Games Like Charlie Murder

The followup to 2009's Dead Samurai, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is a combo-fueled, fast-paced, stylistic 2D action platformer that features the series' staple gritty, graphic novel-inspired art style, built on a new engine that allows for an even more visually gruesome experience.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.6%, Gore 22.7%, Action 11.5%, Co-op 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team as Charlie Murder, it shares the distinct, gritty art style and fast-paced, visceral 2D combat.

Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this award winning 2D arcade adventure from The Behemoth!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 42.8%, Co-op 14.8%, 4 Player Local 14.1%, Online Co-Op 8.5%, Local Co-Op 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive four-player co-op brawler that perfectly balances RPG-style character progression with chaotic, humorous combat.

Rediscover the beloved 2D arcade-style beat 'em up inspired by the iconic comic and movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.5%, Co-op 8.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Action 6.9%, Online Co-Op 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game mirrors the RPG-heavy brawler mechanics and stylized, music-infused world of Charlie Murder.

From the creators of Rogue Legacy comes a "true-cooperative" action RPG. FULL METAL FURIES puts an emphasis on team play with a unique combat system where everyone is important. Play on the couch, alone or with friends, or make it an online party for up to four players!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.8%, Co-op 17.3%, 4 Player Local 12%, RPG 7.1%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes team-based co-op and RPG progression, making it a perfect match for those who enjoyed the group dynamics of Charlie Murder.

An old-fashioned beat 'em up with big doses of adrenaline and trippiness, somewhere between the classic style of Streets of Rage and the ultra-violence of Hotline Miami. Set in a cold, ruthless Soviet Union, Mother Russia Bleeds aims to conjure up anxiety, unease, and drug-addled frenzy.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 42%, Gore 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%, Co-op 8.4%, Violent 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the raw, violent, and gritty atmosphere of a punk-inspired apocalypse with intense 2D combat.

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 61.6%, Action 7.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Co-op 5.3%, Online Co-Op 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It represents the pinnacle of modern 2D beat-em-up design with tight controls and a fantastic, high-energy soundtrack.

There's trouble once again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! Using a variety of attacks, weapons, and items, these hot-blooded heroines are ready to teach the city’s lowlifes a lesson - either solo or in 2-player co-op! It’s an old-school rumble for a new generation!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 61%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Co-op 8.2%, Action 6.6%, Local Co-Op 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features deep RPG elements and character customization within a vibrant, modern brawler framework.

Shank is the cult-classic revival of the sidescrolling beat-em-up. Play as Shank in an over-the-top grindhouse game, packed to the rim with enemies, bosses, combos, and more by the award-winning team at Klei Entertainment.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52.4%, Gore 9%, Side Scroller 8.6%, Action 7.9%, Local Co-Op 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features visceral, gory 2D action that matches the intensity found in Charlie Murder's combat.

Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 18%, Gore 16.5%, Co-op 15.2%, Side Scroller 10%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter offers a similar co-op experience filled with humor, gore, and a distinct visual style.

Coffee Crisis is an neo-rogue brawler that puts you in the shoes of the only baristas on Earth with enough heavy metal in their veins to fend off an alien assault. Play solo or join up with a friend to fight across eight locations ranging from your Coffee House HQ to the far reaches of outer space.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 41.3%, Action 13.6%, Co-op 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Indie 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This metal-themed brawler features a heavy soundtrack and chaotic combat that aligns perfectly with the vibe of Charlie Murder.

Welcome to Streets of Red: Devil's Dare Deluxe, the permadeath multiplayer horror beat'em up that bestows players with the skills of retro gaming heroes in a fight against a legion of undead monstrosities. The chills, thrills, bills, and opportunity to learn new skills won't stop until every street runs red with blood!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.2%, Gore 11.7%, 4 Player Local 11.3%, Co-op 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features arcade-style gameplay with RPG-like character upgrades and a focus on local co-op chaos.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge reunites Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they kick shell in a beautifully realized beat ’em up.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 73%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Local Co-Op 4.2%, Action 3.9%, 2D 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished, high-quality co-op brawler experience that feels like a love letter to the genre's arcade roots.

From the creators of indie smash hit Stick It to The Man! comes a new one to four-player co-op stab-you-in-the-gut-a-thon. Embark on a dead funny adventure with the Zombie Vikings. A putrid posse sent on a mission through the most epic of worlds to retrieve Odin’s lost eye.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.9%, Action 10.8%, 4 Player Local 10.8%, Local Co-Op 9.2%, Zombies 8%

Why You'll Like It: It combines humorous storytelling with 4-player co-op brawling, capturing the lighthearted yet violent spirit of the seed game.

