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Best Fighting games of 2005

The 8 best Fighting games released in 2005, ranked from 747 critic and player ratings.

The best Fighting game of 2005 is Tekken 5, with a critic score of 90/100 — updated November 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 30 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 2005.
  • 8 games are listed on this page, carrying 747 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 13 November 2026.

Top 8

Played them? Give your tier with the + next to each game. No account needed to try — create one to keep your tiers.

01 Tekken 5 Tekken 5 2005 · 274 ratings The home version of Tekken 5 came with new character customization options and a beat 'em up mode called Devil Within. 90 /100
02 Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection 2005 · 56 ratings Tekken: Dark Resurrection is an updated version of Tekken 5 developed by Namco and released in arcades in 2005. It adds new characters, balance adjustments, and expanded customization options. The game retains the series’ 3D fighting mechanics, where players compete in one-on-one battles using a variety of moves and combos. It was later released on the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 with additional content and online features. 87 /100
03 Soul Calibur III Soul Calibur III 2005 · 135 ratings Soulcalibur III is a fighting game produced by Namco as a sequel to Soulcalibur II and the fourth installment in the Soul series. The game includes three new modes and a larger character roster with 24 characters playable in Tales of Souls mode and an additional 18 playable in all other modes. 83 /100
04 WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 2005 · 57 ratings The debut PlayStation Portable offering of THQ and Yuke's long-running 3D wrestling series. WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006 expands on THQ's popular multi-million unit-selling franchise with a number of key new features. The Buried Alive Casket match, two new wrestler attributes (Stamina and Hardcore), and a realistic momentum system all combine to turn the series away from its arcade roots and towards that of a simulation. The PSP version follows closely on the heels of its PS2 tag-teammate in terms of features and wrestler rosters, with exclusive extras including additional characters and other features for the PSP version, plus USB system link to connect the two versions together. 80 /100
05 Dead or Alive 4 Dead or Alive 4 2005 · 39 ratings Dead or Alive 4 is a fighting game and the fourth major title in the Dead or Alive video game series, its plot following the events of the 2001 title Dead or Alive 3. Dead or Alive 4 features 22 playable characters and many multi-tiered and interactive fighting arenas. DOA4 has a number of updates in reference to previous titles. Characters' move lists have been vastly updated and four new characters have been added to the fighting roster, with returns from a couple of past characters as well. The counter system has been tightened, making the window for counters shorter and more difficult to execute, and the amount of damage that counters inflict has been changed. 80 /100
06 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2005 · 92 ratings Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi lets you play as more than 60 characters from the Dragon Ball Z TV series. You can battle using authentic special attacks of each character as you run, fly, and swim through fully destructible and free-roaming levels. Design your own character by assigning and upgrading 10 different attributes. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi has multiple game modes for both one and two players. 72 /100
07 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 2005 · 64 ratings NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 makes leaps in the franchise with a host of “firsts” for the series. Players can now live through and be a part of all the major events that defined Story Arc 1 in Heroes History mode. Also, ninja-in-training can customize their characters with the Ultimate Jutsu which gives them that extra bit of edge during battle and allows them to earn points towards upgrading their strength, defense, chakra, agility and other special abilities. Turn playable characters into more powerful ninja of unprecedented size or summon giant creatures as allies with the new Summoning mode. In addition, NARUTO fans throughout North America can experience the game in both English and original Japanese voice over. In keeping with the tradition of the series, an exclusive and original story has players exploring the massive 3D rendered Hidden Leaf Village, participating in battle royale matches and completing more than 55 missions. The experience doesn’t stop there as tons of unlockable content are available to offer loads of replay value including movies, music and cards 70 /100
08 Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects 2005 · 30 ratings Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects pits fierce Marvel superheroes against each other in a 3D fighting game. You can assume control of heroes such as the Punisher, Spider-Man, and Captain America, and duel with them in interactive and destructible environments. A new team of superheroes called the Imperfects joins the mayhem. You can play in single-player story mode to unlock collectible awards, or you can play against other gamers in multiplayer modes. 54 /100
Browse all Fighting games

Other years

Best Fighting games of 2018Best Fighting games of 2017Best Fighting games of 2014Best Fighting games of 2013Best Fighting games of 2012Best Fighting games of 2011Best Fighting games of 2008

Same year, other platforms

Best PC games of 2005Best PlayStation 2 games of 2005Best Xbox games of 2005Best GameCube games of 2005Best Mac games of 2005Best Nintendo DS games of 2005Best PSP games of 2005Best Xbox 360 games of 2005

Nearby rankings

Best Fighting games of 2008Best Racing games of 2005Best RPG games of 2005

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Fighting game of 2005?

Tekken 5 currently tops the ranking with a score of 90/100 across 274 ratings. Ranking updated November 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.