# Final Fantasy Crossovers in Fighting Games: A Growing Trend

The world of fighting games has long been dominated by franchises like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken. However, in recent years, we've seen a significant shift towards crossovers with other popular gaming series. One such example is the inclusion of Final Fantasy characters in fighting games.

In this article, we'll explore the growing trend of Final Fantasy crossovers in fighting games, highlighting notable examples like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Tekken 7.

## The Rise of Crossovers

Crossovers between different gaming franchises have been a staple of the industry for decades. From Mario appearing in Sonic the Hedgehog to characters from different DC Comics titles teaming up in Injustice, crossovers offer fans a unique opportunity to experience new gameplay mechanics and interactions.

In recent years, fighting games have taken notice of this trend and begun incorporating characters from other franchises into their rosters. This shift is largely driven by the success of Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series, which has set the bar for character crossovers in gaming.

## Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Pioneering Example

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, released in 2018, was a game-changer for fighting games. With over 70 characters from various Nintendo franchises, it showcased the potential for massive crossovers in the genre. However, what made the series truly special was its inclusion of third-party characters.

Cloud Strife and Sephiroth, two iconic Final Fantasy characters, joined the fray in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. These additions were a significant departure from traditional fighting games, which often featured only characters from their own franchise.

The success of Cloud and Sephiroth's appearances in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate paved the way for other crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy. It demonstrated that character crossovers could be done well and added a new layer of excitement to these genres.

## Tekken 7: A Guest Appearance

Tekken 7, released in 2015, is another notable example of a fighting game incorporating a Final Fantasy character. Noctis Lucis Caelum, the protagonist of Final Fantasy XV, made a guest appearance in the game's "All Saints' Day" event.

While Noctis' appearance was limited to a single event, it marked an important moment for crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy. It showed that these franchises could work together seamlessly, and fans were eager to see more of this kind of collaboration.

## The Future of Crossovers

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more notable crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy. With the rise of online communities and social media, fan demands for specific character additions have never been louder.

While it's difficult to predict exactly which characters will appear in future fighting games, there are several indicators that suggest a bright future for crossovers:

• Shovel Knight: King of Cards featured a cameo from Cloud Strife in 2018.
• Dragon Ball FighterZ has announced plans to include other popular anime franchises.
• Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 has revealed that it will feature characters from the Tekken series.

These developments demonstrate that crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy are becoming more common. As a result, fans can expect to see even more iconic characters making appearances in these genres.

## Conclusion

The inclusion of Final Fantasy characters in fighting games marks an exciting new chapter for both franchises. From Cloud Strife's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to Noctis' guest spot in Tekken 7, these crossovers have added a fresh layer of excitement to the gaming world.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more significant crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy. With fan demand for character additions at an all-time high, it's likely that we'll see many more beloved characters making appearances in these genres.

Whether you're a seasoned fighter or just starting your journey, the potential for new gameplay mechanics and interactions is vast. As fans of both franchises, we can't wait to see what the future holds for crossovers between fighting games and Final Fantasy.