Beat 'em up
Ongoing coverage on Beat 'em up.
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Review: Scott Pilgrim EX (Switch 2) - A Gloriously Entertaining, Fan-Service-Filled Retro Brawler
Scott Pilgrim EX is a gloriously entertaining retro brawler that continues the story of the Netflix series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, developed by Tribute Games. It features a free-roaming design with branching levels, a wealth of fan-service, and fluid animation, offering a delightful experience for fans of the genre and the Scott Pilgrim franchise. The game supports up to four players locally and online, with a variety of playable characters and upgradeable stats.
REVIEW – Big Helmet Heroes - NintendoFuse
Big Helmet Heroes is a 3D beat 'em up action game developed by Exalted Studios for the Nintendo Switch. Players control one of two heroes fighting through 20 levels of goblins and villains to rescue a princess. The game features cartoony aesthetics, an upbeat soundtrack, and simple combat mechanics with melee, ranged, and special attacks, offering both solo and couch co-op experiences.
Jay and Silent Bob: The Chronic Blunt Punch | PAX West 2024 - The Game Fanatics
Jay and Silent Bob: The Chronic Blunt Punch, developed by The Mix Games, was a standout at PAX West 2024. This hand-drawn beat 'em up, inspired by games like Streets of Rage, features deep combo systems and super moves. Founder Justin Woodward confirmed involvement from Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, with a release date to be announced. The game is available to wishlist on Steam.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind | Developer Interview - The Game Fanatics
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a new arcade beat 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse, a passion project for fans of the franchise. The game features rangers battling a robotic Rita Repulsa who travels back in time. Content editor Dan Amrich discussed the game's development and gameplay.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction launches in April
Limited Run Games and Bitmap Bureau have announced that He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction will launch on April 28th for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. This new retro beat 'em up game features He-Man, Man-At-Arms, and Teela as playable characters, with She-Ra unlockable later.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction arrives April 28
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction, a retro-styled beat 'em up developed by Bitmap Bureau and published by Limited Run Games, is set to release on April 28th. The game features pixel-art graphics, playable characters like He-Man and She-Ra, and local co-op for two players. It will be available on PC, with expected compatibility on Linux via Proton.
Mexican Ninja adds console ports
Publisher Amber Studio and developer Madbricks announced that their 2.5D roguelike beat 'em up, Mexican Ninja, will be released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in 2026, in addition to its previously announced PC version. Creative Director Dario Hoyo stated the console release aims to allow more players to experience the game's energetic combat and unique setting of Nuevo Tokyo.
Review | Fighting Force Collection (PC)
The Fighting Force Collection brings the cult classic beat 'em up series to PC and modern consoles for the first time, featuring both Fighting Force and its sequel. Limited Run Games has added quality-of-life features like rewinding and saving anywhere, enhancing the experience of these late-90s and early-2000s titles. While Fighting Force offers a solid co-op beat 'em up experience, Fighting Force 2 struggles with an identity crisis and clunky gameplay.
Interview: Creating Beat 'Em Up Sequel Super Alloy Crush
Mabi Mogu, one half of the two-person indie studio Alloy Mushroom, discusses the development of their upcoming 2D sci-fi beat 'em up, Super Alloy Crush. The game builds upon lessons learned from Super Alloy Ranger, focusing on fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with combo chaining and roguelike elements for replayability. Inspirations include Devil May Cry and Dungeon Fighter Online, with a strong emphasis on enemy reactions and balancing distinct character playstyles.
Maiden Cops – Boobs, Nudity & Fighting
Maiden Cops is a retro-inspired beat 'em up that successfully captures the feel of 16-bit arcade classics with its pixel-perfect visuals and authentic 80s/90s soundtrack. Developed by Pippingames and published by Eastasiasoft, the game features a trio of distinct characters and offers both a casual Classic Mode with cheats and a challenging Arcade Mode. Despite its mature themes and anime-inspired art style, the game is praised for its polished presentation, engaging gameplay, and value for money.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE Review | Giant Bomb
Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a faithful throwback to 16-bit era action games, closely following the plot of the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Developed by Bitmap Bureau, the game features varied gameplay mechanics, including beat 'em up sections reminiscent of Streets of Rage and shooter segments akin to Contra, alongside stealth and vehicle chase sequences. While praised for its fan service and gameplay variety, the review notes its short runtime and $30 launch price as significant drawbacks, suggesting it's a better value at a lower sale price.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE Review
Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a faithful throwback to 16-bit era action games, closely following the plot of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with numerous fan service references. Developed by Bitmap Bureau, the game offers varied gameplay, shifting between beat 'em up sections as the T-800 and shooter/stealth segments as Sarah Connor. While praised for its reverence and gameplay variety, its short runtime and $30 launch price are significant drawbacks, making it a better recommendation on sale.
Check out an official music video for Absolum
Absolum, a "rogue 'em up" beat 'em up game developed by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks, has released a new trailer focusing on its soundtrack. The game, featuring a character named Brome, will launch on Nintendo Switch on October 9th, 2025. The soundtrack includes contributions from Gareth Coker, Mick Gordon, Yuka Kitamura, and Motoi Sakuraba.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood Review (Xbox Series X)
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood offers a blend of action and stealth gameplay on Xbox Series X, featuring a protagonist who can shapeshift between human, wolf, and beast forms. Developed by Cyanide Studio, the game presents a story inspired by the World of Darkness tabletop RPGs, where players battle a corrupt corporation. Despite some rough edges and repetitive missions, the game provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
Best GBA Games: Top 30 Game Boy Advance Titles
This article lists the top 30 Game Boy Advance games, highlighting the console's powerful hardware and impressive library. It features a variety of genres, from strategy RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics Advance to action-packed titles like Metroid Fusion and platformers like Super Mario Advance 2.
Genesis Review – Powers Rangers: The Movie
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie for Sega Genesis is an average beat 'em up game based on the film. While it features enjoyable gameplay with Rangers and Zords, and the addition of multiplayer is a plus, the repetitive levels and dull backgrounds detract from the experience. The game is best enjoyed with friends, receiving a final score of 6/10.
Managing My Backlog 2021
The author discusses the challenges of managing a large video game backlog, especially with the increase in digital and free-to-play titles. Strategies proposed include limiting new purchases until existing games are finished and prioritizing playing backlog titles. Several games are mentioned as examples of titles the author intends to play or complete.
All Sega Genesis Beat ‘Em Up Games Ranked
This article ranks all Sega Genesis beat 'em up games, defining the genre as games where players fight through enemies using melee combat and weapons, with movement along the Z-axis. Games like Altered Beast and Two Crude Dudes were excluded for not fitting this definition. The list details various titles, highlighting their gameplay, graphics, and unique features, with Streets of Rage 2 ultimately taking the top spot.
All Super Nintendo Beat ‘Em Up Games Ranked
This article ranks all beat 'em up games released for the Super Nintendo, defining the genre as games where players fight through groups of enemies while progressing through levels, with the ability to move up and down. It excludes platformer games that lack this vertical movement. The list covers 32 titles, from 'Bebe's Kids' at number 32 to 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time' at number 1.
Coffee Crisis: Heavy Metal Alien-Brawler
Coffee Crisis is a neo-rogue co-op brawler where players control baristas Nick and Ashley to fight aliens stealing musicians. The game features a heavy metal soundtrack, vivid graphics, and gameplay modifiers that alter the experience. Developed by Mega Cat Studios, it was originally released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and is now available on Steam for $5.99.
