Play Best 2D Beat ‘Em Ups Games Under $ 20
A staple of 8- and 16-bit consoles, 2D Beat ‘Em Up games have enjoyed a quiet renaissance in the past few years with games like Streets of Rage 4, River City Girls, and Fight’n Rage. Even a new brawler with Ninja Turtles is on the way. Luckily, you don’t have to shell out the full cost to get the co-op and fistfight fix.
Some of the best modern releases are available through online subscription services, and many of the classic 80s and 90s games that defined the 2D Beat ‘Em Up genre are available cheaply from digital collections.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia)
Based on the graphic novel and film of the same name, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a beloved 2D brawl. Originally released in 2010, the game immediately became one of the best Beat ‘Em Ups co-op games ever made. Sadly, the game was discontinued and delisted in 2014 due to licensing issues … until it was suddenly revived earlier this year by publisher Ubisoft.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition is available for purchase on all major platforms. However, if you subscribe to the Ubisoft + subscription service ($ 15 / month on PC), Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition will be included for free along with over 100 other games.
Xbox Game Pass (Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows PC)
The Xbox Game Pass library is constantly changing, but there is a small selection of classic and modern Beat ’em ups included in the monthly subscription price: $ 10 per month on console or PC; $ 15 / month for Game Pass Ultimate (includes console and PC). If you’re a new subscriber, you can subscribe to the PC or Ultimate plan for $ 1. Right now, the list of available Beat ‘Em Ups includes:
- Battletoads (2020)
- Rare Replay (Console only) – Contains the original Battletoads and Battletoads Arcade.
- River city girls
- Streets of Fury 4
- Naughty heroes
Sega Genesis Classics Collection (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
The 50-game Sega Genesis Classics Collection not only includes Beat ‘Em Ups, but several of the best Sega Genesis fighters are available in the pack, including:
- Alien storm
- Altered beast
- Comix zone
- Golden ax
- Golden Ax II
- Golden Ax III
- Streets of Fury
- Streets of Fury 2
- Streets of Fury 3
The full lineup is available here . You can purchase the entire catalog as one collection on Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox, and PC, or buy individual à la carte games on Steam for as little as 99 cents.
Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
This stand-alone compilation brings many – but not all – of Capcom’s Beat ‘Em Ups together into one game. The catalog contains favorites of arcades and home consoles, such as:
- Final fight
- Captain Commando
- Dragon king
- Knights of the round
- Warriors of Destiny
- Armored warriors
- Battle scheme
Due to licensing issues for Capcom Dungeons & Dragons and Alien vs. Predator is not included, but you will still get a ton of co-op gameplay from this collection.
Retro Brawler Double Dragon and Kunio Kun Pack (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4)
Another collection of 2D Beat ‘Em Up, this time dedicated to the “Double Dragon” series and various games with Kunio-kun in the title role. The collection includes over 18 retro Beat ‘Em Ups games, including 11 games that had never been released in North America prior to this collection. North American Games:
- Double dragon
- Double dragon Ⅱ
- Double dragon Ⅲ
- Apostate
- Super Dodge Ball
- River City Ransom
- Crash ‘n the Boys Street Challenge
Visit the game’s official website for a complete list.
Nintendo Switch Online Collection
All Nintendo Switch Online subscribers receive an ever-expanding catalog of classic NES and SNES games. The current lineup includes 86 games and covers every genre you can think of, including a small number of Beat ‘Em Ups, many of which now include online co-op play, and some of which have never been released in North America until now.
NES / Famicom:
- Double dragon
- Double Dragon II
- Kung Fu Heroes
- River City Ransom
SNES / Super Famicom:
- Brawl brothers
- Psycho sleep
- Keepers of the world