4. Guilty Gear Xrd
So far it's a travesty this has only been released in Japan and the US (UK date still as-yet unconfirmed), but it's worth including for any prospective UK readers just because of how perfect an execution on 2D-themed fighting it really is. Even that element of a '2D fighter' is flipped on its head when you realise the exquisitely rendered character models and levels all exist in 3D themselves. It's a neat camera-trick that'll drop your jaw every time, and that's without mentioning how solid and precise the fighting itself feels throughout. From finishing moves to screen-filling specials, the Guilty Gear games have always had a devout following, and with Xrd, Arc System Work Team Red have finally implemented a slew of tutorials built to get anyone in on the action. 2D brawlers may have had their heyday back when Street Fighter was as big as GTA, but Guilty Gear proves there's nothing quite so enjoyable as watching perfectly animated anime-styled characters beat the tar out of each other.