Top 20 Retro Co-Op Beat 'Em Ups for Nostalgic Gamers

If you’ve ever gathered around an arcade machine or a console with your buddies, ready to lay the smackdown on hordes of bad guys, you know the pure joy of co-op beat ’em up games.

We’re diving deep into the nostalgia pool to bring you the Top 20 Retro Co-Op Beat ‘Em Ups that’ll take you on a trip down memory lane.

So, grab a controller or a virtual coin and let’s get this party started!

20Golden Axe (1989)

First up, we’ve got the classic fantasy-themed beat ’em up, Golden Axe. This game’s got it all - a medieval world filled with dragons, sorcerers, and skeleton foes.

Plus, you get to pick from three distinct characters, each with their own unique strengths and abilities.

So whether you prefer strength, speed, or magic, there’s a character for you in this epic adventure.

19Metamorphic Force (1993)

Now, here’s one that’s all about goofy charm and vibrant visuals.

Metamorphic Force takes you on a wild ride with muscle-bound heroes who can transform into powerful beasts.

It’s like a Saturday morning cartoon on steroids, and it’s a blast to play with friends.

18Double Dragon 2: The Revenge (1988)

If you’re into beat ’em ups, you’ve probably heard of Double Dragon, and the sequel, Double Dragon 2: The Revenge, is an absolute gem.

It’s got refined controls, two-player co-op, and a whole lot of action. Plus, the attention to detail in both character and scenery design is seriously commendable.

17Violent Storm (1993)

Imagine if the post-apocalyptic world of “Fist of the North Star” got a hilarious twist - that’s Violent Storm for you.

This game injects a refreshing dose of personality into the beat ’em up formula with fast-paced combat, humorous interactions, and a variety of entertaining enemies.

16Ninja Baseball Batman (1993)

Now, here’s a quirky one for you - Ninja Baseball Batman. It’s like someone took ninja culture, mixed it with American sports vibes, and threw in some over-the-top action.

You’ll be battling your way through stages as characters with different play styles, and trust us, it’s a weird and wonderful gaming experience you don’t want to miss.

15Captain Commando (1991)

Ah, “Captain Commando” – now that’s a name that takes me back to the golden days of arcade gaming. Released in 1991, this game was like the cool kid on the block, the one everyone wanted to hang out with.

Set in a futuristic version of Metro City, it had everything a beat ’em up fan could dream of: a badass team, insane enemies, and action that just didn’t quit. The game’s hero, Captain Commando himself, was this larger-than-life character with a killer energy glove that sent baddies flying.

And let’s not forget his squad - Mack the Knife, Ginzu the Ninja, and Baby Head (yeah, you heard that right, a baby in a mech suit!). Each character was so unique and had their own style, it was hard not to get hooked.

14Panzer Bandit (1997)

Ever heard of Panzer Bandit? Probably not, because it was only released in Japan on the PlayStation 1.

But don’t let that language barrier stop you from enjoying this hidden gem. It’s got combos, power-ups, and multiplayer fun.

Plus, it’s kind of like Sony’s answer to “Guardian Heroes,” and if you’re a beat ’em up fan, you’ll love it.

13Night Slashers (1993)

Here’s one that’s not groundbreaking, but it has its own unique charm.

Night Slashers gives you a campy horror ambiance in a modern setting, and it’s packed with zombies, werewolves, and vampires.

What more could you ask for in a beat ’em up, right?

12Sengoku 3 (2001)

SNK, known for its one-on-one fighting games, decided to dabble in beat ’em ups, and Sengoku 3 is a notable example.

It’s got improved gameplay mechanics, great visuals, and a bunch of attack options to keep things interesting. If you’re into SNK’s style, this one’s worth a play.

11Battle Circuit (1997)

Ok, let’s talk about Battle Circuit, a standout arcade side-scrolling beat ’em up by Capcom. This one supports one to four players and was released in Europe and Japan in 1997.

It’s got unique characters, a lighthearted atmosphere, and responsive controls. Plus, it’s still as charming today as it was back then.

10Guardian Heroes (1996)

Released on the Sega Saturn, Guardian Heroes defies the typical fate of many aging games.

It’s got a unique combination of beat ’em up and RPG elements, colorful graphics, and animation that hold up surprisingly well.

And the non-linear plotlines and versus mode with up to 44 characters add replayability galore.

9Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (1993)

Let’s take a ride back to 1993 with Cadillacs and Dinosaurs. It’s like a post-apocalyptic Jurassic Park, but instead of running away, you get to smack dinosaurs around with style.

This Capcom masterpiece combines cars, guns, and prehistoric creatures in a way that’s just as awesome today as it was back then.

8X-Men Arcade (1992)

Remember that time you and your friends teamed up as X-Men to take down Magneto’s army of Sentinels? No? Well, maybe it’s time for a trip down memory lane with X-Men Arcade.

It’s got repetitive music, absurd dialogue, and over-the-top character shouts, but man, is it a blast to play with friends.

7The Simpsons Arcade Game (1991)

“DOH!” Yes, we’re talking about The Simpsons Arcade Game. It’s a coin-op masterpiece set in the Simpsons universe that lets you team up as the Simpson family to rescue Maggie.

The action is tight, the look is familiar, and the nostalgia is off the charts. It’s a delightful trip back to Springfield.

6Final Fight 3 (1995)

Moving on to Final Fight 3 for the SNES, it’s a notable improvement over its predecessor.

With refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics, and branching paths, it’s a step up from the previous games in the series. Plus, it’s one of the best beat ’em ups on home consoles.

5Gladiator: Road of Sword (2003)

You might not have heard of Gladiator: Road of Sword, but you should definitely check it out.

It’s a pinnacle of the beat ’em up genre with remarkable character designs, refined mechanics, and a captivating setting inspired by classic Dynasty-era China.

4Dungeons and Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (1996)

Time to dive into the iconic 90s arcade gem, Dungeons and Dragons: Shadow over Mystara.

This coin-op classic lets you and up to four players go on an action-packed journey through a fantasy realm.

It’s got RPG-inspired mechanics, non-linear plotlines, and it’s still captivating today.

3Alien vs. Predator (1994)

Remember when “Alien vs. Predator” was just a movie script? Well, this game takes that concept and turns it into an epic beat ’em up.

It’s got chunky sprites, impactful combat, and memorable battles against Xenomorphs. This one’s a standout example of how licensed games can be amazing.

2River City Ransom (1989)

River City Ransom is like the king of NES-era beat ’em ups. It’s got an open city structure, non-linear progression, and character growth through eating random foods.

With nimble characters and personalized growth, it’s a true NES classic.

1Streets of Rage 2 (1992)

Last but not least, we’ve got Streets of Rage 2, the mother of all beat ’em ups.

This one’s got it all - diverse characters, a killer soundtrack that blends various music styles, and improved gameplay mechanics over the original.

It’s the undisputed champ of the beat ’em up world.