Classic and Modern Beat 'em Ups You Need to Play

Beat 'em up games are one of the most iconic genres in video game history. Combining frantic action, hand-to-hand combat, and straightforward narratives, these titles have attracted fans from the early days of arcades to modern consoles. In this article, we’ll explore the genre, its historical evolution, core features, and of course, the classic and modern games you absolutely need to play.

Double Dragon II: The Revenge (Arcade, 1988)

The sequel to Double Dragon enhanced the beat 'em up formula with new moves, varied stages, and a revenge-driven story after Marian’s death. Featuring 2-player co-op, improved graphics, and a beautiful soundtrack, it’s a must-play for fans of street fighting.

Golden Axe (Arcade, 1989)

Released by Sega in 1989, Golden Axe revolutionized the genre with its medieval fantasy theme, often considered the first hack-and-slash in gaming history. With three playable heroes (Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead) players battled enemies with swords and axes, unleashed magic, and even rode creatures like dragons across richly detailed fantasy stages. Its 2-player co-op mode left a lasting legacy on the genre.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade, 1989)

Released by Konami in 1989, this beat 'em up was based on the animated TV series, allowing up to 4 players to control the Turtles on their quest to rescue April and Splinter. With addictive combat, memorable bosses like Bebop and Rocksteady, gorgeous visuals, and wave after wave of Foot Clan enemies, it remains one of the most timeless arcade experiences.

Final Fight (Arcade, 1989)

In 1989, Capcom released the game that catapulted the beat 'em up genre into global frenzy. Final Fight didn’t just revolutionize; it defined the arcade brawler: visceral combat, gritty urban stages, hordes of enemies, and distinct fighters like Haggar, Cody, and Guy. Its challenging 3-player co-op set a new standard in difficulty and intensity.

Captain Commando (Arcade, 1991)

Capcom dominated the beat 'em up scene, and with Captain Commando, they did it again. Featuring four wildly different heroes in sci-fi settings, the game offered 4-player co-op, fast-paced action, detailed visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack, while refining mechanics and combat variety for the genre.

Streets of Rage (Genesis/Mega Drive)

Released between 1991 and 1994, the Streets of Rage trilogy (known as Bare Knuckle in Japan) became a console-defining series. Starring Axel, Blaze, and Adam, players fought corrupt city gangs with punches, kicks, and improvised weapons. Streets of Rage 2 (1992) is considered the peak of the series, with polished graphics, new special moves like the Grand Upper, and Yuzo Koshiro’s iconic electronic soundtrack that helped define ‘90s eurobeat.

The third entry added mechanics like weapon durability and a darker tone. With co-op, varied enemies, and a balanced mix of challenge and fun, the trilogy influenced countless arcade and console titles, cementing its status as a classic.

Batman Returns (SNES, 1993)

Developed by Konami, Batman Returns faithfully adapted Tim Burton’s film, recreating iconic scenes and villains like Penguin and Catwoman. Combat featured a wide variety of moves, from punches and grapples to interactive environment takedowns and gadgets like batarangs and grappling hooks.

With highly detailed graphics and Danny Elfman’s immersive soundtrack, the game perfectly captured Gotham’s gothic atmosphere. A Batmobile stage using Mode 7 technology impressed players at the time. It remains one of the rare film adaptations that was both fun and faithful.

The Simpsons (Arcade, 1991)

Released by Konami, this 4-player classic put the Simpson family on a chaotic mission to rescue Maggie, kidnapped by Smithers during a diamond heist. With Springfield-themed stages and familiar characters, gameplay was simple: punches, jumps, and quirky attacks like Marge’s vacuum cleaner.

The Punisher (Arcade, 1993)

Released by Capcom in partnership with Marvel, The Punisher stood out for its heavy use of firearms and cooperative action. Players controlled Frank Castle (Punisher) or Nick Fury against Kingpin, wielding pistols, machine guns, and even pipes to wipe out enemies.

With comic book-style visuals, explosive sound effects, destructible urban stages, and epic bosses like Bonebreaker, it captured Marvel’s violent energy. A wide arsenal of weapons (including grenades and special attacks) kept adrenaline levels high.

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (Arcade, 1993)

No list would be complete without this legendary beat 'em up. With 3-player co-op, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs blended explosive action with post-apocalyptic settings filled with dinosaurs. Players chose from Jack, Hannah, Mustapha, and Mess, using everything from bazookas to machine guns while fending off both gangs and prehistoric beasts.

Its gameplay and art direction, inspired by the Xenozoic Tales comics, made it unforgettable. Though never ported to consoles, it remains an essential classic for fans.

