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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/dd020ae0/river_city_girls_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">River City Girls</div>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">Every game on this list owes some of its existence to River City Ransom, and the classic series is still kicking thanks to the fresh River City Girls. As the name implies, you throw hands as high school students Misako and Kyoko, girlfriends of series protagonists Kunio and Riki, who have been captured. This flip of the script offers enjoyable melee combat backed by one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. Seriously, you’ll be humming this game’s tunes long after you’ve pummeled the final goon or wacky boss. River City Girls isn’t perfect, and its difficulty can be punishing at times, but fans of old-school throwdowns won’t be disappointed. | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/river-city-girls/river-city-girls-review-trading-punches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our Review</a>
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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/fbe795cb/the_takeover_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">The Takeover</div>
</h2>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Streets of Rage must be grinning ear to ear while blushing in embarrassment. The Takeover is an unabashed homage to Sega’s classic series in a way that borders on being a pure rip-off. Its presentation (though 3D), combat, and even jazz-fueled soundtrack feel extremely familiar, but that doesn’t mean the game isn’t fun or lacks its own tricks. Quite the contrary, as players can use guns as an additional range attack, unleash powerful rage moves by filling a meter, and can reign hell with screen-clearing special attacks. The Takeover may be too liberal in how much it borrows, but at least it executes established ideas well.
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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/c019754a/castle_crashers_remastered_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">Castle Crashers Remastered</div>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">Like Scott Pilgrim, Castle Crashers was also blessed with the remaster treatment, giving the king of the modern beat ‘em up another reign at the top. One of the most popular indie games of its time finds new life thanks to 60 frames-per-second gameplay, a new multiplayer mini-game, and every piece of DLC it ever received. Laying the smackdown as the four colorful knights remains a joy and rekindles fond memories of countless parties back in 2008. Castle Crashers Remastered is the best way to relive that excitement with friends old and new.
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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/61ff6431/dragons_crown_pro_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">Dragon's Crown Pro</div>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">PlayStation 4</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">Beloved RPG maker Vanillaware took a chance with Dragon’s Crown in 2013, and it paid off. The studio applied its role-playing expertise, storytelling chops, and famous art direction to a cooperative hack ‘n slash adventure that, frankly, was a blast. The game has since become a cult classic that has left fans pining for a sequel to this day. Until that day (hopefully) comes, they’ll have to settle for Dragon’s Crown Pro, an enhanced re-release that sports a 4K presentation, cross-platform play, all of its DLC, and even a rerecorded orchestral soundtrack. Dragon’s Crown Pro is a strong option if you prefer more RPG with your brawler.
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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/e9f353d4/double_dragon_neon_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">Double Dragon Neon</div>
</h2>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">Billy and Jimmy kicked their way back to relevance with Double Dragon Neon, a vibrant return to form for one of the pillars of the genre. Love interest Marian once again finds herself kidnapped, laying the way for a nostalgia-fueled adventure that plays better than the old games ever did. One reason for that is a new evade mechanic, where dodging foes at the precise moment rewards powerful counterattacks. Neon’s presentation and vibe drip with the 1980s, which may go unappreciated by young ‘uns, but older fans asking, “whatever happened to Double Dragon?” need not look any further. | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/double_dragon_neon/b/xbox360/archive/2012/09/12/the-lee-brothers-rescue-marian-and-their-dusty-franchise.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our Review</a>
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<div class="paragraph paragraph--type--list-item-large-image paragraph--view-mode--default">
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<div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden gi5-field-image gi5-image field__item"> <img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021/11/18/2179a81b/capcom_beat_em_up_bundle_screen.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" class="image-style-thumbnail" />
<h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle</div>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">This may be cheating, but why have one good brawler when you can have seven? The Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle is a treat for genre connoisseurs since it assembles a classic in Final Fight with harder-to-find gems like Captain Commando, The King of Dragons, Knights of the Round, Warriors of Fate, Armored Warriors, and Battle Circuit. Best of all, each title supports online multiplayer and comes in both their English and Japanese incarnations. The bundle also serves as the first home console release for Armored Warriors and Battle Circuit, giving history nerds a chance to experience long-lost arcade relics. Welcome to the pupu platter of arcade brawlers.
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What beat ’em up games are your favorites? Let us know in the comments! Be sure to check out our other Top 10 lists by clicking the Goose below.
Source: Game Informer
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