The “beat ’em up” genre is one of the oldest in gaming. Despite their ups and downs, these games have managed to stay relevant since their inception.of The formula of earning points while defeating bad guys in a 2D environment still holds true as a great way to spend a few hours alone or with a few friends. Minimal control inputs, simple stories, and fun characters have sustained the genre for years, and now more than ever it serves as a great respite from the complex trappings of modern gaming. With that in mind, check out our curated list of the best modern 2D beat-em-ups you can play right now on modern gaming platforms.
1. Streets of Rage 4
Start with the latest streets of rage This title has a lot of meaning. Not only is it a great example of the genre done right, but it’s also because most beat ’em ups still borrow themes and ideas from it. The original title influenced many retro beat-em-up games from the 16-bit era, so Streets of Rage 4 It provides new ideas and thematic elements to the design, and these are repeated in other modern fighting games. Away from the hard pixels of its Sega Genesis brothers, Streets of Rage 4‘s art style takes on a fresh, crisp feel that’s more akin to a comic book than a typical retro, old-school video game. Still, the controls remain nice and simple, with a few tweaks, like providing separate buttons for picking up weapons and attacking. The soundtrack was also great, with several tracks featuring input from original composer Yuzo Koshiro. With a great campaign, tons of unlockable characters, and an addictive survival mode. streets of rage reclaims its place as the king of the genre with this fourth installment.
2. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
of double dragon After the past few titles were released to lukewarm reviews, the series seemed to be mired in mediocrity. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons It has regained prominence not seen for many years. With a similar approach, Streets of Rage 4, Side Story This is closer to how most people remember the original title, not how it looks or feels. However, the roguelike elements with lots of background detail, explorable areas, and some spicy elements get it over the finish line.Unlike double dragon iv, Side Story It doesn’t feel like a money grab on nostalgia, rather it feels like a bold new direction for a franchise that needed it.
3. Mayhem Brawlers
Side-scrolling action games have always suffered from a lack of voice acting and a lack of replay value. Even modern entrants to the genre seem to avoid making any major strides towards tackling this problem. While we welcome classic gameplay and presentation, there’s nothing wrong with adding some modernization to it. mayhem brawlers Understand and solve both problems. The moment-to-moment gameplay feels typical, with a variety of weapons, combos, and level and enemy designs, but the addition of multiple paths during level selection keeps players coming back to the game again and again. That gives you plenty of reasons to play. . Additionally, cutscenes include real audio. Still, while the images have limited animation, hearing the dialogue spoken out loud feels like a logical evolution that these kinds of games would benefit from. Mayhem Brawlers is definitely one of the better games on this list, as it executes on the tenets of the genre while also incorporating some modern touches. .
4. Raging Justice
Raging Justice While the gameplay focuses on recreating the classic feel of retro beat-em-ups, we also inject a lot of personality into the visuals. Unlike most of his 2D throwback games, Raging JusticeThe characters look like 3D. Similar to the pre-rendered assets seen towards the end of the 16-bit era that were intended to trick players by simulating 3D images. Raging Justice Implement a similar look even though there’s no need for it at all. This is a very niche gaming era to recreate, and probably not everyone will understand it, but I think that’s what sets this game apart from its contemporaries. are thinking. The gameplay feels standard for the genre, with few innovative hooks, but it does a good job of applying the genre’s rules, and there’s a good variety of enemies to keep players on their toes.
