Games Like Pulling No Punches

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 56.9%, Fighting 28.2% ★, 2D 6.9%, Action 6.5%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in arcade-style combat depth with a distinct visual style and highly responsive controls.

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 54.1%, Fighting 20.3% ★, Co-op Campaign 12.6% ★, Action 7.3%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for modern 2D beat-em-ups, featuring gorgeous hand-drawn art and deep, satisfying combat mechanics.

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 42.9%, Comic Book 26.3%, Fighting 18.2% ★, Action 5.8%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features an urban fantasy setting and a comic-book art style that mirrors the satirical tone of the seed game.

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 42.7%, Co-op Campaign 33.7% ★, Comic Book 10.4%, 2D 4%, Cartoon 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers exceptional pixel-art animation and chaotic co-op gameplay that perfectly captures the arcade beat-em-up spirit.

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 33.7%, 2D Fighter 26.7%, Hack and Slash 15.2%, Comic Book 10.2%, 2D 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful modernization of a classic arcade title that shares the gritty, supernatural-tinged action of the seed game.

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 64.2%, Fighting 15.4% ★, Co-op Campaign 12.5% ★, Action 5%, Casual 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes a comic-book-inspired visual style and classic arcade mechanics to deliver a polished brawling experience.

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 83.5%, Action 10.2%, 2D 5.4%, Singleplayer 0.9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a vibrant comic-book aesthetic with RPG elements and fluid brawling action.

Jitsu Squad is a Marvel vs Capcom inspired 4 player co-op TAG TEAM beat ‘em up with epic character transformations and fast paced combat.

Why similar: Character Action Game 29.7% ★, Beat 'em up 28.1%, Hack and Slash 16.8%, Fighting 15.9% ★, 2D 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, hand-drawn brawler that emphasizes chaotic, high-speed combat and flashy character moves.

A hard-hitting action packed beat ‘em up in the vein of classic arcade titles. Featuring stunning pixel art and a thumping soundtrack with exclusive tracks from Utah Saints! Brawl with bad dudes and tough girls as you fight through dangerous environments.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.7%, 2D Fighter 19.8%, Fighting 17.6% ★, Action 6.9%, Combat 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a hardcore, no-nonsense arcade experience that focuses on tight, responsive 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 81.1%, Action 12%, 2D 4.8%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential comic-book-inspired beat-em-up with a fantastic soundtrack and tight 2D action.

Brawl through the city in hard-hitting pixel art style inspired by arcade classics! Inspired by arcade beat ’em ups of the late ’80s and early ’90s, Fallen City Brawl is a story of ambition and revenge told through intense side-scrolling pixel art action.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48%, 2D Fighter 38.3%, Action 6.8%, 2D 6.2%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the urban, gritty aesthetic of classic beat-em-ups with modern 2D fighter mechanics.

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 47.6%, Fighting 31.7% ★, Action 6%, Colorful 4.5%, Casual 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a classic arcade feel with digitized graphics and a focus on satisfying, impactful combat.

"99Vidas" is a "beat 'em up" set in a contemporary world that pays tribute to both the new and the classic in gaming industry. Brought to you in all pixelated, 16 bit-esque glory, chockfull of references to not only gaming, but all 80's and 90's pop culture.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 51.2%, Fighting 29% ★, Action 6.7%, 2D 6.4%, Colorful 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 90s arcade brawlers with a distinct retro pixel-art style and fun co-op play.

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 85.2%, Action 9.4%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a gritty, intense, and visceral 2D brawling experience with a unique, dark atmosphere.

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 77.2%, 2D 9.1%, Action 7.6%, Combat 3.6%, Casual 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on a classic franchise that introduces rogue-lite elements and a wide roster of playable characters.

Super Crush KO is a fast-paced brawler set in a vibrant, near-future city. Zip up your favourite neon jacket and combo your way through swarms of deadly robots to save your kidnapped kitten and, while you’re at it, save humanity from an AI apocalypse.