Defeat the Ninth Legion of the Roman army in this side-scrolling, arcade-inspired beat 'em up set in Roman-era Britain.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 40.4%, Gore 12.9%, Violent 8.3%, Action 7.6%, Co-op 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a violent, historically-inspired brawler experience with a heavy emphasis on visceral combat.

The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 20 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 60.8%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Local Co-Op 8.6%, Co-op 7.7%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It introduces modern tag-team mechanics and roguelite progression to the classic beat-em-up formula.

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 56.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.2%, Side Scroller 7.1%, Local Co-Op 7%, Action 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides some of the deepest and most satisfying combat mechanics in the genre, perfect for players who want to master their character.

Fight across the ruins of London using carefully refined Free-Form Combat, taking down a terrifying variety of mutated zombies with an expanding special move-set. Created for 1-4 players, for online and offline play, Bloody Zombies is also enhanced with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 35.2%, Co-op 11.8%, 4 Player Local 11.5%, Gore 10.8%, Side Scroller 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This co-op brawler is designed specifically for local play and features a gritty, post-apocalyptic setting.

Young Souls is a gorgeous 2D brawler meets story-rich action RPG. Fight hordes of belligerent goblins, level up with hundreds of weapons and accessories, explore, and journey between worlds, as rebellious twins battle their way to save their foster father.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 55.8%, Co-op 18.1%, Side Scroller 9.1%, RPG 8.7%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends a stylish art direction with deep RPG mechanics and a focus on cooperative brawling.

Rampage Knights is a cooperative beat 'em up game mixed up with randomized dungeon crawling and exploration, which you can play alone or with a friend online.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.4%, Co-op 19.5%, RPG 6.1%, Action 5.9%, Online Co-Op 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It blends roguelite elements with classic beat-em-up combat, providing high replayability for co-op groups.

The Takeover is a side-scrolling beat'em up inspired by 90's classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Battle solo or alongside a friend in local co-op while listening to awesome tunes from Little V Mills, Richie Branson, James Ronald and industry legend Yuzo Koshiro!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 67.9%, Gore 8.3%, Violent 5.6%, Action 5%, Side Scroller 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is a high-production-value brawler that feels like a modern evolution of classic 90s arcade games.

Play as the daemon-hunter Baron Dashforth in a side-scrolling co-op brawler set entirely on the grand spectacle of a theatre stage that rewards performance over pummeling. Perform shattering takedowns and reversals!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.4%, Local Co-Op 7.6%, Co-op 7.3%, Action 6.3%, Online Co-Op 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique theatrical presentation and co-op mechanics that emphasize rhythm and flair in combat.

Mayhem Brawler is an urban fantasy themed beat 'em up that brings back the 90s arcade vibe to present day. With comic book style art and kick-ass soundtracks, it offers a unique experience that you can tackle solo or as co-op with friends while defining the next step in the story with your choices.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.4%, Co-op 14.6%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Action 6.5%, Local Co-Op 6%

Why You'll Like It: This urban fantasy brawler features a comic-book aesthetic and branching paths that add depth to the standard beat-em-up formula.

The city is in chaos! With crime and corruption around every corner, it’s all down to a team of hard-hitting justice seeking mavericks, to clean up the streets with some tough justice! Raging Justice is a classic beat ‘em up, dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.2%, Co-op 15.6%, Violent 7.8%, Side Scroller 6.9%, Local Co-Op 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the classic 90s arcade brawler feel with updated visuals and satisfying, punchy combat.

Grab your trusty sword, strap on a fearsome helmet, and plunge into the chaotic fray of Viking Squad! In this three player co-op brawler you must put a stop to the wildly mischievous Loki and reopen the gates to Valhalla. Find a friend for local co-op couch play or find a match online!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.9%, Action 10.8%, Local Co-Op 7.8%, Adventure 7.6%, Side Scroller 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a lane-based combat system and RPG progression that encourages team coordination.

Infected Shelter is an ultra-violent rogue-lite post-apocalyptic beat'em up. Singleplayer and co-op for up to four players.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 32.6%, Gore 18.6%, RPG 9.2%, Co-op 8.7%, Action 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is a roguelite brawler that focuses on loot and character builds, providing a different flavor of RPG progression.

Superfighters Deluxe is a unique action game that combines brawling, shooting and platforming in dynamic sandboxy 2D levels. Lots of weapons and fun gameplay systems interlock to create absurd action-movie chaos.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.2%, Gore 17.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Violent 9.3%, Co-op 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a chaotic, physics-based 2D combat experience that is highly entertaining in multiplayer.

In the land of Vikings a monstrous portal has opened. The Great Old One is plotting to take over the world. Chaos spreads far and wide... and the party's just getting started! Novice Valkyries along with their new mysterious friend set out to save the world. What could possibly go wrong?

