[AnimeGamer]

3 Best Games Like Smash Bros in 2025

Smash Bros redefined platform fighting games when it first hit the shelves. Not only did it raise the bar and set new standards in the genre, but platform fighting genre also saw an increased interest from the gaming community.

The reason for this is that Smash bro gameplay was highly addictive and offered infinite replay value. However, even though these games are still fun today, new features and improvements have taken place in recent years.

As such, if you now tend to see Smash Bro gameplay as repetitive, these best games like smash bros are great alternatives to consider!


Table of Contents

1. Touhou Fractured Transience
   
2. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate
   
3. Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga
   

Touhou Fractured Transience

Figure 1-1. Touhou Fractured Transience Cover Art

The first game on our list of the best games like Smash Bros is Touhou Fractured Transience by Tight Stuffs. As of writing, it is currently in development and scheduled to be released in 2025 on Windows.

The reason why this game topped our charts is because of its masterful blend of beautiful pixel graphics, anime aesthetics, and satisfying platform fighting mechanics in a richly crafted fictional world of Gensokyo.

Figure 1-2. Touhou Fractured Transience Gameplay

The combat style is mainly in the form of a shoot’em up style, where you primarily use bullet projectiles to attack your opponents. Speaking of which, Touhou Fractured Transience supports PvP so you can play this game with your friends as well.

Since this game by Tight Shifts is part of the broader Touhou universe, you can find many Touhou-related merchandise items on retail sites like t-shirts on Redbubble and plush toys on Etsy.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate

Figure 2-1. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Cover Art

Bagging second place on our list of best games like Smash Bros is none other than Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate. It was developed by Rocket Panda Games in 2025, and the game is available to play on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and even Switch consoles. 

PBBGU is a classic beat’em up game with a twist. In that, its gameplay is totally revamped. You see, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is built in Unreal Engine 5, which helps deliver smoother gameplay and eye-catching, spectacular moves.

Figure 2-2. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Gameplay

There are a total of 8 different stages in the story mode, and while you initially start with limited characters, you unlock all 38 characters by the time you finish the game. There is also a dedicated support for online PvP, where you can hop into both co-op and versus modes. Up to 8 players can join at any time.

Furthermore, you also get to have your hands on some of the best exclusive Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate merchandise items like acrylic panels, keychains, and even figurines when you buy the game from the official site.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga

Figure 3-1. Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Cover Art

Last but not least, we’ve Ys vs. Trails in the Sky. It is a Japanese video game developed by Nihon Falcom. Currently in development, this fighting game is all set to be released in 2025 on platforms PS4, PS5, Switch, and Windows. 

For first timers, know that Ys and Trails in the Sky are two separate fighting games. The crossover game was first released in 2010, but now it is being refreshed with many improvements and better fighting mechanics.

Figure 3-2. Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga Gameplay

While much is under wraps right now, we will have some information on what the game will entail. For one, characters from both games will be playable. Even some additional support characters from other Falcom games will also play a role.

As for the game's story, it will revolve around the classic Falcom concept of travellers summoned to the legendary world of Xanadu to confront the revived Dragon King. Like other games on the list, Ys vs. Trails in the Sky Alternative Saga will support PvP, both local and online.