Why similar: Character Action Game 33.1% ★, Beat 'em up 22.5%, 2D Fighter 18.4%, Stylized 6.3%, Score Attack 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, colorful character-action game that emphasizes fluid movement and combo-heavy combat.

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

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.2%, Hack and Slash 30.7%, 2D 7.1%, Cartoony 7%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic hand-drawn co-op brawler that balances humor with addictive, easy-to-learn combat.

Way of the Passive Fist is a unique and colorful arcade brawler. Parry, Dodge and Dash to outwit and outlast your enemies on a desolate planet ruled by raiders, mutants and fanatical sun worshipers. It's a new kind of tactical fighting in the licensed arcade brawler for the 90s cartoon you wish existed.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 75.1%, Action 24.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique, rhythm-based twist on the beat-em-up genre that focuses on parrying and timing.

Brutal next chapter of Amiga's legendary beat'em up 'Franko: The Crazy Revenge' is here. It's time to clean the streets of shit. The iconic game finally gets a sequel it deserves. Are you ready? They are coming!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.2%, Co-op Campaign 27.3% ★, 2D Fighter 23.5%, Stylized 7.2%, Cartoony 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, old-school brawler that leans into a gritty, satirical, and violent tone.

Play as Jay and Silent Bob in a retro 8-bit sidescrolling brawler solo or with a friend. Pummel enemies with hard-hitting combos, dash attacks, and elbow drops as well as a random assortment of weapons as you battle your way out of the mall and back to the Quickstop.

Why similar: Character Action Game 25.6% ★, Beat 'em up 22.1%, Fighting 18% ★, 2D Fighter 15.7%, Comic Book 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired brawler that captures the comedic essence and style of the source material.

The River City Girls are back! Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki - joined by newcomers Marian and Provie - hit the streets for an all-new beat-'em-up adventure! Team up for local or online co-op and explore a massive world packed with new abilities, enemies, locations, and more!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52.2%, Comic Book 28.8%, Action 7.1%, 2D 6.5%, Colorful 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the original with more depth, larger environments, and refined combat mechanics.

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 86.9%, Action 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: An indie title that embraces the absurdity and co-op chaos of classic arcade beat-em-ups.

Vengeance Hunters is an adrenaline fueled Neo-Geo hardware developed beat’em’up that lets you and a friend in local co-op fight mutants, zombies, punks, gangsters, lab techs with bombs (you read that correctly), suited mystery men, cyborgs and more across multiple stages, sublevels and secret areas.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 39.6%, 2D Fighter 29.6%, Cartoony 7.6%, Cartoon 5.9%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled brawler set in a post-apocalyptic world with a focus on tight, arcade-inspired combat.

Big Action Mega Fight! is a classic single player beat 'em up/brawler with a modern twist! Hilarious 2D cartoon combat inspired by Streets of Rage, Final Fight, Turtles in Time and Battletoads. Blast your way through levels filled with luscious art and unforgettable enemies. How fast can you SMASH?

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.9%, Fighting 19.6% ★, Cartoony 10.8%, Action 8.3%, Cartoon 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A cartoony, accessible brawler that focuses on simple but satisfying combo systems.

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: Co-op Campaign 25.1% ★, Beat 'em up 24%, Fighting 16.6% ★, Hack and Slash 16.2%, Character Customization 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Blends beat-em-up mechanics with stylish action-RPG progression and a unique, hand-drawn art style.

Aces Wild is a fast-paced, hardcore, aerial beat 'em up!Engage in insane aerial martial arts combat against countless opponents!It utilizes a 'Wild Meter' which increases the power of your attacks butalso makes enemies more aggressive!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 58.3%, Character Action Game 20.2% ★, Action 9.5%, Hack and Slash 7.2%, Bullet Hell 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed, aerial-focused combat that rewards aggressive playstyles.

