Whenever I come across Top 10 lists for fighting game characters (and there are a lot of them), I often find them to be structured by either popularity, nostalgia, or both.

It bothers me greatly that the same few characters are always placed in these lists despite the lack of there being any notable reason for their constant inclusion, or for being included in the first place, besides being a popular character.

Thus, I've decided to try my hand at a Top 10 list of my own, one that I hope is a display of merit rather than popularity or favoritism. Keep in mind, this list is ultimately a matter of opinion.


In descending order:

10. Captain Falcon (Super Smash Bros.)


Captain Falcon's significance as a fighting game character hails especially when one considers his origin: a racing game. As someone who has never before been in a combative state, Captain Falcon proves how well genres can shift for a single entity. His superior combat system and powerhouse special moves make this speed king a force to be reckoned with.



9. Princess Kitana (Mortal Kombat)


Personally, I also find her to be one of the most underrated fighting game characters, even despite her legacy. Princess Kitana marks the accomplishment of storytelling in a fighting game, being presented as one of the most complex and sympathetic characters of the sort. Her trademark weapons have given her a strong fighting prowess throughout the series, and her overall existence will always make her a character worth having in a Mortal Kombat game.



8. Yoshimitsu (Tekken/Soulcalibur)


Proof that two is better than one, on many levels. Yoshimitsu's gand appearance and moveset led to his division into two major fighting game franchises, Tekken and Soulcalibur, as what are two (or three) characters. Throughout his nearly 20-year run, his fighting style has grown into one of the most superior styles of both franchises, and he boasts the blessing of never wearing the same thing twice, his costumes ever-changing. Yoshimitsu's presence as a fighting game character stills remains a joy to behold.



7. Orchid (Killer Instinct)


While originally was going to give this spot to Spinal, another great character, I had to remind myself of the realism of things and avoid favoritism. Easily one of the most iconic women in fighting games, Orchid is one of the few majorly popular characters with actual merit. In a game full of bulky, brawny men, Orchid proves that women still reign supreme. Her brilliant and beautiful display of moves make her a deadly warrior, so deadly the series' leading song was made in her honor. Orchid truly gives new meaning to the phrase. "if looks could kill."



6. Testament (Guilty Gear)


A prime example of how beautiful androgyny can be, Testament's appearance alone is a display of his capability. Wielding a scythe nearly the size of himself, he slays his opponents with ease. His special attacks are wondrous to behold, and all throughout he remains within his sleek, calm demeanor. Testament may be prone to ridicule by gamers for his costume, but he always gains the last laugh.



5. Isabella Valentine (Soulcalibur)


Isabella Valentine, or Ivy for short, is a clear example of "She's slutty and it's okay." While the stigma of video game women still exists to this day, Isabella Valentine dispels the connotation with her highly memorable moveset. Initially being the only original new character in her debuting game, she grew into a hallmark character of the series, and to this day remains of the most superior women in the fighting game genre.



4. Iori Yagami (King of Fighters)


While I personally care not for him or the series he belongs, Iori has received critical acclaim as a character of the King of Fighters series. He is praised for his speedy moves and highly destructive combos, neither of which can be learned easily. Truly, he deserves the title of a character worth mastering.



3. Hsien-Ko (Darkstalkers)


Sexy Morrigan and adorable Felicia may shine bright, but behind them stands a woman of a great hidden arsenal, Hsien-Ko. Energetically controlled by her sister Mei-Ling, Hsien-Ko is an unstoppable force with more weapons that one can remember. She moves ever-so-strangely and attacks with shocking and clever movement. Truly, this jiang shi desrves just as much notoriety as the leading ladies of the Darkstalkers series.



2. Kenshi (Mortal Kombat)


One of the only two iconic Mortal Kombat characters to have debuted after the MK3 era, Kenshi a powerful display of a video game character done right. In the most unlikely of scenarios, Kenshi bears the position of one of the most generic entities in both gaming and fiction in general, a samurai. Yet, he appears and moves in a way that makes him look as though the samurai was a completely new idea. Unmatched by his swordsmanship and telekinetic powers, Kenshi stands as an extremely astonishing character, one to be around for years to come.



1. Voldo (Soulcalibur)


What it means to be original, Voldo truly is a being no one can deny exists. What he lacks in speech he makes up for in his superhuman combative nature. His costumes are forever a shocking yet immaculate sight, while his many weapons are almost as sight-worthy as his costumes. Voldo's supremely unique and unprecedented fighting style, joined with his great appearance and beautiful loyalty, truly leads me to believe he his deserving of being called the greatest fighting game character of all time.


Feel free to discuss my list, and please share your own views of who is among the best of fighting game characters.