GAMERS DECIDE - beat em up

Top 10 Games Like Shank (Games Better Than Shank In Their Own Way)

Daniel_Helstrom94 — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 02:11:48 +0000

What are the best games like Shank?

Shank released on the Playstation 3, Xbox PC, Mac, and PC in 2010. It was successful enough to call for a sequel that released in 2012 on the same platforms.

However, perhaps you’ve bested the forces hired by Cesar and toppled The Militia soldiers using every potential weapon you can. Perhaps you’ve beaten both games with a friend, and perhaps you’ve done it alone. And perhaps you just want a new adventure to make baddies lives miserable. But perhaps you don’t want to stray too far from the formula.

These ten games will give you the tools you’re used to, but some new foes to pummel; Or slash; Or shoot.

10) Mark of the Ninja

Mark of the Ninja Gameplay

Mark of the Ninja takes place in a fictional Japanese city and it stars a marked unnamed Ninja. The Marked Ninja has ink on his face that give him enhanced senses. Awakened by a female Ninja named Ora, the Marked Ninja must rescue his mentor named Azai from a team of guards in a similar vein to Shank’s goal in Shank 2. The guards captured Azai as well as members of the Marked Ninja’s clan known as the Hisomu Clan.

The Unnamed Ninja initially comes equipped with nothing but his fists to fight with, but will soon find a grappling hook to maneuver around areas, some darts to take out lights, and a sword that he can use to kill guards

Be careful though, guards are also armed with guns that they can and will shoot you with. And despite being the protagonist, the Unnamed Ninja is far from invincible. A few bullets are all it will take to take down the Ninja.

Navigate in dark areas, take out lights, and prevent yourself from being seen. If you are successful in remaining hidden from guards, you can sneak up behind him and get really satisfying stealth kills with your sword. Make sure you hide the body of the guard you’ve killed though. Otherwise, another guard may come around and alarm others about your presence.

Not only will you have to prevent yourself from being seen. You’ll need to prevent yourself from being heard. You can run through as fast as you can, but it’ll trigger a sound represented by a circle that, if it touches a guard, will alert them to where you are.

Just a little Further: The Marked Ninja is really close to the guard in front of him, hasn't been seen and is about to commence a stealth kill on him if the button prompt is correctly pressed.

Might be Safer to Use the Elevator: The Marked Ninja and the Female Ninja that awoke him known as Ora are prepared for the mission that awaits them.

9) Die for Valhalla!

Die for Valhalla Gameplay

Die for Valhalla! Is an Action RPG set in a world of Vikings. You take control of a Valkyrie capable of possessing a variety of fallen foes. A being known as The Great Old One has threatened to take over the world (OF COURSE!) and it Is up to you to stop The Great Old One and save the world.

There are two ways in which you can choose to experience the adventure of Die for Valhalla! You can choose to play in Normal Mode, which will take place in a larger world where potions will have positive effects, you can revive your friends, and the game will have a nicer difficulty curve. However, you can also choose to play in Hardcore Mode where you will have roguelite elements to deal with such as your friends only having one life, the potions possibly doing more harm than good to you, and a steeper difficulty curve. Hardcore Mode also takes place in a smaller world.

You can take possession of 7 different Viking classes from over 10 different Viking clans. Each Viking Class will play differently and use different combos to go along with their playstyle. Meanwhile, each clan will have special access to different classes.

Die for Valhalla! Can be played solo or with up to 3 friends locally.

That’s One Giant Enemy: The player finds himself against a giant troll-like creature.

Gone but Not Forgotten: One of the warriors that the Valkyrie could control has passed on, but another warrior continues to fight for his fallen friend.

8) Foul Play

Foul Play Gameplay

Foul Play is a side-scrolling action beat 'em up that takes place on the grand spectacle of a play. Are you ready to take down villains with as much style as possible? You take control of a daemon hunter named Baron Dashforth and you must wow the audience by taking down as many enemies as possible.

Foul Play takes a different setting throughout the 20 acts that the game has. Two examples of settings you will visit during this play are the scorching desert of Cairo, and another example is the depths of Atlantis.

There are also a variety of side characters in Foul Play such as a giant man with a braided beard and 2 blades named The Foreman, and a giant military man with a cannon named General Cain among others that you will have to fight.

Perform a variety of stylish takedowns and reversals to please the crowd and get the best score that you possibly can.

If you choose, Baron Dashforth can work with a backup actor in this play due to local co-op where player two will play as the sidekick known as Scampwick.

Hungry Like the Wolf: Baron Dashforth finds himself against a few actors dressed as wolves.

Need a Ride? We’ve Enough Room for Two: A brawl is about to take place near a travelling wagon.

7) I Am The Hero

I Am The Hero Gameplay

I Am The Hero is a pixel art beat 'em up style game with some fighting game elements such as EX-Skills. I Am The Hero stars a human that is known as the “Hero”, but the hero has a very mysterious past behind him. Who is this guy? And is there another side to him that we just don’t know about? Only one way to find out.

Rush down on your enemies and juggle them to get a really high combo count that could potentially reach the triple and maybe even quadruple digits.

You can also play as a variety of characters with a variety of playstyles. One such example is that you can play as a beefy boxer that specializes in rushing the enemies down to jab, hook, and uppercut them.

If you want, chain even higher combos with a partner since I Am The Hero has local co-op as well as an online co-op survival mode where your only goal is to survive.

His health bar is longer. No Fair: The Hero is up against a horde of larger and smaller enemies alike. That’s still one rather large health bar. Hopefully, that enemy isn’t too OP!

The Combo that Never Ends: The Hero has accumulated a high combo count with the potential to get that number even higher by chaining more hits on enemies.