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.6%, 4 Player Local 15.8%, RPG 7.9%, Side Scroller 7.7%, Local Co-Op 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game incorporates RPG elements and a unique possession mechanic into its brawler gameplay.

The world has been thrown into chaos, and it's up to you and your friends to battle the corrupted beasts of the Rotwood. Upgrade your gear, choose your preferred weapon, and hone your skills to defend your safe haven.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.1%, Co-op 15.3%, RPG 8%, Online Co-Op 7%, Local Co-Op 6.8%

The fan-favorite 2D brawler is back as ex-mob hit man Shank returns to action in Shank 2. With those closest to him under attack, Shank is once again forced on the offensive. Now he must put his trusty arsenal of handguns, shotguns, automatic weapons, chainsaws, machetes, grenades, plus all-new weaponry and moves to use in order to...

Why similar: Beat 'em up 54%, Gore 8.7%, Co-op 8.6%, Action 8%, Side Scroller 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It refines the visceral 2D combat of the original with improved mechanics and a dedicated co-op survival mode.

Jump into the frenzied action and the whacky humor of a pure 2.5D side-scroller! While they were going to their old high school for what was supposed to be the party of their life, four long-time friends end up in a ghost town full of monstrous creatures.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 44.8%, Co-op 15.1%, Action 9.6%, Online Co-Op 8.4%, Side Scroller 5.8%

The sinister Milkman holds the city of San Cruces in his nasty criminal grip, and it’s up to legendary black belt neurosurgeon Dr. Karate and the rest of the Fist Puncher team to deliver old-school justice to the lawless streets.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 67.1%, Action 9.1%, 4 Player Local 8.4%, Local Co-Op 6.1%, Indie 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a retro-styled, 4-player co-op experience with a focus on humor and over-the-top action.

The true rebirth of iconic beat 'em up genre in vein of old-school video games! As a simple Chinese fisherman Wei Cheng you have to avenge the death of your friends and family slaughtered in a pirate raid at your peaceful village.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.9%, Co-op 16.4%, Online Co-Op 9.3%, Side Scroller 6.4%, RPG 5.3%

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds! Enjoy fast and frantic arcade-style beat 'em up gameplay with cute characters. Beat up hordes of weird enemies with awesome special attacks. Local co-op and PVP supported for up to 4 players!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 60.9%, Co-op 7%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Action 6.5%, 4 Player Local 5.5%

God is dead, killed by a mighty Church that conquered the world with his power. Now, it faces the Apocalypse. Experience it in an RPG beat 'em up as one of its Immortal Hunters. Defy fate, expose the lies of the Cardinals, and find a reborn God before the Khemrids destroy humanity.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 43.5%, Co-op 15.2%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Online Co-Op 7.3%, RPG 7.3%

Unending Dusk is a retro inspired beat ‘em up ARPG set in a post-apocalyptic world. Play solo or with up to 4 players online and brawl your way through hordes of enemies. You play as an elite mercenary fighting against a dark force which has locked the Earth in a state of unending dusk.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 54.4%, Co-op 11.7%, Online Co-Op 8%, Local Co-Op 6.6%, Violent 5.2%

Devil's Dare is bloody a smash up parody of everything from the 90s, pitting the manliest video game heroes against the badest monsters from your favorite horror movies. It's the final result of what would happen if everyone from that decade came together to create a baby, a baby that just so happens to grow up to be a beat'em up.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.3%, Gore 16.4%, Action 8.2%, Violent 7.5%, Adventure 4.7%

Join forces with Nika, MechaNika, Agatha and the Great Bleeding Pig in this peculiar and crazy mission of destruction of everything that isn't cool.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52%, Co-op 13.3%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Action 7.3%, Adventure 6%

Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat'em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun. Play local or online.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 40.6%, 4 Player Local 14.2%, Co-op 13%, Online Co-Op 7.8%, Local Co-Op 6.4%

The Rare Nine - ultrafast and explosive beat 'em up, in which you should break through the darkness and hordes of undead in a giant skyscraper. Also you can enjoy a lot of great chiptune music.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Gore 11.4%, Action 10.6%, Side Scroller 7.1%

Night Slashers is a pulse-pounding, horror-themed beat 'em up game, in a nightmarish world filled with bloodthirsty creatures and unspeakable horrors.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 60.8%, Side Scroller 12%, Action 6.3%, Zombies 5.7%, 2D 4.4%

Classic arcade action returns with Rock Zombie, a 3D horror “hack`n slash” inspired by zombie flicks. Prepare for a non-stopping button-mashing experience that will bring you back to the golden era of the arcades, with modern 3D graphics, animations, camera angles and a killer soundtrack.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.1%, Gore 26.7%, Action 10.2%, Adventure 6.8%, Indie 6.2%

Shoot, slice and surf on zombies by yourself or with friends. Fight overwhelming amounts of zombies and other monsters summoned by an evil wizard (ooOooOOOo spooky) in an early 1900s London.

