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[denshuu]

Def Jam is the only fighting game I can think of that's actually fun to play single player. Besides that, Tekken Bowl is pretty addictive.

 

[BKJest]

Soul Calibur 2 had a pretty great dungeon/challenge mode section but I'm sure it's been done better in later titles.

It hasn't. It got worse with each successive installment.

Swordmaster mode from SCII takes this for me.

 

[neobiz]

Agreed with OP. Def Jam.

 

[SgtCobra]

King Of Fighters 97
Loved the Orochi saga

 

[Ifrit]

I haven't played MK9... but MK9

 

[Keikaku]

Virtua Fighter 4/5 (Kumite/Quest Modes)

P4A's Story mode is really nice too (if you're into VNs)

Quest mode was the greatest. Sad that VF5:FT doesn't feature that or even a barebones Kumite mode.

VF4 Evolution was awesome. It actually could turn you from a scrub into a better than average player.

 

[GhaleonQ]

I'll exclude series/games where I just like the story.

The Last Blade/Bakumatsu Romance 1 and 2 had quality, minimal tales told flawlessly through short cutscenes, level design, and overall tone. That's very important to me in a "highbrow" single-player mode.

For content, Virtua Fighter 4's and 5's postmodern "arcade traveler" Kumite/Quest modes are constantly thrilling, as streamlined as they need to be since they lack stories, offer an absurd level of content and customization, and challenge you in ways that help you grow as a player. I know that Mortal Kombat 9's single-player gets praised for most of the same reasons, but the mode didn't really make me think or develop.

 

[TheContact]

Easily the endurance runs where you get little to no HP after rounds and enemies just keep coming. It's a good way to practice, but I'm not a fan of fighting games anymore

 

[atomic moth]

One of the happiest moments of my childhood was when I found out that you could play Street Fighter, WITHOUT PUMPING QUARTERS IN TO THE MACHINE, at home.


A lot of you may have no idea what that feels like, but for those that do, you have to agree with me. So revolutionary in so many ways.

 

[Raye]

Virtua Fighter 4/5 (Kumite/Quest Modes)

P4A's Story mode is really nice too (if you're into VNs)

Absolutely loved Virtua Fighter 4's Kumite Mode. So many hours spent ranking up and collecting items!

I second P4A but only because I really dig all things Persona. I can see how someone might not like its single player mode (text every where!).

 

[Tizoc]

I ponally like Warzard/Red Earth's single player arcade mode. In fact Warzard seemed to be a 'tribute' to the 1-player modes from the early fighting games like SF, Fatal Fury & AoF 1.
Warzard had multiple endings and as you kept playing the game you could level up your character which in turn made opponents stronger.