6) Bully Beatdown

Bully Beatdown Gameplay

Bully Beatdown is a side-scrolling beat 'em up that has an emphasis on story. You play the role of an overweight child simply known as “Fat Kid” that gets picked on by everybody. However, with the player’s input, this child can get even with his bullies. Don’t start harming innocent people though or you’ll be labelled a bully yourself.

There are many combative techniques that “Fat Kid” can use to pummel his bullies. He can punch them, kick them, belly bump them, and spin dash... I mean roll like a bowling ball over them just to name a few techniques.

There are 9 different levels set in different areas such as a school, the streets of “Fat Kid's” home city, and even the depths of Hell where you can get revenge on the bullies that tormented you.

In addition, there are bosses to fight in these different areas such as a robotic spider, and a giant stage set of a man worked by a woman known as the Drama Queen.

Robo Spider with Only Four Arms… Odd: “Fat Kid” is inflicting damage on a giant robotic spider with flatulence.

Belly Smashing Lawbreaker: Wonder what the police think of “Fat Kid” beating up on this group of bullies with this belly?

5) Bladed Fury

Bladed Fury Gameplay

Bladed Fury is an action game inspired by Chinese mythology, Chinese history, and a pinch of surrealism. It takes place in an Ancient Chinese civilization known as Qi and it stars an exiled princess named Ji who fell for a trap sprung by an officer that serves the Kang of Qi named Tian. Tian also murdered Ji’s father Kang (who is also the Duke) and placed Ji’s older sister Shu under house arrest.

To succeed in your journey of revenge, you will need help from deities such as Hou Yi and Jingwei among others. They will give you a variety of weapons with different powers on your journey. For example, Hou Yi will give you 2 blades that have a few different combos from your standard weapon.

Fight off a variety of enemies in your quest to get revenge on Tian including guards that have lances ready to poke you, and larger soldiers that have a sword and shield to slash and block you.

Tian will also have some bosses that will do anything they can to stop you. For example, there is a giant spider that you will have to overcome.

Arachnid Attack: Ji finds herself at odds with a giant spider. Hopefully, neither she nor the player has a severe case of arachnophobia.

Win by Doing Nothing?: Ji may want to consider moving and/or dodging so that she doesn’t get hit by that soldier.

4) The friends of Ringo Ishikawa

The friends of Ringo Ishikawa Gameplay

The friends of Ringo Ishikawa is a sidescrolling beat 'em up with school sim elements that takes place in a Japanese high school. It stars a senior high school student named Ringo Ishikawa who is a gang leader and he is trying to live through his last year of high school before graduation.

Experience a story where the main goal isn’t just about being a gang leader or where the aim is to take down rival turfs. Experience a story where you simply live through the life of Ringo Ishikawa.

You will also be able to play a variety of mini-games throughout the journey of The friends of Ringo Ishikawa such as ping-pong, pool, video poker, and even a console game in a PC game.

However, at the end of the day, Ringo Ishikawa is a gang leader and there will be opposing gangs to try to take him down. Also, they don’t exactly seem like the type of people who are going to yield to words.

Stripes or Solids?: Billiards is one of many mini-games that Ringo Ishikawa can play in his senior high school year.

It is a beat 'em Up After All: Ringo will have to beat up a lot of people from different gangs in his adventure.

3) The TakeOver

The TakeOver Gameplay

The TakeOver is a beat 'em up with 3D backgrounds and high-definition pre-rendered sprites that takes heavy inspiration from classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight.

The TakeOver stars 4 characters that you can choose from. You can play as the very powerful and durable, but slow Connor, the well-rounded Ethan, the slightly speedier but slightly less powerful Megan, and a guy who is more useful from a range named Jackson as you try to rescue a woman named Vanessa.

Lay the smackdown on a variety of foes such as thugs, sumo wrestlers, and boxers that have their own names and will try to beat you down, as well as zombies that will hunt you down.

Beat down some unique foes by yourself or with some local friends through co-op mode.

Zombies? You don’t see those every day: Connor is shooting at some zombies.

Time to lay the beatdown: You will meet many thugs on your journey to save a girl named Vanessa.

2) Bud Spencer & Terence Hill - Slaps And Beans

Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps And Beans Gameplay

Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps And Beans is a 2D sidescrolling beat 'em up with platformer elements and mini-games where you play as Bud Spencer or Terence Hill and your goal is to beat up thugs and experience the world of Bud Spencer.

You’ll find yourself in a variety of locations in the world of Bud Spencer & Terence Hill such as the fairground, the Western Saloon, and Miami Downtown among other areas.

There are a variety of mini-games that you will be able to play in the world of Bud Spencer & Terence Hill such as a top-down racing game and a side-scrolling horse racing game among many others.

You can experience Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps And Beans by yourself or with a friend through local co-op.

Everybody’s Super Sonic Racing: Racing is one of many different mini-games featured in Bud Spencer & Terence Hill - Slaps And Beans.

Clean up on Aisle Twelve: Bud Spencer & Terence Hill will find themselves in many locations including a grocery store. At least you don’t have to endure this adventure alone.

1) Strider

Strider Gameplay

Strider is a 2D Action Platformer set in the year Meio 0048 in a metropolis known as Kazakh City that has been taken over and governed by a floating figure named Grandmaster Meio. You play as a Ninja named Strider Hiryu and it is your goal to take down your eternal foe and save the world.

Strider Hiryu is very agile and he comes equipped with a sword known as the Cypher. In addition, he has a lot of abilities in his arsenal such as a faster run, a slide, and a cart-wheel. Throughout his adventure, he can also unlock new abilities to reach new areas such as a double jump and a mid-air dash among other abilities.

