2Deez

2Deez is a simplified take on 3D fighting games like Virtua Fighter--but in 2D. There are multiple palettes to choose from, but essentially just one moveset for everyone: jab, crouching jab, roundhouse, an elbow, a low kick, block and throw. There's also a "movement" button that lets you dash around the screen. There is a lot of counterplay between these options: jab is the only plus on block move but can be ducked under, elbow can't be blocked while ducking, low kick can't be blocked while standing but is minus even on hit. Blocking gets your turn back, but if you are too predictable you can get thrown (which loses, in turn, to attacks). In other words, it replicates on a very basic level the sorts of interactions you run into in 3D games. For the price it's not bad and there are quite a few different modes you can mess around in. Could be a good side/novelty game to play with friends because of how easy it is to pick up and play.

A game where no two rounds are the same. Although seemingly simple at first glance, further explorations of the system mechanics yield an almost infinite number of possibilities. Your opponent is throw tech OS'ing incredibly well? Ring them out; Your opponent is throw-happy? Counter-attack with your strongest move (roundhouse) because all strikes are throw-invul; Eke out more of a favourable screen position with guard dashing and you might just get the upper hand, or they might try to back throw you out of the ring, or you might read that and do a back throw tech to push them out of the ring, or they might read that and instead opt out to do forward throw (which beats your back throw tech and grants them higher plus frames), etc. The interactions are endless. Aside from incredible features that will tickle the undercarriage of mega-sweats like an in-depth training mode and a replay theatre with replay takeover, there is also a plethora of options for the casual player too: a story mode, an arcade mode, a "fight custom bots, but also program your own custom bots" mode, a skin creator and even an extras menu. Did I also mention it has rollback netcode? Any level of player will find themselves having an immense amount of fun with this game! 2Deez gets my stamp of approval.