Beat ’em up games, also known as brawlers or fighting games, are a type of action video game where the player controls a character who must fight against waves of enemies. The gameplay typically involves moving the character through a side-scrolling environment while using various attacks and combos to defeat the enemies.
Beat ’em up games originated in the arcade in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with popular titles like Double Dragon, Final Fight, and Streets of Rage. These games were often designed for two players to play cooperatively, with each player controlling a different character and working together to defeat the enemies. Let’s take a look at the very best beat ’em up games across platforms.
Best Beat ’em Up Games for Mobile
The beat ’em up genre has also made its way to mobile devices, providing players with a portable and accessible way to experience these action-packed games on the go. Some of the best beat ’em up games available on mobile include Streets of Rage 2 Classic, Double Dragon Trilogy, Final Fight, and Combo Crew. These games offer intuitive touch controls that make it easy to perform combos and special moves, as well as engaging storylines and challenging boss battles. Whether you’re looking for a classic arcade-style game or a modern beat ’em up experience, these mobile titles provide hours of fun and entertainment for fans of the genre.
1. Shadow Fight 2
Shadow Fight 2 is a popular 2D fighting game that combines martial arts and RPG elements. Players control a shadow warrior who must battle against various enemies to restore peace to their world. The game features smooth animation, intuitive touch controls, and a variety of weapons and moves to master.
Players can upgrade their character’s equipment and abilities, making them stronger and more versatile in combat. With over 100 levels to complete, Shadow Fight 2 offers hours of intense and challenging gameplay.
2. Dan the Man
Dan the Man is a retro-style beat ’em up game with a fun storyline and plenty of humor. Players control Dan, a heroic character who must fight against hordes of enemies to save his girlfriend. The game features simple controls and fast-paced combat, with players unlocking new moves and abilities as they progress through the levels. The game also features powerful boss battles that require careful strategy and timing to win.
The game features a range of unlockable characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities. The game’s retro-style graphics and soundtrack give it a classic arcade feel, while its modern gameplay mechanics make it a great choice for fans of the genre.
3. Beat Street
Beat Street is a colorful and action-packed beat ’em up game that features intuitive controls and addictive gameplay. Players control a team of street fighters who must take on various gangs and bosses to save their city.
The game features a range of unlockable characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities. The game’s retro-style graphics and soundtrack give it a classic arcade feel, while its modern gameplay mechanics make it a great choice for fans of the genre.
4. Street Fighter IV Champion Edition
Street Fighter IV Champion Edition is a mobile version of the classic fighting game that features iconic characters like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li. The game offers intuitive touch controls and impressive graphics, along with a range of game modes to choose from.
Players can compete online against other players or take on the game’s challenging single-player campaign. With its deep combat system and iconic characters, Street Fighter IV Champion Edition is a must-play for fans of the genre.
5. WWE Immortals
WWE Immortals is a unique take on the beat ’em up genre that features WWE wrestlers battling in a fantasy world. Players can collect and upgrade their favorite wrestlers, using signature moves and special abilities to defeat their opponents.
The game features a range of WWE wrestlers, each with their own unique abilities and special moves. The game’s impressive graphics and engaging gameplay make it a great choice for fans of wrestling and beat ’em up games.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Legends
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Legends is a turn-based beat ’em up game based on the popular cartoon series. Players control the four turtles and their allies as they battle against villains like Shredder and Krang.
The game features a variety of upgrade options, allowing players to customize their characters’ abilities and equipment. The game’s turn-based combat system adds a strategic element to the traditional beat ’em up formula, allowing players to plan out their moves and attacks.
7. Combo Crew
Combo Crew is a fast-paced beat ’em up game with a focus on combos and special moves. Players must defeat waves of enemies, unlocking new characters and abilities as they progress through the game. The game features intuitive touch controls and engaging gameplay, with a range of game modes to choose from.
The game’s focus on combos and special moves makes it a great choice for fans of the genre who are looking for a deeper and more complex combat system. The game also features a range of unlockable characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities.
8. Iron Blade: Medieval Legends RPG
Iron Blade: Medieval Legends RPG is a dark and action-packed beat ’em up game set in a medieval fantasy world. Players control a hero who must battle through hordes of monsters, using a variety of weapons and magical abilities.