There are plenty of enemies that Strider will find in his way along his journeys like the many cybernetic soldiers and the hordes of biomechanical creatures scattered through Kazakh City.

There are a ton of different bosses that Strider Hiryu will need to fight on his journey to defeat Grandmaster Meio including three out of the four female freelance bounty hunters known as Tong Pooh, Nang Pooh, and Pei Pooh that make up a group known as the Four Winds.

That’s one large creature: Strider Hiryu will fight different foes of varying sizes in his adventure to defeat Grandmaster Meio.

Stay Up Here with Me: Strider Hiryu is a very nimble ninja and aerial combat is a breeze for him as a result.

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The 25 Best Beat ‘Em Up Games for PC

JacobField — Thu, 24 May 2018 08:52:02 +0000

How many of these beat 'em up games have you played?

The beat ‘em up genre is possibly one of the most diverse and long-lasting genres in all of games. They may have many different bells and whistles attached, but in the end these games revolve around the core mechanic of beating other people up. The PC has become a home for all kinds of games within the beat ‘em up genre and so here’s our list of the top 25 for you to choose from.

25. Shank 1 & 2

Shank 2 gameplay

Shank 1 & 2 are games that allow you to witness beautifully animated violence at it’s finest as you slash your way through hordes of enemies. In both games you play as the titular character, Shank, making your way through mob hitman and various other enemies as you progress through the games’ campaigns.

Both games feature a simple suite of moves involving Shank’s multiple knife techniques, but you are also able to pick up various weapons through stages to expand your combat options. The player also has access to grappling and throw attacks after a pounce attack. Both games also feature a co-op mode, so you can bring a friend along for the gorgeously animated massacre.

Shank has a various amount of attacks that he can do with his knives

Shank 2 also features a new playable character with her own unique gameplay

24. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ gameplay

There’s no greater compliment to give Dragon Ball FighterZ than when you’re playing you would might be mistaken that you’re watching an episode of the show, and that’s incredible. Dragon Ball FighterZ is team-based fighting game where you get to play as your favorite characters in the Dragon Ball FighterZ franchise in one on one combat against an enemy team of fighters.

Dragon Ball FighterZ features 24 playable characters from throughout the franchise (with 8 additional DLC characters on the horizon) each with their own unique gameplay and styles that can attract any player. The game features a multi-campaign story mode to go through, as well as an Arcade mode to battle against the AI. There’s also local and online VS mode, including a mode where you can team up with two friends to fight against three more players online.

The game features dynamic combat with all your favorite characters from Dragon Ball

You can see hidden cutscenes where the recreate scenes from the show as well

23. 99Vidas

99Vidas gameplay

99Vidas attempts to make a modern-day beat ‘em up that gives you the same feeling as the games you played as a child, and it does all this and more. The game boasts a retro style while maintaining all the conveniences of modern-day technology to offer the players with a truly satisfying beat ‘em up.

99Vidas features eleven playable characters each with their own upgradeable skills and abilities. You can battle your way through eight possible stages with a smart AI that can team up on you for a real challenge. Team up with a friend to take down the six boss fights, or go into versus mode to test your mettle.

99Vidas has an old school style reminiscent of games like Final Fight or Streets of Rage

The game boasts a suite of unique moves that you can upgrade throughout the game

22. One Piece Pirate Warriors 3

One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 gameplay

The Dynasty Warriors franchise has had several entries and dozens of spinoffs, so it is notable to state that One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 is one of the best games the franchise has to offer. In addition to being one of the best games in the extended Dynasty Warriors franchise available, it’s also one of the best One Piece games and features many scenes and locales throughout the show’s history.

Pirate Warriors 3 features 37 playable characters from throughout the show’s history which all have unique gameplay and combos, as well as the ability to level up and acquire more skills. The story of the game takes you through over a decade of One Piece’s story as you face familiar enemies and experience key scenes from the show. The game also features the Dream Log mode which has semi-randomized battles that allow you to level characters up and unlock items along the way.

The game has a seemingly endless swath of content that can take you around 100 hours to get through it all, so you’ll not find yourself wanting for more to do.

The game features plenty of unique and cinematic attacks with all of its characters

Experience classic moments from the show as you make your way through the game’s story mode

21. Mother Russia Bleeds

Mother Russia Bleeds gameplay

If there’s any game on this list that could be sold for its aesthetic alone, Mother Russia Bleeds takes the cake. In this old school style beat ‘em up you play as a band of imprisoned street fighters battling their way through the streets of an alternate USSR. The game is ultra-violent and makes heavy usage of drugs so it’s definitely not one for playing around.

In Mother Russia Bleeds you make your way through the story mode while battling your way through crooked authority figures or other drug-addicted street hooligans as you attempt to make a living as a street fighter in the slums. The game features a host of brutal enemies you can take down with you bare hands or with weapons you pick up along the way. It also allows you to take drugs that can alter the game with psychedelic twists. You can play through the game solo or bring four friends along for the brutality you’ll experience throughout the game.

The game’s style takes a forefront as you make your way through the dark scenery

With a variety of weapons and enemies, you’ll never be bored as you make your way through the game

20. Bud Spencer & Terence Hill - Slaps and Beans

Bud Spencer & Terence Hill gameplay

Bud Spencer & Terence Hill - Slap and Beans attempts to recreate the feeling of the classic films starring the titular duo, and does an amazing job at it. In the game you play as the comedy duo Bud Spencer & Terence Hill while you make your way through various locales and take on a variety of enemies.