Maiden Cops is a Beat'em Up full of classic, arcade-style action and ass kicking. Choose among the gorgeous Maiden Cops policewomen, tackle crime in Maiden City and enjoy premium-level pixel art and a breathtaking soundtrack.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 49%, Hack and Slash 23%, Cartoony 10.1%, 2D 6.1%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features an anime-inspired aesthetic and retro gameplay that emphasizes character-specific abilities.

A beat ‘em up adventure with paperboard style characters in which you can punch a lot and feel your adrenaline soar with so much action and rock and roll!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 30.3%, 2D Fighter 25.5%, Hack and Slash 20.2%, Stylized 6.5%, Cartoony 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling hack-and-slash that emphasizes martial arts and 2D fighter-style inputs.

REDEEMER is a intense Brawler where you will punch, hack and blast your way through enemies using fists, hammers, fire arms and even the environment.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 40.3%, Fighting 20.6% ★, Hack and Slash 16.9%, Character Action Game 15.7% ★, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: While top-down, it captures the intense, violent, and combo-focused spirit of the beat-em-up genre.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: 2D 50.2%, Action 49.8%

Donuts 'N' Justice is a fast-paced 2d horizontal shoot-'em-up wherein you take the role of one of two Super Cops in the 1980s to defend their city against gangs, violence and corruption.

Why similar: Action 44.5%, 2D 34.9%, Casual 10.6%, Singleplayer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 1980s-themed arcade brawler that keeps the action simple, fast, and cooperative.

Become a martial arts master in this survivor-like roguelite inspired by action movies of the ‘80s. Use your fists, feet, and the environment to fight off relentless thugs. Master powerful combos, enhance your skills, and remember: everything around you is a weapon!

Why similar: Fighting 55.7% ★, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Casual 6.2%, 2D 5.7%, Action 5%

Plasma Puncher is an action-brawler taking place at a cellular level! As the last standing white blood cell, you must destroy the virulent army of microbes that invaded the bloodstream, using your bare fists and an assortment of power-ups and special attacks! It's all about punching amoebas into oblivion, baby!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.8%, Fighting 11.5% ★, Hack and Slash 10%, Cartoony 9.7%, Action 6.3%

Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.4%, Action 21.4%, Cartoony 17.2%, Casual 15.1%, Cartoon 10.9%

Leftovers KO! is a Punch-Out-inspired, hand-drawn animated boxing game where you fight a bunch of leftovers. After a long day at work, you come home to find that your uneaten food has come to life—and it's here to beat you up... with its hands! Defeat them all and uncover the truth!

Why similar: Stylized 22.3%, Cartoony 21.2%, Cartoon 17.6%, 2D 9.9%, Colorful 9.7%

This is an action game in which players attempt to survive by defeating a number of enemies which appear from the left and right sides of the screen. Use a unique keyboard-banging control scheme for maximum dopamine! Go Berserk, or Die!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 42.5%, Hack and Slash 31.1%, Score Attack 11.4%, Action 7.4%, 2D 6.3%

Verdict Guilty is a 90's arcade-style fighting game with a cops vs robbers theme.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 46%, Fighting 40.3% ★, Action 7.2%, Casual 6.5%

Arson & Plunder is a 2D arcade/beat'em up adventure based on the genre classics of the 90's. The classic gameplay has been brought up to speed with the latest developments and trends! In typical beat'em up style, playing an orc or elf you wade through hordes of enemies out to kill you.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 83.7%, Action 16.3%

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Co-op Campaign 55.2% ★, Action 21.5%, 2D 20.2%, Singleplayer 3.1%

You play a fat kid in school who everyone picks on. Get even with the bullies by beating them up! But be careful not to become one yourself! This story-based comic book style Beat-Em-Up Brawler features Progressive Skill Mastering, 4 Difficulty Settings and tons of stuff to smash!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 22.5%, Beat 'em up 21.7%, Fighting 15.7% ★, 2D Fighter 14.2%, Comic Book 12.2%

Dive into the heart of ancient Japan in Two Strikes, a 2D combat extravaganza with breathtaking hand-drawn animations. As a fearless samurai, warrior monk, or daring outlaw, engage in electrifying duels where every strike can be your last.

