10 WORST Things About Popular Video Game Genres
5. "Over-Innovation" - Fighting Games
The formula of the fighting game genre is simple: two competitors on a 2D plane tussle to see who's life bar drains first.
It's a gameplay philosophy that has been forged, developed and perfected, so it's always a nervous time when a developer tries to drastically alter what has been so perfect for so long.
From the mediocrity of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm's bland 'open world' and janky 3D combat to the scores of uninteresting modes in Smash Bros, anything that deviates too far from what makes the core gameplay great is so often so poorly executed.
The best fighting games are simple in design, easy to learn and hard to master. Tekken 3, Super Street Fighter II, SoulCalibur and Mortal Kombat 9 are all enjoyable to both hardcore veterans and newcomers alike. Combos are king, and they don't overcomplicate things to a degree that takes away from the fun. Side activities aside, fighting is always at the centre of their design, and they're all the better for it.
However, innovation is never a bad thing, and opting to stay stale is no better than over-innovating. Creating something new that best accompanies the tried-and-tested formula is where the true magic happens, and working within those parameters is pivotal to a game's overall quality.