The game features a retro art style to give you the feel of an old school game while also providing a unique fighting system based around our slapstick duo. Throughout the games campaign you’ll take down various enemies with different comedic tools and attacks in either a solo or co-op endeavor. There is also a variety of mini-games that can be enjoyed throughout to add to the variety as you make your way through.

Throughout the game you will get to play unique and fun mini-games

Visit a variety of locales ranging from an old west saloon to downtown Miami

19. Shenmue 3

Shenmue 3 trailer

It took over 15 years, but Shenmue finally gets the third entry that it has deserved for so long. The Shenmue franchise has you playing as a Japanese teenager named Ryo Hazuki as he pursues the murderer of his father, Lan Di.

Shenmue features a variety of fun activities from martial arts combat, to various arcade games, to driving a forklift as a part-time job. The game features even more fun and interesting mini games as well, but the real feature is going to be the story. Shenmue 3 should see the conclusion to Shenmue’s long form story and finally get the resolution we deserve.

Shenmue 3 opts to maintain the old style of the original games

You’ll be able to interact with familiar characters throughout the game’s story

18. Tekken 7

Tekken 7 gameplay

Tekken 7 is quite possibly the most adrenaline pumping fighting game that has come out in the last several years, and that’s a thing of beauty. Tekken 7 is the newest entry in the long running Tekken franchise and has brought the game to the modern era in a big way.

In Tekken 7 you get to play as 40 unique characters, many of which you’ll recognize from throughout the franchise’s history and each of them has the wide variety of moves that the Tekken series is known for. The game has the standard versus mode that you can play offline or online, but it also has the story mode full of cut scenes and unique fights and is the conclusion to the franchise’s Mishima Saga.

If you find yourself wanting to have some mindless fun then you can dive into the endless Treasure Battle to get in-game currency, or if you want to pay for the DLC you can even play Tekken Bowling for some quick fun.

The game has cinematic camera angles within fights to keep them exciting

You can customize your characters to give them a unique look

17. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 gameplay

If Dragon Ball FighterZ is like playing an episode of the show, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is like living in the world of Dragon Ball. Xenoverse 2 is an online action game where you get to make your own character in the Dragon Ball world as you go to various points of the show’s history and experience the iconic fights and scenes you’ve come to love.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 features an extensive story mode where you play through many iconic scenarios from the show, and several scenarios unique to the game, with your own created character. Throughout the campaign you’ll level up your character and obtain new skills and gear in order to make your ideal Dragon Ball character. The game also features online play extensively with co-op Parallel Quests, or you can go online and face off against other players. If you ever find yourself wanting something different, you can even play one of the 126 characters from the show and take them for a spin.

You can wander around the hub world and have some goofy fun

Experience some of your favorite scenes from the show with a unique twist

16. Double Dragon Trilogy

Double Dragon Trilogy gameplay

Double Dragon is iconic with the beat ‘em up genre and now they have been remastered to be experienced by the new generation. Double Dragon Trilogy is a PC port of the arcade originals of this classic series that allows you to experience the simple fun of brawling through the streets once again.

The Double Dragon games are relatively simple, but that’s the thing that makes them great. You can play as one of two characters with identical movesets and can pick up weapons along the way. You can play through the game solo or with a friend as you make your way through the classic stages and bosses of this iconic trilogy.

You can experience the games in a more tuned up version of their original graphics

An updated UI allows for a clarity that the original games lacked

15. Double Dragon Neon

Double Dragon Neon gameplay

While Double Dragon Trilogy allows you to experience the classic games, Double Dragon Neon injects the classic series with a shot of adrenaline in order to bring it up to speed with its contemporaries. Double Dragon Neon is a new entry in the Double Dragon franchise nearly 20 years after the last unique entry and it brings with it plenty of tongue-in-cheek 80’s humor along with it.

In Double Dragon Neon you get to play as either of the series’ original characters but now in addition to the traditional combat from the classic games, Neon brings with it a new Mix Tape system that allows you to mix and match unique abilities and attacks. Battle through the game’s various stages with a new combo system to bring more depth to the original games’ combat. Like the original games you can play this one either solo or co-op to increase the fun.

The look of the game is heavily inspired by the 80s

Like the original series, Neon will take you to various locales throughout

14. Foul Play

Foul Play gameplay

If your main complaint with the other games on this list is that they don’t present a gentlemanly demeanor, well then why no try out Foul Play? In Foul Play you play as the gentleman daemon-hunt Baron Dashworth as you battle through various stages all while performing in the theater.

Foul Play’s most unique aspect will immediately be it’s theatrical setting. Every stage is decorated with practical-looking effects and creatures and the audience is prominently featured throughout the game. Foul Play also has a performance meter that you have to increase throughout in order to earn more rewards. You can play through the game’s 22 acts either solo or co-op with the Baron’s sidekick, Scampwick.

The theater stage is prominent throughout the game and plays a key role in advancing

You’ll be able to see many unique scenarios do to the game’s setup

13. Paint the Town Red

Paint the Town Red gameplay

The pure creativity that Paint the Town Red offers is second to none, and it’s a blast to try everything you can think of. Paint the Town Red is a voxel-based first person melee combat game. Being voxel-based means that every part of an enemy can be interacted with dynamically as you experience the combat.

Unlike a lot of the other games on this list, Paint the Town Red presents more of a beat ‘em up sandbox that allows you to experience different unique scenarios each time you play. You have the four main scenarios to choose from, in addition to an Arena mode that brings its own unique challenges and features. The game also features a level editor and bosses with unique challenges and rewards. All of these features you can play in co-op with friends so bring them along for the mayhem.

