Choose Your Fighting Music: Our 5 Favorite Fighting Game Character Select Music

When it comes to fighting games, we all know the adrenaline doesn’t just kick in when the fight starts. It starts the moment we hear the character select music. These tracks have a unique way of setting the stage, filling you with anticipation as you pick your character. Some have even gone beyond just background sounds and have become synonymous with their games. 

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2

From Capcom

If you’re a fan of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, then you’re familiar with the irresistible jingle that’s equal parts funky and fun: “Take You for a Ride.” In just a few seconds, it captures the wild crossover excitement of Marvel heroes meeting Capcom legends. 

This jazzy beat has reached meme status for a reason—its repetitive, catchy hook is burned into players' minds everywhere. And, even though it’s not a whole song, it has managed to outlive the game, appearing in remixes, memes, and even non-gaming playlists. Whether you love it or it makes you laugh, this character select music is undeniably iconic.

Tekken 3

For many, Tekken 3’s console character select theme is where nostalgia hits hardest, embodying the excitement of the PlayStation era. This theme mixes pounding beats with atmospheric synths, giving players a moment to strategize before the intense fight begins. It’s gritty yet polished, capturing the darker tones of the Tekken series while remaining just catchy enough to hum along.

What’s more, Tekken 3 was a landmark title for the fighting genre, and this music perfectly encapsulates the '90s era of fighting games. It’s instantly recognizable to fans and has become synonymous with the game’s legacy of intensity and precision.

Skullgirls

From Skullgirls

Skullgirls brings style, attitude, and a character select theme with a distinct, jazzy noir flair that feels lifted straight from a gritty, animated film. The music’s moody saxophones and slick bass lines give players a taste of the game’s 1940s-inspired, darkly beautiful aesthetic. It's a theme that embodies Skullgirls' unique charm, blending Art Deco visuals with a modern fighting game twist.

More than a mere background track, this select music invites players into the character-rich, artfully crafted world of Skullgirls. It’s unforgettable and feels as lovingly crafted as the game’s incredible hand-drawn visuals.

Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996)

Street Fighter Alpha 2 introduced a character select theme that feels like a pure adrenaline shot for fans. This upbeat track is the perfect setup for classic arcade-style matches, energizing players as they cycle through iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Akuma. The music’s fast-paced beat is instantly nostalgic, a call back to when the arcade scene was in full swing.

It’s no wonder the theme is beloved—it captures the essence of arcade competition, hyping players up to pick their fighters and face off in fast-paced combat. Even decades later, the tune instantly pulls you back into that high-stakes, arcade-style intensity.

Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike (1999)

With Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike, Capcom opted for a more urban, hip-hop-infused character select theme that fits the game’s experimental tone perfectly. The track has a laid-back vibe, mixing street-smart beats with hints of jazz, giving players time to chill and focus on their choices. It’s a reminder of 3rd Strike’s unique place in the fighting genre, blending new elements with the old-school mechanics that fans loved.

This theme has gone on to become iconic in its own right, praised for its cool, sophisticated sound that feels just as fresh today as it did in ’99. The track sets a strong, memorable vibe and has rightfully earned its spot as a fan-favorite.

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