Why similar: Fighting 35.7% ★, 2D Fighter 35.1%, Stylized 11.5%, 2D 5.6%, Action 5%

Explore an ANGRY city, meet the WORST people, and beat 'em up with STYLE! Pick your fighter, FREEZE TIME, build custom combos, and knock out your enemies, all to save the president.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.7%, Cartoony 19.7%, 2D 17.6%

Master your technique, execute flashy combos, and outsmart opponents across the world, frame-by-frame. Slow down the clock to fine-tune your fighting style in this innovative, turn-based combat simulator. Pulverize your friends and choreograph spectacular fight scenes. No training mode required.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 66.2%, Cartoony 9.1%, Action 7.7%, 2D 7.2%, Cartoon 5.9%

See how long you can survive in a world full of brainless zombies and heartless humans! Find your place among hundreds of other characters spread across several warring factions, and battle to reclaim every corner of a sprawling city in real-time.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 29.6%, Comic Book 23.2%, Hack and Slash 21.7%, Character Customization 11.4%, Stylized 9.5%

Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 49.3%, Action 32.6%, 2D 18%

MADNESS: Project Nexus is a third-person Run n' Gun / Beat'Em Up filled with arcade-style action and button-mashing brutality. Gun your way through droves of bad guys in the Story Campaign, or build your perfect killing machine in the neverending onslaught of Arena Mode.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 45.8%, Hack and Slash 29.6%, Character Customization 15.4%, Action 5.5%, Combat 3.7%

Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.8%, Cartoony 23.9%, Action 16.9%, 2D 12.4%, Combat 4.6%

TraumaCore Violence is a 2D Action Game with a focus on intense, snappy combat and in-depth movement mechanics; set within the psyche of a woman who has just had her mind snap.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 49.4%, Stylized 13.6%, Cartoony 13%, Action 8%, 2D 6.9%

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 69%, Action 11.5%, Hack and Slash 9.8%, 2D 8.4%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Smash demons and deflect bullets in a hardcore arcade clicker with the RPG elements.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 48%, Cartoon 19.9%, 2D 16.6%, Action 9.7%, Singleplayer 5.8%

Action-packed 2D beat-em-up with intense boss battles and a large variety of customizable equipment and skills. Up to 4 players with local co-op.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52.3%, Hack and Slash 17.9%, Action 8.1%, 2D 7.4%, Colorful 6.6%

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 36.2%, Co-op Campaign 36.1% ★, Fighting 23.4% ★, Action 4.2%

Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 60.2%, Action 39.8%

"Zombies and Keys" is a short but intense, easy to learn zombie brawler. Be a strongman stuck in a zombie apocalypse. There's no gun. Beat 'em up, find keys, and escape.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 36.4%, Fighting 27.5% ★, Hack and Slash 16.3%, Stylized 11%, Action 5.1%

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, a bloody retro fighting beat em up with frenetic action and a lot of fun and references to the Terrifier franchise.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 46.1%, 2D Fighter 28.6%, Cartoony 8.2%, Action 6.1%, 2D 5.4%

Street brawler with a vintage style.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 67.2%, Hack and Slash 11.3%, Action 10.7%, 2D 9.3%, Combat 1%

2D top-down multi co-op action game. Survive the zombies together with a stranger.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 55.1%, Cartoon 12.7%, 2D 12.1%, Action 8.5%, Casual 7.3%

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 27.9%, Character Action Game 25.7% ★, Fighting 20.5% ★, 2D Fighter 17.5%, Action 4.1%

Battle and survive hordes of monsters in this high octane casual game with rogue-lite elements. Defeat bosses, hot-wire cars and stack powerups. How long will you survive?

Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.1%, Stylized 29.6%, Action 15.7%, Casual 10.1%, Combat 5.8%