The game’s dark and atmospheric setting, along with its impressive graphics and engaging storyline, make it a standout among beat ’em up games. The game also features a range of upgrade options and a deep combat system, adding to its replay value.
9. Dragon Hills
Dragon Hills is a unique twist on the beat ’em up genre that features a princess riding on the back of a dragon as she fights against knights, zombies, and other enemies. Players must navigate through levels by digging tunnels and jumping over obstacles.
The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and charming graphics make it a great choice for players looking for something a little different in the beat ’em up genre. The game also features a range of power-ups and upgrades, allowing players to customize their dragon and princess.
10. Punch Quest
Punch Quest is a retro-style beat ’em up game with fast-paced action and simple controls. Players must punch and uppercut their way through hordes of enemies, collecting power-ups and defeating bosses along the way.
The game’s simple controls and addictive gameplay make it a great choice for fans of classic arcade-style beat ’em up games. The game also features a range of unlockable abilities and power-ups, giving players plenty of incentive to keep playing.
Best Beat ’em up Games for PC
The beat ’em up genre has a long and storied history on PC, with a range of classic and modern titles available for players to enjoy. Some of the best beat ’em up games for PC include Castle Crashers, Streets of Rage 4, Mother Russia Bleeds, and River City Girls. These games offer engaging combat systems, vibrant and detailed graphics, and immersive storylines that keep players engaged from start to finish. Whether you prefer classic pixel art or modern 3D graphics, there’s a beat ’em up game on PC that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for fast-paced action and intense combat. So grab your keyboard or controller and get ready to kick, punch, and combo your way to victory in some of the best beat ’em up games on PC.
1. Castle Crashers
Castle Crashers is a popular 2D beat ’em up game that features cartoonish graphics and a humorous storyline. Players control knights who must battle their way through hordes of enemies to save princesses and defeat evil wizards.
The game offers a variety of weapons and animal companions to unlock, as well as a range of special abilities and combos to master. The game’s unique blend of humor and action, along with its charming art style, make it a standout among beat ’em up games.
2. Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage 4 is a modern take on the classic beat ’em up series that features impressive graphics, engaging combat, and a range of unlockable characters and abilities. Players can team up with friends to take on the game’s challenging levels, or compete against each other in the game’s versus mode.
The game features a deep combat system that rewards players for mastering combos and special moves, as well as a range of unlockable power-ups and upgrades. The game’s impressive visuals and engaging combat, along with its range of unlockable characters and abilities, make it a great choice for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
3. River City Girls
River City Girls is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that puts players in the shoes of high school girls who must battle their way through various levels to save their boyfriends. The game’s focus on humor and style, along with its engaging combat and range of unlockable characters and costumes, make it a great choice for fans of the genre.
The game also features a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows players to team up and take on the game’s challenging levels together. With its stylish graphics and focus on humor, River City Girls is a great choice for fans of the genre.
4. Double Dragon Neon
Double Dragon Neon is a retro-style beat ’em up game that puts players in the shoes of the two brothers, Billy and Jimmy Lee, as they battle their way through various levels to save their girlfriend. The game’s over-the-top action and humor, along with its range of special moves and power-ups, make it a great choice for fans of classic arcade-style beat ’em up games. The game also features local and online co-op, allowing players to team up with friends and take on the game’s challenging levels together.
5. Mother Russia Bleeds
Mother Russia Bleeds is a dark and gritty beat ’em up game set in an alternate version of the Soviet Union. Players control a group of fighters who must battle against corrupt authorities and drug dealers. The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows players to team up and take on the game’s challenging levels together.
The game also features intense combat, a range of unlockable characters and abilities, and a heavy emphasis on gore and violence. With its challenging gameplay and unique setting, Mother Russia Bleeds is a must-play for fans of the genre.
6. Shank
Shank is a stylish and visceral beat ’em up game with a focus on fast-paced action and combo-based combat. Players control Shank, a tough and resourceful fighter who must battle his way through a variety of levels to avenge his family.
The game features a range of weapons and abilities, along with a variety of unlockable costumes and upgrades. The game also features local and online co-op, allowing players to team up with friends and take on the game’s challenging levels together.