Why similar: 4 Player Local 23.1%, Co-op 20%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Zombies 10.3%, Online Co-Op 8.6%

I Am The Hero is a pixel art, beat 'em up, fighting game that tells the story of a "Hero" with a glorious but mysterious past. Is he the hero he thinks he is or is there a another side to this legendary figure?

Why similar: Beat 'em up 54%, Co-op 9.8%, RPG 9.3%, Action 8.8%, Side Scroller 5.2%

Control a car full of jerks as they explore cities, recruit weird people, rescue dogs, argue with each other, and face gigantic swarms of slow zombies. Randomly generated for a new story and rare events every time you play!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.2%, Zombies 18.4%, Co-op 15.9%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, RPG 9.8%

Fight as the outcast heroes of Talamh in a fierce battle to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp in Absolum, an original roguelite beat ‘em up by Dotemu.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 56%, Co-op 12.9%, Local Co-Op 8.1%, Side Scroller 5.6%, Action 4.5%

"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 43.1%, Co-op 16.3%, 4 Player Local 12.9%, Online Co-Op 6.9%, Action 6%

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal.

Why similar: Co-op 17.6%, Gore 17.6%, Side Scroller 13.6%, 4 Player Local 12.1%, Action 9%

LET'S KUNG FU THEM ALL! Play solo or co-op and take control of four unlikely heroes that battle a diverse lineup of enemies, show off your Kung-Fu skills and journey west across stunning different environments in order to hunt for the scattered remnants of the Sacred Scroll.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 43.8%, 4 Player Local 15.5%, Co-op 14.3%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Local Co-Op 6.6%

DEADBOLT is an extremely challenging stealth-action hybrid that allows you to take control of the reaper to quell the recent undead uprising.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 39.2%, Gore 23%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Action 8.1%, Indie 6.3%

A Rhythm Role-Playing Game! Fight party crashing monsters with the power of music! Level your party and upgrade your gear while dancing to the beat of some groovin' tunes. Grab a friend and combine forces in all game modes in The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor!

Why similar: Co-op 28.9%, RPG 19.5%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Action 13.1%, Indie 9.2%

Super Dungeon Bros is a rock-themed dungeon brawler where a band of mighty rock bros must navigate the fantasy realm of Rökheim and its hellish dungeons to seek out epic loot, fight hordes of evil undead and uncover the legends of long lost fabled Rock Stars!

Why similar: Online Co-Op 25.3%, Action 23.6%, Local Co-Op 20%, Adventure 17.2%, Indie 13.8%

A fantasy beat-em-up that focuses on crunchy and satisfying combat. We captured the spirit of some of the best classic beat-em-ups, melding them into one memorable experience. Fight solo or with up to 4 players cooperative multiplayer!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50%, 4 Player Local 11.7%, Online Co-Op 9.3%, RPG 8.1%, Local Co-Op 7.9%

Nine Parchments is a co-operative blast'em up game of magic mayhem from Frozenbyte, creators of the Trine series!

Why similar: 4 Player Local 26.6%, Co-op 20.9%, Online Co-Op 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Local Co-Op 10.6%

Guntouchables is an online co-op doomsday roguelite for 1-4 players. You play as a gun-toting group of 'preppers' trying to reclaim the world from an ever-evolving horde of mutants, constantly working to develop new unique ways to kill you.

Why similar: Co-op 28.5%, Gore 27.4%, Online Co-Op 16.8%, Zombies 12.9%, Action 8.7%

Fight the gangs of Paris in this action packed Beat'Em up. Up to 4 players can join in, to cooperate, or fight against each other! Many unlockables, game modes, crazy combos and devastating furies await you in this deep fighting game.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 49.8%, Co-op 15.6%, 4 Player Local 12.1%, Local Co-Op 7.9%, Side Scroller 6.2%

Battle it out local and online in this neon-soaked arena brawler full of lethal weapons, stackable perks, furious combat and a killer synthwave soundtrack.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30.8%, 4 Player Local 29.7%, Gore 12.6%, Action 11.2%, Violent 8.7%

BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 60.8%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Co-op 11.7%, Side Scroller 3.9%, Action 3.7%

PERISH is a stylish 1-4 player FPS with a cross to bear. Slay hordes of creatures on the black sands of Purgatory and sell their gold-stained corpses to craven priests. Kill magnificent bosses and use the proceeds to gain entrance to Elysium, a place of cosmic revelations.

Why similar: Gore 34.8%, Violent 15.6%, Online Co-Op 12.6%, Action 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%