The voxel-based design allows for dynamic brutality like no other

In addition to the hand to hand, you will also be able to pick up various weaponry

12. Crime Life: Gang Wars

Crime Life: Gang Wars gameplay

If you ever wanted to play as a gangster on the streets of a big city, then Crime Life: Gang Wars is the game for you. In Crime Life: Gang Wars you play as Tre, who is a resident of the an impoverished Hood district in the fictional Grand Central City as he makes his way to the top of one of the local gangs.

Crime Life intends to offer the experience of being a gangster and all that comes with it. During the game you wander around the streets of Grand Central City and engage in various gang-related activities. You’ll engage in various scenarios of gang warfare all while attempting to earn money in less than moral means, such as mugging and burglary. The game attempts to combine the traditional elements of a beat ‘em up in its combats and the large open world aspects of games such as Grand Theft Auto while taking you along the ride of the life of a gangster.

Throughout the game you’ll get in large-scale gang fights

Being a gangster means you’ll have to avoid interacting with the police as much as possible

11. Streets of Fury EX

Streets of Fury EX gameplay

Some people go around asking for more realistic graphics in their games, well Streets of Fury EX has possibly the most realistic I’ve seen going so far as to capture real actors for the in-game characters. Streets of Fury EX is a beat ‘em up in the old school sense, but it brings to the table its unique presentation using real video of actors in place of 3D models or 2D sprites, which bring a charm to this game that allows it to stand out among the crowd.

While the game boasts an old-school style, the gameplay is quite deep with 17 unique playable characters all with fleshed out movesets. You can play through one of the several modes including two different story modes, a versus mode, challenge mode, and an endless survival mode. The game has the depth of a fighting game with its combat and the effort that has gone into it really shines through. You can bring friends along to either team up or fight each other for supremacy.

The game’s graphics allow it to stand out in a crowded market

The game’s in-depth combat system will keep you coming back for more and more

10. Kung Fu Strike - The Warrior’s Rise

Kung Fu Strike gameplay

The classic Chinese kung fu movie is probably one of the most pure forms of action film, and Kung Fu Strike - The Warrior’s Rise does an amazing job making you feel like you’re playing through one. In Kung Fu Strike you play through a story mode inspired by classical Chinese stories of revenge and retribution in addition to an old-school arcade feel.

Kung Fu Strike features 28 stages each with their own encounters along the way. The game features items and abilities to enhance the already in-depth combat system. The free-flowing combat allows for a multitude of options and gorgeous combos as you make your way through the game either solo or with a friend. You can also jump into versus mode to show off your combos against a friend.

Kung Fu Strike features several boss fights as you make your way through the story

The combat system allows you to juggle enemies in the air for long lasting combos

9. Streets of Rage

Streets of Rage gameplay

When it comes to classic beat ‘em up games there are few as iconic as the Sega Genesis classic: Streets of Rage. In Streets of Rage you play as one of three characters as you attempt to save your city from hordes of criminals attempting to take over.

Streets of Rage is possibly the epitome of old-school beat ‘em up games and has all the features you’d expect from an old-school game of the genre. The three characters each have unique moves that they can perform as well as the shared moves between them. You can pick up various items and weapons to help you, as well as call in the police for an assist when you’re in a jam. You can play through the entire game co-op and experience the classic game in its original glory.

Each character has unique special moves they can use a limited number of times

The first game allowed you to call in an assist from the police in order to clear the screen of enemies

8. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West gameplay

While other games may have more robust combat, the performances, characters, and story of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West elevates it among its peers as a standout title. Enslaved sees you playing as the character Monkey in a post-apocalyptic recreation of the ancient Chinese story: Journey to the West. Featuring a performance from Andy Serkis, the acting and characters steal the show from the very beginning.

In Enslaved your character, Monkey, has a staff weapon that can be used in both close-range and far-range combat as you fight through multitudes of robotic enemies in the post-apocalyptic landscape. In addition to the staff, you can also pilot certain mechs in order to attack and in certain situations you can take advantage of Monkey’s companion, Trip. The game also features platforming segments where you scale the ruins of long destroyed cities.

The main appeal of Enslave will be its narrative elements along with the performances, and these aspects more than make up for its somewhat simplistic combat.

Enslaved features many cinematic set pieces throughout the story

The combat is engaging enough to keep you thoroughly entertained between the story segments

7. Kung Fury: Street Rage

Kung Fury: Street Rage

Kung Fury the film did everything in its power to recreate a cheesy 80s action movie, so it only makes sense that a game based on that film is gives off all the same vibes. In Kung Fury: Street Rage you play as the eponymous Kung Fury as you attempt to save the streets of Miami from the evil Nazis.

In addition to Kung Fury the game also features three more unique characters that each have their own abilities and skills to be taken advantage of. Throughout the game you’ll encounter several epic boss fights as you try to save the streets of Miami. The game also features voice acting from the original actors from the film for the true Kung Fury experience.

The game does a good job of making you feel like you’re playing an older arcade game

You can switch between the four characters anytime

6. The TakeOver

The TakeOver gameplay

Many games attempt to update the beat ‘em up genre to a modern era, but The TakeOver probably does the best job at it I’ve seen. The TakeOver is a game that attempts to take the old school beat ‘em up and inject new life into it by adding a unique and robust combat system.

In The TakeOver you can play as one of two characters, each with their own unique combos and traits. You’ll fight your way through dozens of enemies as you progress through the game’s various stages. You can also bring a friend along for the fun.

The TakeOver’s two characters each bring their own moves to the table

Bust your way through the mobs of enemies through the game’s various locales

5. Remember Me

Remember Me gameplay

Remember Me is a game that feels like they deliberately tried to reinvent what the beat ‘em up genre could be in the modern era, and it really shows through its gameplay. In Remember Me you play as Nilin as you make your way through various peoples’ memories and remix them to your liking.

