably more well-known for its iconic characters and social simulation elements than its combat mechanics. ButPersona 4 Arenademonstrated that such a concept can work—and rather spectacularly at that.
Through magnifying the games’ larger-than-life characters with new combat as they’ve never seen it before, the fighting game spinoffended up striking a chord with hardcorePersonafranchise fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike. It would be a pleasure to see several other game series receive similar levels of praise by following inPersona 4 Arena’sfootsteps.
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Metal Gear
The cast of theMetal Gearserieswould certainly make for one eccentric, varied roster. From the fisticuffs of Big Boss to the swordplay of Raiden, and even the thunder-slinging antics of Colonel Volgin, there would undoubtedly be a lot to differentiate these characters in both functionality and personality. Imagine a pre-fight exchange between Volgin and Senator Armstrong; that’s more than reason enough why aMetal Gear1v1 fighting game has great potential.
Furthermore, stages like the bridge fromMGS3’sintro or the top of Metal Gear REX fromMGS1would likely make for exciting venues to engage foes in some good, old-fashioned CQC.
No More Heroes
This one makes a little toomuch sense givenNo More Heroes' unique characters. They’re quite memorable, boasting iconic designs, and it would be a treat to see a fighting game starring every single one of the stylish assassins featured in the series thus far. Characters like Badman fromTravis Strikes Againor some of the superheroes featured in the upcomingNo More Heroes 3would likely make worthwhile additions as well.
Devil May Cry
Dante and Vergilalready have a fair amount of fighting game experience, having both been featured in theMarvel vs. Capcomseries. But there are several other characters who would definitely be fun to take control of in a fighter: Lady, Nero, and V to name a few.
The series’ “Devil Trigger” mechanic—which allows players to inflict heavy amounts of damage in theDevil May Crygames—could also be a pretty neat substitute for the super meters that are typically a staple of fighting games.
Resident Evil
This may sound odd, but then again, so doesPersona 4 Arena’sconcept, and many characters from Capcom’s survival-horror series have already starred in 2D fighters before. LikeDevil May Cry’scharacters, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, Chris Redfield, and Nemesis have all been featured throughout theMarvel vs. Capcomgames.
That’s barely scratching the surface of viable candidates for aResident Evilfighting game. The knife-wielding Jack Krauser, stylish Leon S. Kennedy, or terrifying Mr. X would surely make for great characters with diverse movesets. Of course, it’s easy to imagine the toweringLady Dimitrescubeing a highly requested fighter, too.
God of War
Kratos was featured as an exclusive character in the PS3 and Vita versions ofMortal Kombat 9,and his inclusion showcased why aGod of Warfighting game would likely make for one entertaining product. A game starring the series’ cast of Gods with a gory, violent aesthetic inspired by theMortal Kombatseries sounds like a match made in heaven, as it would match the energy of the gruesomeGod of Warseries a little too well.
Persona 4 Arenais available now for PS3 and Xbox 360.
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