Entertainment
The 10 Best Rivalries in Video Game History, Ranked
A classic rivalry between two distinct, memorable characters has been a staple of narrative storytelling long before the advent of video games, yet something about the medium of gaming has made it perfect for the concept and longevity of many memorable rivalries. From an iconic hero constantly going toe-to-toe with an equally iconic villain to the rivalries that eventually form a sense of camaraderie and respect, actively playing as one or both of the characters in these rivalries makes them that much more impactful and memorable.
It further helps that these rivalries don’t just stand out for one amazing game, but have evolved and grown across generations of gaming in some of the biggest franchises in gaming history. Gaming as an art form simply wouldn’t be the same without these rivalries, whether they be fan favorites of hardcore gamers or instantly recognizable to even those not as familiar with video games. Even as new games and effective rivalries are released, it’s difficult to imagine any of them coming close to the strength of these iconic rivalries.
10
Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth
‘Ace Attorney’ Games (2001–Present)
For a game series all about defending clients in the court of law, it only makes sense that there would be a consistent rivalry between Ace Attorney series protagonist Phoenix Wright and the leading prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth. However, their actions and battles in court only scratch the surface of the dynamic between these two, as they have grown up as childhood friends and see their rivalry as a way to further drive and invigorate their work. Their rivalry and friendship grow especially deeper as the games go on, bringing out the best in one another both in terms of their work and character.
This rivalry and duo work so effectively thanks to how initially stark their personalities seem to be, with Phoenix being always joyous and optimistic about his clients’ innocence, while Edgeworth is more jaded and quick to see the ruthlessness of the world around him. It makes for a lot of great banter between the two throughout the series, as even when Phoenix goes up against other prosecutors, none have left quite the impact that Edgeworth has.
9
Dante and Virgil
‘Devil May Cry’ Games (2001–Present)
The bonds of blood and brotherhood are a quick and easy way to make for a powerful and emotionally striking rivalry, with one of the very best being the half-human, half-demon twin brothers of Dante and Vergil from Devil May Cry. While Vergil didn’t have a major appearance in the series until the prequel game Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, his rivalry and parallels with Dante quickly made him a fan-favorite character in the franchise. This was further amplified when the character made a prominent return in Devil May Cry 5, where he and Dante continued their rivalry and even decided to team up in the game’s ending.
The massive similarities prove to make their divides and differences that much more polarizing, with Dante embracing his human side and fighting demons while Vergil has embraced his demonic side to follow in his father’s footsteps. Like many of the best attributes of the series, their rivalry thrives on the rule of cool, where giant swords and spectacle make their battles that much more impactful. Their rivalry even continues outside the series, with both of them being playable characters in fighting video games like Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
8
Solid Snake and Liquid Snake
‘Metal Gear’ Games (1987–Present)
Snake has faced off against many powerful villains throughout the Metal Gear series, yet the deeper connections and lasting impact of his rivalry with Liquid Snake in Metal Gear Solid are easily a step above the rest. Acting as the primary antagonist of Metal Gear Solid, Liquid stands at the forefront of some of the game’s most iconic moments, including his reveal as the true identity of Master Miller and their shirtless battle on top of the wreckage of Metal Gear Rex.
What really makes Liquid the premier rival for Solid Snake is how they both share origins as soldiers created by cloning the legendary Big Boss. Even after Liquid dies at the end of the first Metal Gear Solid, his influence stretches throughout the rest of the games, including his arm being transplanted to Liquid Ocelot in Metal Gear Solid 2, his consciousness taking over Ocelot’s body in Metal Gear Solid 4, and even appearing as a 12-year-old child in the prequel Metal Gear Solid V.
7
Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima
‘Yakuza’ Games (2005–Present)
The rivalry between Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima from the Yakuza series is one that initially began with the classic carnage and ruthlessness of underground crime, yet both sides of this rivalry grew to respect and honor one another as the series goes on. Both having history as members of respective Yakuza clans, the duo grow an unlikely bond initially brought on by frequent battles, only to foster respect as Majima respects Kiryu’s stature as the perfect rival.
In a series where the main characters partake in wild minigames just as often as they do the grounded emotional storytelling, the rivalry between Kiryu and Majima almost acts like a microcosm of the series as a whole. The rivalry has its silly and over-the-top moments, but at its center there is a level of respect and honor as these characters amass strength not just physically, but in their character and actions.
6
Sonic the Hedgehog and Dr. Eggman
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Games (1991–Present)
With Sonic the Hedgehog being one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time, it would only make sense that the villain of the franchise, Dr. Eggman (or Dr. Robotnik), would be equally iconic. Even as various other villains have appeared in the series, the rivalry and frequent battles between Sonic and Eggman are a constant in the series from the first game up until the latest entry. The rivalry takes many different forms and tones, able to work both seriously and comedically.