Remember Me feels like if the developers of Streets of Rage or Double Dragon had to make those same games but in the year 2013 and as a result it feels really fresh and innovative with its gameplay. Nilin has her built in generic moveset, but as you make your way through the game you are able to customize your combos and eventually make them wholly unique from what you started the game with. You can also activate special effects when you execute certain combos ranging from a boost in HP to increased damage.

The game also features a multitude of platforming segments to go through as well as unique memory remixing system that acts as the core setup of the game’s narrative.

The game takes place in a somewhat dystopian future where people’s memories can be accessed at will

The game’s various combat encounters will keep you engaged as you play through the game

4. Street Fighter 5

Street Fighter 5 gameplay

Street Fighter 5 manages to do the impossible and make a real impact on the longest running series in fighting games and manages to bring a lot of new things to the table. Street Fighter 5 is the latest is Capcom’s long running fighting game franchise and with it brings a swath of new features, characters and modes along the way.

In Street Fighter 5 you can play as 31 characters right now, with even more coming on the horizon. The game features many unique mechanics for the franchise including the V-Trigger and V-Reversal systems. You can play the traditional versus mode online or offline, or you can make your way through arcade mode or survival mode. The game also features a cinematic story mode along with individual story modes for each character in the game so you’ll never find yourself wanting for stuff to do as you play.

Street Fighter 5 contains all the classic Street Fighter action with a brand new coat of pain

You can also acquire costumes for each character through in-game currency or DLC

3. Batman Arkham series

Batman: Arkham Knight gameplay

Batman: Arkham Asylum redefined the modern beat ‘em up and it’s influence continued to be felt with the rest of the series. The Arkham series sees you playing as Batman as he takes down various enemies from his many different comics. All three games were revolutionary and each of them brought something unique among the competition.

The main appeal of the Arkham games is the way it handles combat which is a smooth free-flowing system that allows you switch between different enemies quickly and easily. On top of the graceful combat you also have different detective-like abilities in order for you to solve puzzles to either progress or earn various rewards, typically from Batman's long-time foe: The Riddler. On top of these already deep mechanics, the series also has many heavy stealth elements as well as three incredible stories to play through and immerse yourself with.

Being able to glide around with Batman’s cape is a key feature of the series

The games feature many of Batman’s classic villains, along with a few new ones thrown in along the way

2. Zeno Clash

Zeno Clash gameplay

There aren’t many games that attempt to make you feel like a real martial artist, but Zeno Clash manages to somehow do that. Zeno Clash’s main appeal is its in-depth combat that attempts to make the player feel a real thrill when pulling off various martial arts techniques.

Zeno Clash is a story-driven game where you visit various locations throughout the fictional world of Zenozoik and face various enemies on your encounters. The combat is the primary appeal of the game, and when you play through the combat sequences of the game everything just comes into focus. You can weave in and out of range, while counter-attacking and putting in small jabs here and there, and it somehow manages to truly engross you. While the primary focus is on hand to hand combat, you can also pick up various weapons throughout the world to give you an edge.

The look of the world of Zeno Clash is very unique and feels truly lived in

Grab some weapons to give yourself an edge over your unarmed enemies

1. Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs gameplay

So what could possibly top all the other games on this list, you may ask? Well how about one that somehow manages to get to the core of what makes a beat ‘em up while also innovating on the genre and bringing an engaging a fresh story that will keep you guessing the whole way. Sleeping Dogs is a truly incredible game that stands as the pinnacle of the beat ‘em up genre and is a title you shouldn’t miss out on.

In Sleeping Dogs you play as Wei Shen as you explore the streets of Hong Kong and take down the Chinese mafia from the inside. The game features an open world where you can interact with many objects and locations while gaining progress with either the police or the Triad. One of the big appeals of Sleeping Dogs is the combat which somehow manages to innovate on the already innovative Batman: Arkham series combat. You easily flow from enemy to enemy and never feel like any input goes unread which makes for a truly satisfying experience.

In addition to the fun open world and invigorating combat, the game also features a great and unique story with a fresh and unique perspective on the criminal world. The game’s performances also propel it among many of the other beat ‘em ups with heavy story modes and makes Sleeping Dogs truly stand above all its contemporaries as the top dog of the beat ‘em up genre.

The game’s world is absolutely stunning to look at and every detail feels real

The combat manages to keep the player engaged at every moment

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17 Best Beat ‘em Up Games for PC

faheemarif252 — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:10:37 +0000

Is the Beat em up genre dead or still alive and kicking?

Beat `em up games were once all the rage. Every other game was a side scrolling beat `em up. And we loved to play such games. But not so nowadays. The gaming industry has expanded so much that beat `em games are rare now. But when we do get to play such games, the nostalgia gets over level 9000. So, here I present 15 of best beat `em up games for PC.

17. Foul Play

You play as the demon hunter Baron dashforth, who works on stage in the theatre. One day, while performing, something on the theatre goes wrong and you must find the origin of the “foul play” and eliminate it.

You are accompanied by your sidekick scampwick to help you through the process. There are quite a few linked attacks that make up for exciting and flashy takedowns which adds some icing to the cake.

Gameplay footage :

16. Paint the Town Red

This game revolves around you visiting various places to beat down various mobs of enemies. What is unique about the game is the hundreds of different methods or means by which it allows you to beat your enemies. From baseball bats to whiskey bottles, this game has everything.

The game features a sandbox and 4 unique levels which includes biker bar, disco, prison and pirate cove. Each level has unique weapons and enemies.

