When people talk about fighting game legends, names like Ryu, Scorpion, and Jin Kazama dominate the conversation. But what about the characters who never quite got their moment in the spotlight — the ones with deep lore, great movesets, or stylish flair that fans just didn’t appreciate enough?

Let’s shine a light on the top 10 most underrated fighting game characters of all time, featuring hidden gems from across the genre’s biggest franchises.

10. Tizoc (King of Fighters / Garou: Mark of the Wolves)

Tizoc, also known as “The Griffon Mask,” is one of SNK’s most unique creations. This pro-wrestling birdman from Garou: Mark of the Wolves combines grappler gameplay with superhero flair. While fans of Terry Bogard and Iori Yagami often steal the spotlight, Tizoc’s high-flying throws and showmanship make him one of SNK’s most entertaining heavy hitters.

He’s the perfect reminder that King of Fighters has depth far beyond its mainline heroes.

9. C. Viper (Street Fighter IV)

C. Viper debuted in Street Fighter IV with a stylish mix of gadgets, power moves, and an ambitious backstory as a secret agent mother. Her playstyle combines aerial mind games with technical execution — something only the most skilled players could master.

Despite her depth and cool factor, she never got the same love as Chun-Li or Cammy, making her one of Capcom’s most underrated fighters.

8. Reptile (Mortal Kombat)

Reptile has been in Mortal Kombat since the early days, but he’s often treated as an afterthought — a green ninja variant rather than a full character. In truth, his stealth-based fighting style and tragic lore (as one of the last of his kind) make him one of the franchise’s most fascinating warriors.

Fans of Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) know he finally got some respect, but he’s long deserved recognition as more than just a clone.

7. Astaroth (Soulcalibur)

While Soulcalibur has its poster faces like Mitsurugi, Sophitia, and Nightmare, Astaroth — the demonic golem built for battle — is often overlooked. This brutal powerhouse delivers some of the most satisfying hits in the series. His weapon, a massive greataxe, and his connection to the cult behind Nightmare’s sword make him far more than just a heavy hitter.

He’s terrifying, stylish, and deeply underrated.

6. Fei Long (Street Fighter)

Fei Long was Capcom’s love letter to Bruce Lee — complete with lightning-fast punches and cinematic flair. Despite his design being nearly perfect, Fei Long never reached the popularity of Ryu or Ken.

It’s a shame, because his combo-heavy playstyle and martial arts purity make him one of the most rewarding characters for those who value precision over flash.

5. Maxima (King of Fighters)

Maxima is often overshadowed by his partner K’, but this cyber-enhanced powerhouse is an underrated gem in The King of Fighters lineup. He’s got massive mechanical fists, heavy strikes, and surprisingly good mobility for a cyborg.

His loyalty and humanity hidden beneath the machine parts make him one of SNK’s most quietly compelling characters.

4. Talim (Soulcalibur)

Talim, the Wind Priestess, wields dual tonfa and represents grace and agility. Yet, she rarely makes it into competitive play discussions. Her story — a pacifist trying to restore balance to the world — is refreshingly different in a series dominated by vengeance and bloodlust.

Her gameplay rewards fluid motion and smart spacing, making her a hidden favorite among high-level Soulcalibur fans.

3. Hwoarang (Tekken)

Sure, Tekken fans know Hwoarang, but outside that circle, he’s criminally underrated. This Taekwondo master has one of the most dynamic and complex stances in fighting games. His rivalry with Jin Kazama gives him emotional weight, while his arrogance makes him a standout personality.

Yet, he’s often dismissed as “the kicker guy” — a huge disservice to one of Tekken’s most technical characters.

2. Eliza (Tekken / Tekken Revolution)

Eliza is a gothic vampire introduced in Tekken Revolution who later appeared in Tekken 7. Despite her visually striking design and cool hybrid move set (mixing fireballs, claws, and sleep mechanics), she never achieved mainstream appeal.

Her supernatural energy could’ve rivaled that of Mortal Kombat’s Mileena or Darkstalkers’ Morrigan if Bandai Namco had pushed her harder.

1. Vanessa Lewis (Virtua Fighter)

At the top of our list is Vanessa Lewis — the elite bodyguard and mixed martial artist from Virtua Fighter. She switches between defensive and offensive stances seamlessly, making her a tactical powerhouse.

Yet Virtua Fighter’s lower modern visibility means most gamers never discovered how revolutionary her design truly was. She predates the MMA trend by years, blending real fighting disciplines into an incredibly deep system.

Vanessa is everything a fighter should be — balanced, brutal, and believable — and it’s a crime how underrated she remains.

Honorable Mentions

  • Rokurouta Sakuragi (Fighting Vipers)
  • Raven (Tekken)
  • Sakura Kasugano (Street Fighter Alpha)
  • Sindel (Mortal Kombat 11)
  • Duck King (Fatal Fury)

From Vanessa’s technical mastery to Tizoc’s heroic showmanship, these characters prove that the fighting genre is filled with unsung legends. They may not headline box art, but their style, lore, and gameplay depth deserve far more appreciation.

If you’re a true fighting game fan, maybe it’s time to revisit these underrated warriors and give them the spotlight they deserve.