Gaming on a Macbook Pro: 5 Games You Have to Play
Macs have been notorious for not offering a large library of games compared to Windows, but things have gotten better over the years. If you own a MacBook Pro and you’re itching to play a fighting or action game, we’ve got you covered!
Read on to learn all about gaming on a MacBook Pro with our top fighting and action games–no PC emulation required!
1. Skullgirls
This 2D fighting game was developed by Reverge Labs and published by Autumn Games in 2012. Because of its massive popularity, it’s available on pretty much every system you can think of, including all the major consoles and iOS and Android.
You’ll be fighting in teams of up to three characters with classic fighting game mechanics. It offers tag-team based combat with character assists, snapbacks, and delayed hyper combos.
Its unique twist is its story and setting. It takes place in a fictional world that’s reminiscent of 1940s post-war America. In this world, all of the characters are vying for an ancient artifact called a Skull Heart that curses its user if they don’t have a pure heart.
According to Metacritic, Skullgirls has “generally positive” reviews in the high 70s and low 80s. Critics praised its graphics and presentation with hand-drawn characters, the Art Deco design, and smooth animation.
2. Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a 2D action platforming game developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital in 2019. Along with macOS, it’s also available on Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch.
Reminiscent of Hotline Miami, this is a game with high difficulty that results in instant death if you’re hit by an enemy. It encourages players to learn the layouts of each level and predict enemy movements in order to progress.
Unlike Hotline Miami, instead of a top-down view of the level, you’ll navigate through side-scrolling levels. Your blade gives you the ability to deflect bullets, and you have the unique ability to slow time with a meter that refills over time.
Your character, called Subject Zero, wields a katana in a neo-noir metropolis called New Mecca. Throughout the game, you’ll be learning about your character’s mysterious past through vivid hallucinations and flashbacks.
Katana Zero has received good reviews in the 80s on Metacritic. Critics largely praise its stylish visuals and fun combat.
3. Brawlhalla
This free-to-play fighting game is developed by Blue Mammoth Games and published by Ubisoft in 2017. Not only is it available on multiple platforms, but all of those platforms are cross-play, meaning you can pick up your save game from one platform to another.
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This game has often been compared to Super Smash Bros. because of the goal to knock your opponent off the stage. To do this, you’ll need to damage them repeatedly. You can see how much damage you’ve taken and how close you are to being knocked off or completely out by the color around your character.
Either the last player standing will win or the player with the most points will win the entire match. The best part is you can play either local or online. You can also play competitively through one vs one ranked matches — there have even been professional tournaments through the years that award prize money.
Brawlhalla has received “very positive” reviews on Steam with many players praising how players of different skill levels can “pick up and play” it easily. It’s also known for its bright, fun graphics and uniquely designed characters.
4. Shovel Knight Showdown
Developed and published by Yacht Club Games in 2019, Shovel Knight Showdown is a platform fighting game where you can duel with up to four players. If you own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, the game is completely free as its part of the saga.
Based on the popular platforming game Shovel Knight, you can choose to play any of the popular 16 characters in the game. You can join your friends in cooperative team battles or do local one versus one battles or four-player free-for-alls.
Even better, the game comes with a multi-stage Story Mode that changes for each character.
The game has overall “good” reviews on Steam with many players mentioning enjoying the unique story for each character. They enjoy that each of the characters has their own styles of gameplay and that each stage brings new environments and challenges.
Of course, the same nostalgic artwork and music that the developer is known for are back in Shovel Knight Showdown.
5. Nidhogg
This side-scrolling fighting game is developed and published by Messhof in 2014, who was the game’s sole programmer. Described as “fencing tug-of-war” on Steam, players duel with swords with a variety of movements, such as lunges, parries, and dirty tricks. If a player is without their sword, they also have the option of punching, rolling, and kicking.
You may be wondering where the term “tug-of-war” comes from. Victory comes from gaining more ground with each kill, giving you the freedom to run, fight, or flee to your goal zone. Each fighting zone comes with unique choke points and formations, making it both a game of strategy and action like fencing itself.
With over four thousand “very positive” reviews on Steam, players are delighted with the unique, strategic gameplay and charmed by the pixel art. Many recommend that playing with a friend is the most enjoyable way to play the game.
Gaming on a MacBook Pro Isn’t Impossible
Our top five picks for the best action and fighting games on the Mac bring a lot of unique elements together. Their unique art styles, settings, and mechanics truly bring new and satisfying experiences for players of all skill levels. Gaming on a MacBook Pro is now more possible than ever before.
Interested in more action and fighting news? Keep reading our blog!