The game is still early access, so it doesn`t have the full set of features it promises. But we are optimistic the developer will soon update the game with new features such as rogue mode and new interesting levels.

Gameplay video :

15. Double Dragon Neon

How do you beat the dead?

The shadow warriors gang attacks and kidnaps a girl named Marian. The gang is led by the magic undead skeleton, Skullmageddon, the main villain. Marian is related to the heroes of the game, Jimmy and Billy Lee. The 2 brothers, set out on an journey to save her.

What do you do when a magic skeleton kidnaps your girl? Well, you set out on an epic journey to save her. This side scrolling beat `em up came out in 2012 and was a sudden burst of nostalgia due to the fact that it was similar to the original Double Dragon.

The two brothers fight their way through goons to save Marian

Although at first the combat of this game looks exactly the same as the original one, soon enough it starts to forge a path of its own. The core mechanic of any beat `em up, punch and kick, is there. But there is a depth to the overall combat system.

This was attained by the addition of combos and other new mechanics in the game. One of the best thing introduced is the addition of an evade button for dodging attacks. If evasion is timed right, the character will gleam by glowing red and attain double power. This can prove effective when fighting powerful bosses.

Steam link :

Gameplay link :

14. Crime Life: Gang Wars

You came to the wrong neighborhood

You play as Tre, one of the rookie members of the biggest gang of the Grand Central city, the Outlawz. But the glory of the gang is short lived as it is soon threatened by a new rival gang, the Headhunterz. As tre learns that the leader of Outlawz is abandoning the gang to join the Headhunterz, he attacks and kills him, taking his place as the leader of the gang. Now it’s up to Tre to restore the Outlawz to its former glory.

You make your way through hordes of police officers whilst playing as Tre

The game is a simulation of gang fights, and the gameplay is mainly focused on street fighting, involving many gang members at once. The game offers 25 story mode missions and quite a few free roam ones. You are allowed to free roam in the world, but the areas are a little small. This game seems to be a mash-up between GTA and Final Fight.

Gameplay video :

13. Streets of Fury EX

Special moves and furies are what make this game interesting

Streets of fury EX is one of the newer titles on the list and is quite unique in its gameplay and characters. The game is basically set up in Paris and you are tasked with eliminating the gangs in the area. The game provides a total of 17 characters to play with locally or in a 4 player co-op. Up to 4 players may join up to cooperate or to battle in the versus mode.

The game offers quite a few game modes including story mode, alternate story mode, challenge mode, survival mode etcetera and is jam packed with cool special moves, furies and combos. This game basically combines the versus fighting game and a side scrolling beat `em up and is the best of both worlds.

For more info refer to this steam link :

Gameplay video :

12. Kung Fu Strike - The Warrior's Rise

The betrayers will pay – I will have my revenge

You play as a prince named Loh, as he embarks on an epic journey to avenge a horrific betrayal of great magnitude. He wanders the lands in search of the mastermind responsible for his downfall. The story, though not that deep, is quite engaging.

At first the game seems to be a typical button mashing beat `em up, but it soon sheds all the advantages for button mashers and focuses more on a deeper and more complex gameplay.

The character at first is only able to perform a few basic moves like hop, kick and throw a few weak punches. But as the character progresses, he unlocks new moves, combos and abilities.

1 vs 6 ... not a good idea bro...

The unique gameplay mechanic that sets this game apart is that when you knock opponents out they sometimes drops coins and items. These coins can be used to upgrade the character and unlock many useful perks like extensions to life meter etc.

For more info, follow steam link :

Gameplay video :

11. Streets of rage

Beating goons and bringing peace to the city is your goal

Your once peaceful city has fallen victim to a criminal syndicate. Mass violence has become common and no one is safe. It is now on your shoulders to take down all the bad guys and once again bring peace to your hometown.

You play as either Adam (boxer), Axel (martial artist) or Blaze (judo expert). And each character has slightly different attributes which adds to the overall variety in the game. The gameplay is simple and involves the basic mechanics of punch, kick and jump.

Streets of rage was followed by its sequels streets of rage 2 and 3, which revolved around a set of different characters and a similar gameplay and story. And all 3 titles are well worth playing.

For more info, steam link :

Gameplay video :

10. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

No mech lives on my watch

The game is set 150 years in the future where mechs are wreaking havoc in the world. But as soon as you decide to save it, you get enslaved by a girl named Trip. She puts a headband on you which makes you obey her command. Also, if she dies, you die. So, you set out to find Trips family and get the headband off of you.

You will play as Monkey, the main protagonist, and you must defeat Pyramid, the main villain, with the help of Trip, your AI sidekick, or Pyramid will keep Trip’s family as slaves.

The game offers a deep and engaging story which emotionally attaches the player to the game and its characters. Trip is also one of the best AI sidekicks we have seen in a long time, which adds to the overall quality of the game.

Steam link :

Gameplay :

9. Dungeons and dragons : chronicles of Mystara

Is it me or this game looks like golden axe....

This game is actually the compilation of two classic games, dungeons and dragons : tower of doom and dungeons and dragons : shadow over mystara. The result is a classic side scrolling beat `em up game which delivers more than what`s promised.

The game is a deep and story driven experience with unique gameplay elements. You get to choose from 4 different classes with each class having unique perks and an XP leveling system. It is as though an action RPG merged with a side scrolling feature.

Steam link :

Gameplay :

8. Kung fury : street rage

Punching your way through nazis is the ultimate goal

“Still not enough Nazis hurt in the making of this game”. What is the game about?

