Beat 'em up
Ongoing coverage on Beat 'em up.
Latest coverage
Mexican Ninja Sharpens Its Blade with Major Update
Amber Studio has released a major update for the Mexican Ninja demo, which is set to launch on Steam in 2026. The update revamps the panda boss fight, expands the skill tree, and improves combat mechanics. Mexican Ninja is a 2.5D beat 'em up with roguelike elements set in Nuevo Tokyo, featuring a unique fusion of Mexican and Japanese criminal elements.
Metro Siege - A 16-bit Beat 'em Up for Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC. Smashes Kickstarter goal!
The highly anticipated Metro Siege Kickstarter campaign has successfully surpassed its funding goal, demonstrating strong demand for classic 16-bit beat 'em ups. Developed by BitBeamCannon, the game is being created for Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC, with the digital PC version granting access to all three platforms. The developers are implementing unique gameplay and visual differences across each version to offer distinct experiences.
Final Fight Review — Play or Tray?
This review of Final Fight on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System highlights the differences between the console version and the original arcade release. The article discusses whether the SNES port is worth playing.
River City Saga: Journey to the West Released
River City Saga: Journey to the West has been released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game continues the series' tradition of beat 'em up action with a new adventure.
Streets of Rage movie moves forward with Sonic writers and the director behind one of Netflix's most…
The adaptation of SEGA's classic beat-'em-up game Streets of Rage is moving forward with Sonic the Hedgehog writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller penning the script. Jeymes Samuel, director of The Harder They Fall, has been tapped to direct the film. Lionsgate film boss Erin Westerman expressed excitement for Samuel's "visceral and explosive style" to bring the beloved IP to life.
Streets of Rage movie gains momentum as Sonic the Hedgehog writers and The Harder They Fall director board the adaptation
A live-action movie adaptation of the Streets of Rage franchise is moving forward at Lionsgate, with Jeymes Samuel directing and Pat Casey and Josh Miller writing. The film is described as leaning heavily into the cult classic beat 'em up action, iconic characters, and electronic soundtracks. The project is still in early development, with a rewrite expected.
Takeover 2 brings buckets, brawls, and brutality back to the streets on PC – Upgraded playable demo available now!
Developer Pelikan13 has released an upgraded demo for its arcade beat 'em up, Takeover 2, available now on Steam. The game, set for a September 10, 2026 release, features a redesigned combat system, environmental weaponization, and multiple game modes including Arcade, Challenge, and Practice. The sequel to 2019's The Takeover also includes two bonus games, Jet Fury and Super Street Racer.
Sometimes, one spark is all it takes… for something inside you to break!
The playable demo for the narrative-driven beat 'em up Breakdown: Silent Riot is now available on Steam. The demo features the opening section of the game, introducing core combat mechanics and the protagonist's descent into obsession within a decaying Eastern European city. The full game is slated for release in Q3 2026.
The Pirates Of Dark Water
This review examines The Pirates of Dark Water, a 1994 Super Nintendo beat-em-up based on the short-lived Hanna-Barbera animated series. While the game features rough graphics and mechanics that don't fully capture the ambition of its source material, it offers a functional co-op experience and successfully evokes the atmosphere of the original show. The article highlights the game's strengths, such as its unique swinging pirate enemies and the potential for nostalgic appeal, while acknowledging its limitations and the property's overall legacy of lost potential.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion Cyclops and The Thing DLC Feel Unique
The Cyclops and The Thing DLC for Marvel Cosmic Invasion, developed by Tribute Games, adds two distinct characters to the beat 'em up title. The Thing functions as a close-range grappler, while Cyclops excels as a ranged fighter with his optic blasts. Both DLC characters are available now for $3.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Stone Protectors Review
Stone Protectors, a Super Nintendo beat 'em up released in 1994 by Kemco, is a competent but unremarkable adaptation of its source material. While the game features visually distinct characters based on the animated series and toy line, their gameplay mechanics are identical, offering little depth. The experience is best enjoyed with a second player, but ultimately serves as fan service with limited replay value.
Kings Do Not Fall – Available Now on Epic Games Store!
HyperDevbox has announced that Kings Do Not Fall, a retro-inspired beat 'em up, is now available on the Epic Games Store for $7.99, with a limited-time 20% discount. The game features six levels, varied enemies, and modernized fast-paced combat, building on the legacy of 90s arcade action. It is also available on Steam.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion DLC Adds Two New Fighters Today
Dotemu and Tribute Games have released a surprise DLC for the superhero beat 'em up Marvel Cosmic Invasion, adding two new playable fighters: Cyclops and The Thing. The expansion is priced at $3.99 and includes unique movesets and dialogue for each character. A second DLC wave is planned for Fall 2026, featuring a new game mode and more fighters.
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion Expands With Cyclops & The Thing DLC
Dotemu and Tribute Games have released the first major DLC for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, titled Cyclops & The Thing. This expansion adds the iconic Marvel heroes Cyclops and The Thing as playable characters to the arcade-style brawler. The DLC is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, with a second premium DLC planned for later in 2026.
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion DLC Updates Announced as Hit Beat ‘em Up Tops 1.5 Million Players – The Fantastic Four’s The Thing and X-Men’s Cyclops are Joining the Fight today
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, a beat 'em up celebrating classic Marvel storylines, will receive two paid DLC updates in 2026 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox Series X|S. The first DLC, launching today, adds The Thing and Cyclops for $3.99, while the second, slated for Fall 2026, will introduce a new game mode and more characters. The game has surpassed 1.5 million players since launch.
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion DLC characters Cyclops and The Thing now available
Publisher Dotemu and developer Tribute Games have released new characters Cyclops and The Thing for the MARVEL Cosmic Invasion DLC. This arcade-style beat 'em up expansion adds new playable characters to the game.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion DLC Impressions: Cyclops and The Thing Steal the Show
The DLC for Marvel Cosmic Invasion introduces Cyclops and The Thing, adding new gameplay styles to the beat 'em up. Cyclops utilizes his optic blasts in melee combat, while The Thing offers a powerful grapple and close-quarters fighting. Both characters feature numerous color schemes referencing their comic book history and deliver '90s arcade-style energy.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion Adds Cyclops And The Thing Today, New Game Mode Coming
Dotemu and Tribute Games have released the first character DLC for Marvel Cosmic Invasion, adding The Thing and Cyclops as playable characters for $3.99. A second DLC is planned for Fall 2026, which will also introduce a new game mode. Further character reveals are expected later this year.
Marvel's retro-inspired beat-em-up is getting two more playable superheroes
Cyclops and The Thing have been added as playable characters to the retro-inspired beat-em-up game Marvel Cosmic Invasion. This expansion adds two new heroes to the game's roster.
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion Brings Cyclops And The Thing To The Fight In New DLC
The first paid DLC for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion adds Cyclops and The Thing as playable characters for $3.99 USD, with more heroes and a new game mode planned for a fall release. Developer DotEmu, known for other beat-'em-ups, has released the DLC for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