7. Fight’N Rage
Fight’N Rage is a retro-style beat ’em up game with a focus on challenging gameplay and engaging combat. Players can choose from three different characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities, as they battle their way through a variety of levels and bosses.
The game features a range of unlockable costumes and upgrades, along with local co-op multiplayer. The game’s challenging gameplay and satisfying combat, along with its range of unlockable costumes and upgrades, make it a great choice for fans of classic beat ’em up games.
8. Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game with a focus on anime-style graphics and engaging combat. Players can choose from a range of characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities, as they battle against hordes of enemies.
The game features a range of unlockable costumes and upgrades, along with online multiplayer. The anime-style graphics and engaging combat, along with its range of unlockable characters and abilities. With its fast-paced action and colorful visuals, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds is a great choice for fans of the genre.
9. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a retro-style beat ’em up game based on the popular graphic novel series and movie. Players control Scott Pilgrim and his friends as they battle against the evil League of Evil to save Scott’s girlfriend.
The game features engaging combat, a range of unlockable characters and abilities, and a charming 8-bit art style. With its fun storyline and classic gameplay, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a great choice for fans of the genre.
10. One Finger Death Punch
One Finger Death Punch is a unique beat ’em up game that features simple controls and addictive gameplay. Players control a stick figure fighter who must battle against waves of enemies using only two buttons.
The game features unique control scheme and addictive gameplay, along with a range of unlockable abilities and power-ups. The game also features online leaderboards, allowing players to compete against each other for high scores and bragging rights.
Best Beat ’em up Games for Console
Console gaming has been home to some of the most iconic and beloved beat ’em up games of all time. Some of the best beat ’em up games for consoles include classics like Streets of Rage 2 and Golden Axe, as well as more modern titles like God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man. These games offer a range of different combat systems, from the combo-heavy gameplay of Bayonetta to the visceral, hard-hitting combat of God of War. They also feature engaging storylines, immersive worlds, and memorable characters that have become beloved icons of the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of old-school arcade-style games or modern, cinematic experiences, there’s a beat ’em up game on console that’s sure to scratch that itch for intense, action-packed gameplay.
1. God of War (PS4)
God of War is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that features a deep and emotional storyline, engaging combat, and stunning graphics. Players control Kratos, a former Greek god who must battle his way through a variety of enemies and obstacles to save his son.
The game features an in-depth combat system that rewards players for mastering various moves and abilities, as well as a range of different weapons and upgrades to unlock. The game also features epic boss battles, challenging puzzles, and a beautiful and immersive world to explore.
2. Bayonetta 2 (Nintendo Switch)
Bayonetta 2 is an action-packed game developed by PlatinumGames and released for the Nintendo Switch. The game features fast-paced combat, over-the-top set pieces, and a unique storyline. Players control Bayonetta, a witch who must battle against hordes of angels and demons to save the world of Vigrid.
One of the standout features of Bayonetta 2 is its combat system. The game rewards players for mastering different moves and combos, allowing them to string together devastating attacks on their enemies. The game also features a range of different weapons and abilities, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can unlock new weapons and abilities as they progress through the game, allowing them to customize Bayonetta’s playstyle to suit their preferences.
3. Yakuza 0 (PS4)
Yakuza 0 is an open-world action game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for the PlayStation 4. The game takes place in 1980s Japan and follows the story of two protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Kamurocho and Sotenbori. The game features a deep and engaging storyline, a range of different mini-games and activities, and a variety of different fighting styles to master.
One of the standout features of Yakuza 0 is its immersive and detailed world. The game’s setting of 1980s Japan is brought to life through its detailed environments, realistic characters, and authentic soundtrack. Players can explore a range of different locations, from neon-lit streets to seedy nightclubs, each with their own unique challenges and secrets to uncover.
4. Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)
Marvel’s Spider-Man is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that allows players to swing through the streets of New York City as the iconic superhero. The game features a wide range of different enemies to battle, as well as a variety of different moves and abilities to master.
