I know fighting is frowned upon in real life unless you're a boxer or cage fighter, but sometimes a good fighting game can really be everything you look for in a mobile game. It's quite satisfying to beat the tosh out of digital forms, especially when they're as stylish as these.

While I don't condone violence in day-to-day life there are so many fantastic fighters on iOS that it's genuinely hard to just pick five. These may not be your personal favourites – leave those in the comments down below – but you'll have a brilliant time with them. Promise.

Skullgirls – download on iOS

Sometimes it's hard to believe that Skullgirls is free-to-play. This 2D fighting absolutely oozes with charms and quality, and there's so much to love about it. From its carefully considered RPG progression to its stunning hand-drawn artwork. No, really, it's all hand-drawn.

Whether you like to fight for prizes or fancy following its Story Mode, there's something for everyone here. That's especially so when collecting characters since they each have unique fighting styles (meaning you can tailor the game to suit your needs).

I know the idea of a floating D-pad can be the stuff of nightmares, but these controls are intuitive and built for mobile devices. You can perform your deadly combos with ease.

Beat Street – download on iOS

If you love getting into a scrap but hate the idea of balancing buttons and using both thumbs, you're in luck. Beat Street is a fully fledged fighter you can play with one hands and, oh, it's good.

Inspired by arcade beat 'em ups from the early 90s, and especially 1987's Double Dragon, you'll wonder around the streets of Tokyo City and play fisticuffs with a whole lot of ruffians. You can expect story-driven gameplay, intuitive controls, fighters with unique skills, and an online two-player co-op mode.

Infinity Blade 2 – download on iOS

It may have been out and about for seven years, but Infinity Blade 2 is still a cracking fighter. Revered by tons of sites, winner of multiple awards, and one of the first mobile games to boast console-quality graphics, it's still worth every penny.

You'll play as the hero, Siris, after the fall of the God King. On your journey to discover the secrets of the Infinity Blade, you'll face off against Titans and deathless tyrants in a stunning world of myth and adventure.

Shadow Fight 3 – download on iOS

Couldn't get enough of the Shadow Fight series? Well, you'll love Shadow Fight 3 even more than its two previous titles. Why? It's bigger, better, bolder, and – er – newer. Alright, fine, that last point wasn't a reason, I was just having fun. There is a better RPG system this time around though.

Taking up arms as a hero who hasn't yet found their destiny, the world's going to hell around you since Shadow energy isn't as rare as it once was. You've got three different fighting styles/factions to choose from and the fate of the world's at stake, so think carefully before picking.

Dan the Man – download on iOS

Both this game and its web series of the same name are equal parts daft and hilarious. This action platformer may seem pretty straight forward with its cartoony art style, but it's an absolute riot when playing.

Upgrade your fighting skills, work through a variety of weapons, and destroy legions of bad guys like the badass you are. You've got three modes (Story, Survival, and Battle), customisable characters, bosses, retro controls, and super-secret areas which hides special treats.