From the very beginning, it’s been a rivalry defined by freedom fighting against the evils of technological progression, with Eggman’s forcing of woodland creatures to control his robots making him a constant enemy of the freedom-loving Sonic. Even as later entries of the series have minimized this, their rivalry has continued strong for decades as one of the most iconic in video game history.
5
Link and Ganon
‘The Legend of Zelda’ Games (1986–Present)
While many other video game rivalries are of a singular version of two characters, the rivalry between Link and Ganon spans across multiple timelines, reincarnations, and universes. For as long as there is an entity that seeks to abuse the Triforce of Power, there will always be one who utilizes the Triforce of Courage, standing up for what is right. This timeless rivalry of good and evil is at the heart of almost every game in The Legend of Zelda series, no matter what form Ganon takes.
While Link has a relatively similar look in most of the games, Ganon has taken on many different forms and styles, whether he be a boar wizard, the Gerudo warrior Ganondorf, or a manifestation of hatred and anger itself. From the first game in the series on NES to the latest games on Nintendo Switch, this rivalry has waged on in many different forms, each symbolic of the timeless plight for righteousness and good triumphing over evil.
4
Scorpion and Sub-Zero
‘Mortal Kombat’ Games (1992–Present)
Interestingly enough, Scorpion and Sub-Zero didn’t start off as direct rivals, as they both just happened to be the most memorable and iconic characters in the original Mortal Kombat, with many parallels of being color-palette swaps and using converging elements of fire and ice. This status of becoming series icons placed them in the position to constantly be battling against one another, given greater lore connecting the two in a battle of revenge. However, as multiple different characters have taken on the mantle of Scorpion and Sub-Zero respectively, some versions of this rivalry have had the duo grow into unlikely companions.
However, no matter what reason these two have for facing off against one another, their ruthlessly gory battles have stood at the forefront of Mortal Kombat as it evolved and grew more and more with each additional entry. By the time that the Mortal Kombat games became at the forefront of narrative storytelling in fighting games, this rivalry was given the justice it deserves and grew alongside the series itself.
3
Cloud Strife and Sephiroth
‘Final Fantasy VII’ Games (1997–Present)
With so many different moving pieces and symbolic flourishes in the story and mythos of Final Fantasy VII, the battles between Cloud Strife and Sephiroth stand as the core that brings everything together for a rivalry that defines the fate of the world. With the duo sharing a psychological bond and trauma thanks to their time as former soldiers, they soon foster a deep-rooted hatred for one another. This hatred only grows worse as the game goes on, with Cloud learning more about his past and Sephiroth committing more evil deeds, most infamously his murder of Aerith Gainsborough.
This grows to massive stakes as Sephiroth attempts to bring about the end of the world in the climax of Final Fantasy VII, with Cloud and his allies fighting to stop him once and for all. While the rivalry itself is relatively muted in the original game, it has been massively explored and delved into more in spinoffs and especially the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.
2
Ryu and Ken
‘Street Fighter’ Games (1987–Present)
Fighting games as a genre lend themselves to rivalries more than any other genre, as even outside of the game’s world, facing off against another player inherently creates a rivalry between the two players, whether it be seriously competitive or easygoing fun. In the world of fighting games, no singular rivalry symbolizes this inherent strength, like Ryu and Ken from Street Fighter, two best friends who trained under the same master to be the greatest fighters in the world.
Ryu and Ken’s rivalry does not come from a place of hatred, but instead from constant friendship and respect for one another as they fight their hardest against one another to bring out the best in each other. It’s a beautiful rivalry that cuts to the heart of fighting games as a genre and has only grown more prominent with each additional entry. More impactful is that Ryu and Ken have the same gameplay archetype, sharing special moves but having enough distinguishing differences to set them apart.
1
Mario and Bowser
‘Super Mario’ Games (1985–Present)
In terms of the iconic status of a video game rivalry, it’s difficult for anything to compete with the most iconic video game character of all time facing off against the most iconic video game villain of all time. While Bowser wasn’t the first villain to cross Mario’s path, since Mario’s origins trace back to the arcades with Donkey Kong, it cannot be denied that the constant battles against the king of koopas and this plucky plumber have made their rivalry legendary.
It’s a rivalry that has been explored in many different ways across the over 100 different Mario games, although often it takes the form of Bowser being a vengeful final boss responsible for Mario’s journey in the first place. Even in games where Bowser isn’t the main villain, his presence and hatred of Mario are always known and apparent. It simply isn’t a Mario game without Bowser, and Bowser wouldn’t be nearly as impactful a villain without his exceptional contrast with Mario.
Super Mario Bros. 3
- Released
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October 23, 1988
- ESRB
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E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo R&D4
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Multiplayer
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Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
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Super Mario
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