The game also features a gripping storyline and impressive graphics, as well as a range of different costumes and upgrades to unlock. The game also features a range of different side missions and challenges to complete, from stopping crimes to taking photos of landmarks around the city. The game’s story is also a love letter to Spider-Man fans, featuring a range of iconic villains and characters from the comics.
Also read: Best Marvel Games For PS4: Spider-Man, Marvel’s Avengers, Deadpool, & More…
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game that features engaging combat, challenging enemies, and a deep storyline. Players control Link as he battles against a variety of different monsters and obstacles in order to save the world of Hyrule.
The game features stunning graphics and a wide range of different weapons and abilities to unlock. The game also features a range of different puzzles and challenges to solve, from shrine puzzles to environmental obstacles.
Also read: Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Who is Zelda? Is she powerful?
6. Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a superhero action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and released exclusively for the PlayStation 5. The game is a standalone sequel to the highly acclaimed Spider-Man game released in 2018 and follows the story of Miles Morales, a young Spider-Man with his own unique set of powers. The game features a range of different abilities and upgrades for players to unlock, as well as a variety of different villains to defeat and challenges to overcome.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales features engaging and fluid combat system. Like its predecessor, the game features a range of different moves and combos for players to master, allowing them to take down enemies with style and finesse. The game also features a range of different abilities and upgrades for players to unlock, allowing them to customize Miles’ playstyle to suit their preferences.
7. Knack 2 (PS4)
Knack 2 is a family-friendly action game that features engaging combat, a charming art style, and a range of different moves and abilities to unlock. Players control Knack, a small creature who can grow in size and strength by collecting different artifacts and materials.
Knack 2 features a range of different moves and abilities to unlock, allowing players to customize their playstyle and take on the game’s challenging levels in different ways. The game also features a charming and whimsical art style, with a range of different environments to explore and enemies to defeat.
8. River City Girls (Nintendo Switch)
River City Girls is a beat ’em up game developed by WayForward and released for the Nintendo Switch. The game is a spin-off of the popular River City Ransom series and follows the story of two high school girls, Kyoko and Misako, as they fight their way through the streets of River City to rescue their kidnapped boyfriends. The game features a range of different moves and combos for players to master, as well as a variety of different weapons and upgrades to unlock.
River City Girls is a beat ’em up game developed by WayForward and released for the Nintendo Switch. The game is a spin-off of the popular River City Ransom series and follows the story of two high school girls, Kyoko and Misako, as they fight their way through the streets of River City to rescue their kidnapped boyfriends. The game features a range of different moves and combos for players to master, as well as a variety of different weapons and upgrades to unlock.
9. Dragon’s Crown Pro (PS4)
Dragon’s Crown Pro is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game with stunning hand-drawn graphics and engaging combat. Players can choose from a range of different characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities, as they battle their way through a variety of levels and bosses.
The game also features local and online multiplayer, allowing players to team up and take on the game’s challenging levels together. Dragon’s Crown Pro features stunning hand-drawn graphics and a range of different characters to choose from, each with their own unique moves and abilities.
10. River City Girls 2 (Nintendo Switch)
River City Girls 2 is a sequel to the popular beat ’em up game, River City Girls. The game features engaging combat, a range of unlockable characters and abilities, and a focus on humor and style. Players control two high school girls as they battle their way through various levels to save their city. The game features local co-op multiplayer, allowing players to team up and take on the game’s challenging levels together.
In conclusion
The beat ’em up genre has produced some of the most entertaining and engaging games across platforms. From the classic arcade games of the 80s and 90s to the modern titles released on current-gen consoles, beat ’em up games have continued to evolve and captivate players with their unique blend of action and storytelling.
God of War, Bayonetta 2, Yakuza 0, Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Knack 2, River City Girls, Dragon’s Crown Pro, and River City Girls 2 are just some of the standout titles that showcase the best that the beat ’em up genre has to offer. Each game features its own unique strengths, whether it’s the engaging combat system of Bayonetta 2 or the immersive world of Yakuza 0.
Ultimately, the best beat ’em up games are those that offer a satisfying and enjoyable experience for players. Whether you’re a fan of classic arcade games or modern titles, there’s a beat ’em up game out there for everyone. So grab your controller and get ready to punch, kick, and combo your way to victory in some of the best beat ’em up games across platforms.
