I would like to know if anyone out there knows the basics to making a retro fighting game (e.g. super smash bros only more retro) if so could they comment on the forum thread.
You probably want to try something like mortal combat or one must fall. Modern fighters have a lot of extra stuff layered over them that can hide the core design.
The games had fairly basic controls, as simple as low kick, high kick, low punch, high punch and block.
Movement is was typically forwards and backwards. This is distinct from left and right commonly seen in platformers. Controls also allowed do ducking and jumping. Each attack was modified by the current movement state, so a forward punch became a throw. A down kick was a trip. A back kick was a round house and so forth.
Their were typically three height levels. Ducked, standing and in the air. Typically low attacks could only be countered with low blocks. Same with high attacks.
The other distinct design feature of these games was combos. Pressing a sequence of keys in the right order released a special attack. The combinations were chosen so you could occasionally hit them with button mashing.
That help? You can probably find far better dissertations on the topic with a quick Google search.
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thanks for the help
There’s also a fighting game kit on the asset store that a lot of people like, although it is a bit pricy:
Universal Fighting Engine
Not sure if you are asking for game design advice, development advice or both.
Here are a few of the best fighting games I enjoyed playing 25 to 30 years ago on my C64 (well, you said “more retro”)
Maybe you’ll find some inspiration. These were actually very well done fighting games.