Top 50 Greatest Fighting Moves in Video Game History – 10-1

Check out Prima’s list of the Top 50 Greatest Fighting Game Moves of All Time!

Over the past week, we published a countdown of the 50 greatest fighting moves in video game history, from Dan’s super taunt in Street Fighter Alpha to Sub-Zero’s head-ripping fatality in Mortal Kombat. Now we finally arrived at the elite 10! 

Which favorites made the cut? Find out below. 

10.) Terry Bogard’s Burn Knuckle (King of Fighters) 

This red-capped fighter has plenty of moves, including the Rising Tackle and his legendary Power Geyser, but nothing impresses us more than the Burn Knuckle. With one charge, Terry executes a devastating dash attack that will leave most opponents knocked out. It’s also quite entertaining to watch – especially when it connects. 

Image Source  

9.) M. Bison’s Psycho Crusher (Street Fighter) 

M. Bison is incredibly powerful, and can easily lay people out with a variety of kicks or quick throws. However, when he launches into his Psycho Crusher, you’d best get out of the way. Lighting up his body with electrical energy, this attack will easily shock anyone. Plus, if he levels up and unleashes the super Psycho Punisher attack, well, you’ve had it. 

Image Source 

8.) Captain Falcon’s Falcon Punch (Super Smash Bros.)

You might think Captain Falcon is best suited behind the wheel in the F-Zero series, at least until you see his ferocious Falcon Punch in Super Smash Brothers. With one well-timed hit, Falcon sends his opponents flying across the screen into oblivion, while screaming, “FALCON…PUNCH!” It’s quite a moment – and more than enough reason to master him. 

7.) Akuma’s Raging Demon (Street Fighter)

How crazy powerful does Akuma get in the Street Fighter games? His super technique is beyond compare. He grabs his opponent and the screen flashes white, with several hits landing soon thereafter. He then stands over them, with his fiery logo sitting in the background. 

6.) The uppercut (Mortal Kombat) 

The uppercut is easily one of the best moves in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Land one, and you’ll see your adversary fly into the air with bloody authority. It has even more impact on the pit stage in the original MK, as you can send them flying down into a field of spikes – which will easily finish them off. FATALITY!

5.) Ken’s Shippu Jinrai Kyaku Super (Street Fighter 3)

It can be argued which of Ken’s supers are the best. After all, he has the Shinryuu-ken attack, as well as the Shouryuu-epa, both outstanding punch finishers. However, the Shippu Jinrai Kyaku hits hardest, with a rapid-fire collection of kicks, leading into the mother of all whirlwind kicks into the air. Hit this, and your opponent won’t stand a chance at the end of a match.

4.) Ryu Hayabusa’s Izuna Drop (Dead Or Alive) 

Ryu Hayabusa is the ultimate video game ninja. There’s no question about it. He’ll not only carve up an opponent with his quick ninja moves, but he’ll also send them flying into the air with a combo, only to teleport behind them and slam them to the ground with authority. It’s a move that transcends Dead or Alive – you can execute it in his latest action game, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. 

3.) Zangief’s Final Atomic Buster Super (Street Fighter) 

Zangief is a powerhouse wrestler, and if he gets a hold of you, you can pretty much kiss most of your energy goodbye. This is especially true if he launches into his Final Atomic Buster. He’ll grab the opponent, flip them over a couple of times into suplexes and then launch into the air for one mother of a spinning pile driver. 

Image Source 

2.) Scorpion’s Spear Throw (Mortal Kombat) 

It’s one thing to throw a projectile that hits an enemy and takes a chunk of their energy away. It’s another to have a projectile that drags them closer to you for more damage. That’s exactly what Scorpion’s spear does in Mortal Kombat, plunging into the chest of an adversary and dragging them over for even more humiliation. “Get over here!”

1.) The Shoryuken, or Dragon Punch (Street Fighter) 

There’s no greater move in fighting game history that can match the pure power of the Shoryuken. This dragon punch will send an opponent flying with authority, and is a superb stopper for most airborne attacks. Both Ryu and Ken use it, which makes fights between the two interesting. Who can Dragon Punch the best? Time to find out.

Check out Prima’s list of the Top 50 Greatest Fighting Game Moves of All Time!