One of the slogans of the developer tells a lot about this game. The game is actually a kind of expansion pack to the original kung fury and it adds new playable characters, a new epic storyline and a lot more content.The game is basically about killing Nazis and bringing peace to the world. Done The game also features 4 unique combat styles including Kung Fury, Triceracop, Hackerman and Barbriana. Which make the game a lot of fun to play.

Steam link

Gameplay :

7. The Takeover

You make through hordes of goons by using ounches, kicks and special moves

The takeover is a side scrolling beat `em up taking inspiration from legendary games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage but adding new content to spice things up including a new combo system, fast gameplay and modern graphics.

The game bring back old memories and is surely a lot of fun to play. Be sure to check this one out.

Steam link

Gameplay :

6. DragonBall Xenoverse

Goku vs kid buu

Towa and Mira, two powerful villains, have set out to change the course of history by manipulating time. Trunks alone cannot defeat the overwhelming power that is upon the realm. So Trunks asks Shenron for a hero. So Shenron sends "you" to help trunks. Now it is up to you to defeat Towa and Mira or history will never be the same.

The gameplay is what we would expect from a dbz game. Flashy attacks with deadly combos and even deadlier opponents make the game worth playing. The game also features a few rpg mechanics and robust character customization.

Gameplay :

5. Remember Me

Nillin taking out an enemy

You play as Nillin, an errorist imprisoned in the bastile fortress. She was saved just before her memories were to be wiped away. Retaining a portion of her memories, she comes to know that she can read, manipulate and mix other people's memories. So, she uses her abilities to save everyone from getting their memory wiped.

The game is set in 2084 in a futuristic version of Paris. Which is now under the control of the Memorize corporation which controls the memories of people. A small group of rebels known as errorists has been formed to tackle Memorize and you play as one of them.

Remember Me introduces a whole new concept in the gaming industry. The game mechanics are quite fun to play and the overall story is quite enthralling and exciting.

Steam :

Gameplay :

4. Street Fighter 5

With boasted graphics and overall better gameplay, this game is a must play

At this point I think there is no one who is not familiar with the street fighter franchise. Street fighter 5 is the fifth entry in the franchise and helps bridge the gap between Street Fighter 3 and 4 in terms of story.

The gameplay is similar to the previous titles but with a few added features. Firstly the game adopts true 3D. Also the game sees the return of the ex gauge from street fighter 3. A new addition is the V gauge which fills up when you do combos and can be used for V skills and V abilities. This also gives the characters a damage boost. There is also a stun meter which will cause the player to be stunned when filled. Overall the game looks awesome.

Steam :

Gameplay :

3. Batman series

I am Batman …….

Batman games are some of the best beat em up games of all time. Starting from Batman: Arkham City, batman games have set the bar high for other games not only in graphics but also story telling and fluid combat.

I just wrote a review on the most recent Batman game, arkham knight, which you can read here. The game has an amazing story and one of the best combat in any beat em up game till date.

Gameplay :

2. Zeno clash

Come at me you human looking plant thingy

You play as Ghat, the protagonist, one of the children of Father-Mother, a hermaphrodite. After learning Father-Mothers secret, you try to kill it but fail and get banished from the family by your brothers and sisters. Now it is up to you to make your way back and reveal the true nature of Father-Mother.

The story of the game is quite deep and overwhelming. This game is more than just a simple mindless beat em up game. It is an adventure in itself and a journey worth going through.

Steam :

Gameplay :

Sleeping Dogs

Lonely hero on a lonely road

Sleeping dogs is the best beat em up game I’ve come across so far. You play as Shen, a drug dealer, who goes to jail because of a drug deal. In a turn of events you get to work as undercover agent for the police to capture and bring the triad gang to justice for killing Shen’s uncle, Po.

There are quite a few turn of events which makes the story of sleeping dogs one of best. The games offers an open world approach asking with quite a few rpg elements baked in.

Steam :

Gameplay :

Sleeping dogs review

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Shank 2

James Lightning — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 02:24:23 +0000

Right after the revenge saga where Shank kills cartel leader Cesar to avenge his girlfriend's murder, he finds himself in another critical situation yet again. A ruthless militia has taken over town, led by the evil General Magnus. Little do the townsfolk know that Magnus is gravely ill and needs a heart transplant to survive.

A rebellion is rising against General Magnus, however, his men kidnap the rebel leader Elena, who is Shank's mentor. They plan to kill her so that they may replace Magnus' heart with hers. Will Shank be able to go against Magnus and save Elena? Brutal knife fights and gun battles set in a desperado background return once again to offer players a nonstop action-packed beat em' up experience.

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2012

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System Requirements:

Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1
Intel Pentium 4 (or equivalent) running at 2.4GHz or greater; AMD Athlon 64 (or equivalent) running at 2.4GHz or greater
2 GB RAM
1.5 GB HDD Space
NVIDIA Geforce 6800 Ultra (256MB) or ATI Radeon X1950 PRO (256MB) or greater

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6.2/10

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Klei Entertainment

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Shank

James Lightning — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 06:29:04 +0000

Shank is a depressed lover, an ex-mob hitman who's out to avenge his murdered girlfriend, Eva. His boss, Cesar, had ordered The Butcher, Angelo, and Cassandra to kill Shank and Eva for their slip-up during the assassination of the mayor, which Cesar had perpetrated. The Butcher rapes and kills Eva before Shanks' very eyes before Angelo sets fire to the house, leaving a wounded Shank to die.

Shank survives and now seeks revenge with his blood boiling every time he remembers his dead girlfriend. His first target is the Butcher, followed by Angelo, Cassandra, and the mob leader Cesar, to make sure they pay the ultimate price for Eva's death.

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2010

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