5. Takeover
Takeover I feel like I succeeded. streets of rage Analog in most respects. With characters that ooze ’90s class, methodical action, techno-infused music, and plenty of temporary weapons to punch your enemies in the face. streets of rage successor. With several different modes and unlockable characters, Takeover Also has decent replayability. Although this genre does little to move the ball around the field, Takeover It still offers a great alternative to the classics.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
hyper stone heist and turtles in time It still holds a high place in the beat ’em up genre, and not just because it features iconic characters. teenage mutant ninja turtles. These are great beat-em-ups that throw tons of enemies at players, great music, and tons of bright, colorful levels. Given a clear winning blueprint, shredder’s revenge It didn’t have to do much to rise to the top of a game with a relatively long pedigree. TMNT Please hit me.meanwhile shredder’s revenge It’s very safe in most areas and offers what made its 16-bit ancestors great, with familiar music, tight controls, and great bosses. There’s also a secret weapon. Cooperative play for 6 players. Most people will remember beat-em-up games in which two, or sometimes even four, players work together to get through the levels. shredder’s revenge Double the ante in that area and deepen the roster to make that possible, teaming up with additional characters like April and Splinter than most of their contemporaries.
7. Phyton Rage
Beat ‘Em Up has some unique challenges, such as being outnumbered and outmaneuvered by certain enemies. Phyton Rage It takes the challenge to an almost soul-like level by punishing enemies using every chance the player gives them to ease the pain. However, with great challenge comes great satisfaction, so players interested in this button-mashing marathon can expect a great sense of accomplishment as they complete each of its grueling levels piece by piece. A healthy roster of diverse characters, a deep tutorial, and an addictive progression system push it over the edge as an above-average fighting game, but keep in mind it’s not for the faint of heart.
8. River City Girls
As a spiritual successor to the classics river city ransom, river city girls It flips the script on the normative gender roles featured in nearly every other fighting game, opening the door to plenty of satirical humor and fascinating self-awareness. Other than that, it manages to carve out its own space in the genre with its many explorable levels and RPG-style progression. Combat feels fluid and gains depth over time, more modern music enhances the experience, and characters become more lovable as the story unfolds. I rate this highly and recommend it.
9. Dragon’s Crown Pro
Vanillaware knocked it out of the park Dragon’s Crown years ago, but now dragons crown pro, the experience feels even more tightly tailored. With additional difficulty options, improved visuals, and certain bosses getting expanded movesets, dragons crown pro It emerges as the best fighting game that maintains Vanillaware’s iconic art style and light 2D gameplay. However, unlike other beat games, dragons crown pro It features plenty of RPG mechanics with weapons, armor, and abilities that add far more replayability than any other game featured on this list. The developer can take his 2D fighting game genre in any number of directions, but this one may perhaps be the most impressive.
10. Final Vendetta
Bitmap Bureau’s track record of replicating the tone and style of the 16-bit and early 32-bit era remains unparalleled. One of the reasons is: Final Vendetta. Rigorous arcade-style challenges and excellent animation work allow players to marvel at every moment of this 2D fighting game.leaning more towards the tone of final fight than streets of rage, final vendetta It stands out both thematically and qualitatively, with more of a Neo Geo or Sega Saturn feel than the typical Genesis/Super Nintendo vibe that most retro throwbacks favor. Despite being one of his most challenging games on this list, Euro his techno and his late 90s hip hop flare add to the music, making the action bouncy and fun. I am. Combined with the detailed design of the characters and levels, it’s very easy to nod respectfully. Final Vendetta.
11. Odin Sphere Leifthrasil
This remaster was released on PS2 many months ago. odin sphere Included in every Beat ‘Em Up fan’s library. Multiple characters with deep move sets, light RPG-style storytelling, and of course Vanillaware’s eye-catching art style is back. A little deviation from the norm, such as planting fruit to eat later for health benefits, adds a lot of personality to the game and sets it apart from other games in this genre. As usual with Vanillaware, the great presentation puts this game at the top of its genre.
12. Jitsu Squad
Frenetic, near-unrivaled style gameplay magic squad Fast forward and it plays like a colorful fever dream. The violent, blade-swinging combat betrays the cute character designs in the best possible way. Everything works well, with smooth performance and a steady frame rate, and a jazzy soundtrack adds a bit of class to the moment-to-moment gameplay atmosphere. magic squad It’s not the deepest or most innovative fighting game on this list, but it’s a fairly unique game that manages to keep it fun and avoid repetition.
