Best Fighting Games of 2021
First Runner-Up: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
Staff Writer Omar Banat: Nickelodeon All-Stars Brawl was one of the most unexpected titles to come out last year. If someone back in 2019 told me that in 2021 we would be in the middle of a global pandemic and that the makers of Slap City (Ludosity) were going to make an awesome fighting game featuring Nickelodeon properties, then I would tell you to stop lying to me about video games but the pandemic would make sense.
In terms of platform fighting games, there’s arguably only one other title in the genre that has a roster with as many recognizable characters. SpongeBob, Garfield, Korra, and Reptar just scratch the surface when it comes to this star-studded roster. Of course, there are deeper cuts like Powdered Toast Man, Oblina, and Nigel Thornberry as well.
But it would be unfair to assert that this game is simply popular because of its highly recognizable roster. It also has a unique way of parsing out movesets. Platform fighters typically have fairly basic controls which lend to their accessibility. Nickelodeon All-Stars Brawl is able to maintain the pick-up and play aspect while changing up the formula with moves like mid-air grabs and mid-air strong attacks. Plus there’s even advanced tech like wavedashing and wavelanding for those who really want to get deep into the game.
Maybe it’s not a “smash killer”, but Nickelodeon All-Stars is one of the best fighting games to be launched last year. Its roster is the first thing that draws you in and then its ease of entry helps to keep players around. And if you want to stick around for even longer, then there’s plenty of advanced tech to learn, practice, and perfect.