More Classics Worth Playing

The list of classic games is so vast that one could write endlessly and never finish. But don’t worry, here are more must-play titles that shaped gaming history:

- Knights of the Round (Arcade, 1993)

- Kung Fu Master (Arcade, 1984)

- Moonwalker (Arcade, 1990)

- Might Final Fight (NES, 1993)

- Battletoads & Double Dragon (Super Nintendo, 1993)

- River City Ransom (NES, 1989)

- Vendetta (Konami, 1991)

- Comix Zone (Genesis, 1995)

- The King of Dragons (Arcade, 1991)

- X-Men: The Arcade Game (Arcade, 1992)

- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade, 1991)

- Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage (Genesis/SNES, 1994)

- Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom (Arcade, Saturn, 1993)

- Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (Arcade, 1996)

- Golden Axe II (Arcade/Genesis, 1991)

- Final Fight 2 & 3 (SNES, 1993/1995)

- Alien vs. Predator (Arcade, 1994)

Streets of Rage 4

After 26 years, Streets of Rage 4 revived the essence of classic beat 'em ups with mastery. While keeping its side-scrolling simplicity, it introduced refined mechanics like aerial combos and a health-recovery system tied to special moves, balancing risk and reward. Classic characters (Axel, Blaze) and newcomers (Cherry, Floyd) bring unique playstyles, with Cherry’s speed and Floyd’s brute strength standing out.

The hand-drawn visuals shine across neon bars and high-speed trains, keeping the series’ urban aesthetic.

Co-op mode turns fights into chaotic fun. Though the campaign is short (~3 hours), replayability comes from challenging difficulties, Boss Rush mode, and unlockable retro characters.

Castle Crashers

Developed by The Behemoth, Castle Crashers is a 2D beat 'em up that shines in 4-player co-op. With colorful knights, absurd humor, creative weapons (from swords to lobsters), and pets that grant buffs, the game blends straightforward combat with light RPG elements like stat upgrades.

Sifu

Sifu combines fluid combat inspired by Pak Mei kung fu with a unique aging system: each death advances your age, reducing health but increasing damage. The revenge-driven story features stylish stages, watercolor-inspired art, and tough bosses. While tight camera angles can be frustrating, the sense of mastery after overcoming challenges is unmatched.

Mother Russia Bleeds

Mother Russia Bleeds drops players into a Soviet dystopia, with brutal combat and strategic use of Nekro for healing and power. Its detailed pixel art and chaotic stages (like train escapes) stand out. Known for its extreme violence and high difficulty, it’s a rage-inducing but rewarding experience.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

Blending roguelite elements (randomized stages, upgrades) with classic brawling, this entry offers 4 characters, fluid combat, and nostalgic pixel visuals. Its chiptune soundtrack fuels local co-op chaos, making every run fresh and fun.

The Karate Kid: Street Rumble

This game adapts the classic Karate Kid trilogy with four playable characters (Daniel, Miyagi, Ali, and Kumiko). Combat includes light/heavy attacks and a Focus Meter that balances defense and powerful moves like the iconic Crane Kick.

River City Girls

Developed by WayForward, River City Girls modernizes the franchise with fluid combat, customizable moves, and charming 16-bit-inspired pixel art. Protagonists Kyoko and Misako fight through River City to rescue their boyfriends, battling eccentric enemies and creative bosses, from zombies to violent cheerleaders.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game

Capturing the spirit of the comics and movie, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game delivers pixel art visuals, local/online co-op, and an incredible soundtrack by Anamanaguchi. With RPG elements (level-ups, upgrades) and steep difficulty, it’s best enjoyed in groups for maximum fun.

Jitsu Squad

Jitsu Squad blends the intensity of Marvel vs. Capcom with Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetics. Its four anthropomorphic heroes (like Jazz the frog and Baby the bunny) feature unique moves, aerial combos, and parries. The hand-drawn art and animation pop in dynamic stages like volcanoes and pirate ships.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Closing the list, this game perfectly captures the arcade beat 'em up spirit with fluid combat, stunning pixel art, and a nostalgic soundtrack. Released by Dotemu, it supports up to 6-player co-op, turning fights against Foot Clan hordes and iconic bosses like Bebop, Rocksteady, and Shredder into wild parties.

Replayability is boosted with challenges, unlockables, and modes like Survival. Its strongest weapon is nostalgia, making it an essential celebration of the genre.

More Modern Games to Check Out

- Dragon’s Crown

- Mayhem Brawler

- The TakeOver

- Dungeon Punks

- Fight ‘N Rage

- River City Ransom: Underground

- Treachery In Beatdown City

- Yakuza 0

- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

- Final Vendetta

- The Warriors

- Bayonetta

Beat 'em ups have influenced not only games but geek culture as a whole. Movies like The Warriors (1979) inspired gang-driven narratives, while tabletop RPGs like Beat ’em Up! (2012) adapted the brawler style into cooperative storytelling systems. Modern games’ pixel art aesthetics and synthwave soundtracks pay homage to the arcade golden age, keeping the genre alive for new generations.

From the simple punches of Kung-Fu Master to the acrobatic combos of Bayonetta, beat 'em ups continue to captivate with their unique blend of action and nostalgia. Whether revisiting classics or discovering new releases, one thing is certain: digital brawling will never go out of style.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Drop a comment and let me know what should go on the backlog next!