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The PS4 and Xbox One are set for a royal rumble this year, as iconic fighting game franchises make a return on the new systems. MCV prepares to do battle
The next 12 months see a number of fighting game champions return to the arena – including big-hitters such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Tekken.
Street Fighter is Capcom’s second-best-selling franchise to date, having sold more than 35 million units by 2014. According to Guinness World Records, an additional 500,000 arcade cabinets featuring games in the series have been sold, which have together generated over $1 billion in revenue.
Notorious for its visceral finishing moves, Mortal Kombat was named by Guinness World Records as the most successful fighting game series of all time in 2011, with an additional ten world records held by the franchise at the time. Over 32.5 million units in the series have been sold.
However, it has been overtaken by Street Fighter and Tekken, the latter of which is the best-selling fighting game property of all time with 41 million sales.
The popularity of fighting games has led to numerous spin-offs across a variety of other mediums. Both Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat have had cinematic outings, with 1995’s Mortal Kombat film (helmed by Resident Evil director Paul W.S. Anderson) holding the title of highest-grossing film based on a beat ‘em up video game – it made over $122 million at the Box Office. A reboot of the Mortal Kombat film series was announced by New Line Cinema in 2011, but has since been reported as falling into development hell.
As for games, Mortal Kombat X has just hit retail shelves, with Tekken 7 set for retail release later in 2015 following its launch in Japanese arcades. Meanwhile, Street Fighter V is currently slated to hit PS4 and PC in early 2016.
Street Fighter V marks the first new core game in the hit franchise since IV in 2008 – meaning its release is sure to bring fighting game fans flooding into stores.
Venom Arcade Stick for PS3 and PS4
Players can switch this fighting stick between PS3 and PS4 compatibility thanks to its dual-format design. The joystick is built around a steel shaft micro-switched stick, giving it an arcade machine level of responsiveness. It has an ergonomic layout, and an appearance that is designed to complement the aesthetics of the PlayStation consoles. Eight buttons – with turbo functions – and the PS4 Share Button are included.
RRP: 69.99
Manufacturer: Venom
Distributor: Venom
Contact: 01763 284 181
Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai
This stick works on both the PS4 and PS3. It includes a touch panel at the back so that players can input actions normally assigned to the DualShock 4 controller’s touchpad. A side button panel is additionally featured, which offers a turbo function and stick toggle switch. A carry handle is built into the device for those taking it to friends’ houses or eSports tournaments.
SRP: 119
Manufacturer: Hori
Distributor: Hori
Contact: infoeu@hori.jp
Mortal Kombat Choose Your Fighter Mug
This mug features the klassic roster of past Mortal Kombat titles.
SRP: 7.99
Manufacturer: Pyramid International
Distributor: Pyramid International
Contact: 0116 284 3645
Street Fighter ZangiefWrestling Red T-Shirt
This vibrant shirt stars the fan-favourite wrestling combatant from the Street Fighter series.
SRP: 20
Manufacturer: Echo3
Distributor: Echo3
Contact: sales@streetfighterofficial.com
Tekken Jun Kazama Statue
From her first appearance in Tekken 2, Jun Kazama has remained a popular fan choice. This 21cm statue is for them.
SRP: 54.99
Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Distributor: Degica UK
Contact: +33 1 55 17 16 56
GameCube Controller Adapter
This box allows players to connect up to four GameCube pads to PC or Wii U – perfect for Super Smash Bros showdowns.
SRP: $19.99 (13)
Manufacturer: Mayflash
Distributor: Mayflash
Contact: sales@mayflash.com
Street Fighter X TekkenFightpad SD
Two of the biggest fighting franchises of all time – Street Fighter and Tekken – meet in this pad optimised for intense competition.
SRP: 34.99
Manufacturer: Mad Catz
Distributor: Entatech
Contact: 0333 101 1000
Scorpion Wacky Wobbler
Mortal Kombat’s iconic battler is transformed into this teetering figure. You can be sure that fans will want to ‘get over here’ and grab one.
SRP: 13.99
Manufacturer: Funko
Distributor: Underground Toys
Contact: kenny@underground-toys.com
