Few video game genres are as synonymous with classic arcade-style gameplay as the Beat Em' Up. Side-scrolling action games that are often built around multiplayer, Beat Em' Ups are often regarded for their fast-paced and easy to learn gameplay and their inclusion of difficult bosses that would in some cases lead certain games to garner reputations in arcades as "quarter eaters."
Despite the golden age of arcades being long behind us, Beat Em Ups are far from dead some of the strongest entries in the genre were released throughout the 2010s. So today we're going to see which of these modern Beat Em' Ups are the best!
10 Charlie Murder
Released in 2013 for the Xbox Live Arcade, Charlie Murder is a punk-rock-inspired Beat 'Em Up that features hand-drawn visuals. With four-player co-op gameplay, the game features five playable characters that make up a garage punk band after which the game is titled. While each of the five playable characters functions differently, the game keeps things pretty simple from a gameplay perspective, not aiming to reinvent the Beat 'Em Up wheel with its straightforward and simple combat.
9 Earth Wars
A highly underrated indie Beat 'Em Up that was released in 2018, Earth Wars has the unique distinction of being one of the few Beat 'Em Ups that allows players to create their own character. While the game is a single-player experience rather than featuring multiplayer that the genre is synonymous with, the game features rich combat and a unique crafting system that more than makes up for it.
8 The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is a remake of the 1994 SNES game, The Ninja Warriors. However, while the game may feature the same retro sprite-based graphics, this remake features several key updates that greatly enhance the game from its original release.
While the same core gameplay remains, it is improved in nearly every way from the inclusion of updates to combat, as the game can now be played with two players while the original release was single-player, and even the addition of completely new playable characters that spice up the experience.
7 Streets Of Red
Released in 2019, Streets of Red is a great modern Beat 'Em Up that features many inspirations and nods towards classic games and horror movies of yesteryear. With references to everything from Alien to Friday the 13th, the game features six playable characters that each tote completely different playstyles, making each playthrough feel quite unique based on who you were playing as. Additionally, the game features a perma-death system, only allowing players to revive if they've earned enough in-game cash, in a system reminiscent of classic arcades.
6 Double Dragon Neon
Originally released in 1987, Double Dragon is one of the most notable pioneers of the Beat 'Em Up genre, helping to shape the genre as we know it today. Double Dragon Neon is a reboot of the series, developed by WayForward.
While far from the most complex entry on this list, this two-player Beat 'Em Up adds an extra coat of polish to the classic Double Dragon formula, updating graphics and the game's combat system rewarding players who aim to get the most out of what the game has to offer.
5 Streets Of Rage 4
The most recently released entry on this list, Streets Of Rage 4 is the first new entry in the iconic Streets of Rage franchise since the release of the series' third installment all the way back in 1994. Streets of Rage 4 is easily one of the finest games the genre has to offer, toting gorgeous and stylized animation and character variety that has each member of the roster come with their own moves, strengths, and weaknesses.
4 River City Girls
Released in 2019, RIver City Girls is a modern spin on the classic Beat 'Em Up, River City Ransom. Featuring beautiful sprite-based graphics, the game is home to several memorable boss fights, players are able to customize their characters by learning additional moves as they progress through the game. In addition to River City Girls' core story, there are several optional side quests and several unlockables for those looking to get the most out of the game.
3 Castle Crashers Remastered
While Castle Crashers was originally released in 2008, a definitive version of the game, Castle Crashers Remastered was released in 2015. Synonymous with Newgrounds.com, Castle Crashers is a hilarious beat 'em up that is the brainchild of Dan Paladin and Tom Fulp, featuring a distinctly cartoonish art style and simple yet fun gameplay. One of the most notable appeals of the game is its memorable tone and visuals, while its solid classic beat-em-up gameplay shouldn't be slept on. While the starting roster of characters is small, there's a massive number of unlockable playable characters that can be obtained by beating the game with specific characters.
2 Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game
The video game adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game is easily one of the greatest licensed games of all time. The epitome of a complete package, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game features fine-tuned co-op combat that grows in-depth as the game progresses, memorable boss fights, and a stellar soundtrack by Anamanaguchi.
1 Dragon's Crown
Originally released for the PS3 by Atlus in 2013 and later re-released for the PS4 in 2018, Dragon's Crown is a robust Beat 'Em Up and RPG hybrid. Offering six unique classes to choose from, not only does each character tote their own distinct moves and attributes, but players are able to customize their character to fit their tastes through the game's skill-based level-up system. This customizable progression system paired with the game's fast-paced and fun combat reminiscent of a fighting game leads Dragon's Crown to serve as one of the deepest entries in the genre's history.