Games Like River City Saga: Three Kingdoms

River City Ransom is back, rebuilt from the ground up! Rekindle old rivalries and relive past rumbles through a completely revamped story!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.9%, Old School 15.6%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Online Co-Op 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers the most direct gameplay experience, featuring the same core combat mechanics and series-specific charm as the seed game.

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 49%, Anime 14.8%, Comedy 13.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Action 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the series that maintains the signature beat-em-up action while adding deeper RPG elements and vibrant anime-inspired visuals.

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 54.1%, Anime 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Action 7.2%, Retro 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This entry revitalized the franchise with its punchy combat, excellent soundtrack, and humorous character interactions.

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 67%, Pixel Graphics 13.5%, Family Friendly 7.9%, 2D 6.6%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of modern beat-em-ups, it captures the same retro-arcade energy and fluid combat found in the River City series.

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 47.7%, Old School 14.1%, Retro 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 10%, 2D 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fantastic modern take on a classic franchise that incorporates roguelite elements into the traditional beat-em-up formula.

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 71.1%, Action 10.5%, Retro 6.5%, Online Co-Op 6.2%, 2D 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game defines the modern side-scrolling brawler with its tight controls, hand-drawn art, and deep, combo-focused combat system.

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 61.2%, Online Co-Op 10%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Retro 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly mirrors the pixel-art aesthetic and lighthearted, comedy-driven narrative style of the River City games.

Alluring audio! Pixel art perfection! Beat-em up beauty! Discover how hard a 32,000kg ninja hits with The Ninja Saviours!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 29.6%, Beat 'em up 23.6%, Action 17.2%, 2D 15.2%, 2D Platformer 13.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, high-octane arcade brawler that focuses on precise 2D combat and distinct character playstyles.

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 53.9%, Anime 11.7%, Retro 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, 2D 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers incredibly deep combat mechanics and a high skill ceiling that will appeal to fans of the more technical aspects of River City combat.

Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 75.4%, Retro 10.6%, Action 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%, 2D 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: An essential collection of classic arcade brawlers that provides the historical foundation for the mechanics used in modern games like River City.

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: Beat 'em up 38.5%, Old School 17.6%, Comedy 12.9%, Retro 8.5%, Funny 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, anime-inspired brawler that emphasizes chaotic, screen-filling action and over-the-top character abilities.

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 53.7%, Anime 22.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Action 7%, Retro 5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a charming anime art style and fast-paced, multi-plane combat that feels right at home with the River City aesthetic.

The original battle royal game is back and buffed!! No rules, and fights to the finish where anything goes! Over 180 characters and over 250 different special moves!

Why similar: Action 46.3%, Retro 36%, 2D 17.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the competitive, chaotic multiplayer brawling aspect of the River City universe.

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 81.4%, 2D 9.6%, Action 9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a stylish anime aesthetic with a satisfying beat-em-up combat system and meaningful RPG character progression.

Asterix & Obelix, return in a new adventure full of slaps! Play as Asterix and Obelix and cross the most iconic landscapes of the saga while facing a host of enemies, in a Beat Them Up filled with action ... and slaps!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 58.4%, Action 9.2%, Combat 6.9%, 2D 6%, Retro 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, hand-drawn 2D brawler that captures the slapstick humor and side-scrolling action of classic arcade titles.

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

Why similar: Beat 'em up 51%, Online Co-Op 12.9%, Funny 12%, Comedy 10%, 2D 8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic co-op brawler that blends simple, addictive combat with humorous themes and light RPG character growth.

The classical side-scroll action game, "Double Dragon" series' newest sequel! A new legend begins!!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 51.4%, Action 19.8%, Retro 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.9%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A direct, retro-styled sequel that stays true to the original arcade roots of the genre.

Join Kunio, Riki, Misako, and Kyoko for bone-crunching, 16-bit, co-op beat-'em-up action - newly translated and released outside of Japan after 28 years! The original 1994 graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay are augmented with new motion-comic cutscenes, a new animated intro, and new music!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.5%, Anime 15.5%, Retro 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, 2D 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a fascinating look at the series' history with its classic 16-bit gameplay and retro charm.

Join ogre sisters Ran, Hana, and Yume, and their feline mentor, Iroha, in a battle against fairytale folkheroes-turned-villains via this action-packed tongue-in-cheek 2D beat-em-up romp set in modern-day Japan!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 34.9%, Old School 14.5%, Anime 12.4%, Comedy 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-styled beat-em-up that features fast combat and a lighthearted, folklore-inspired narrative.

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 80.1%, Retro 8.8%, Action 5.9%, Online Co-Op 4.1%, 2D 1%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized, 80s-inspired brawler with a fantastic soundtrack and a unique, humorous take on the classic formula.

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 72.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.5%, Action 10.1%, Combat 3.8%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore, arcade-style brawler that prioritizes raw, responsive combat over complex systems.

"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 41.6%, Old School 16.6%, Retro 13%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Online Co-Op 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 90s beat-em-ups that features a distinct pixel-art style and classic side-scrolling gameplay.

Kunio-kun's infamous rival that all River City Series fans will recognize, The head of the Reiho High School Big Four: Kobayashi gets his own game!!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.4%, Action 37.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique spin-off that experiments with the River City formula while retaining the series' iconic visual style.

A revolutionary crowd-based retro brawler

Why similar: Beat 'em up 41.9%, Action 18.5%, Old School 15.6%, Retro 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: An indie brawler that focuses on controlling a crowd of rebels, offering a unique twist on the traditional beat-em-up format.

Dominate the dojo in The Karate Kid: Street Rumble, a pixel art beat ‘em up adventure. Grab your friends for local co-op multiplayer and dive into the classic The Karate Kid journey with retro-style gameplay, dynamic combat, and epic boss battles.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.8%, Old School 16.4%, Action 12.5%, Retro 9.5%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, arcade-style brawler that captures the nostalgia and side-scrolling action of 80s movie tie-ins.

A timeless classic

Why similar: Beat 'em up 45.7%, Anime 13.3%, Action 12.8%, Retro 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action game that captures the feel of classic handheld beat-em-ups.

The original epic introduction to the eternal KUNG FURY beat ‘em up saga. New stages, and the Hackademy. Both THE ARCADE STRIKES BACK and the A DAY AT THE BEACH campaign.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 41.6%, Retro 13.5%, Comedy 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Anime 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A short, punchy arcade experience that leans heavily into comedy and retro action tropes.

Become immersed in exhilarating battles as a nameless hero in the Three Kingdoms

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 69.5% ★, Historical 25.1%, Action 4.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%

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%, Old School 15.8%, Retro 13.8%, Funny 7.4%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, classic-style brawler that emphasizes environmental interaction and arcade-style combat.

Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.7%, Historical 23.5%, Action 13%, Comedy 4.9%, Funny 3.6%

Yo Joe! Cobra returns once again with its most fiendish plot yet and it's up to G.I. Joe to defeat them once more! Pick one of the real American heroes, gear up, and get straight into the fight in this retro side-scrolling beat 'em up - and make Cobra RETREAT yet again!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 47.7%, Retro 11.3%, Online Co-Op 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Combat 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, co-op focused brawler that delivers classic arcade-style action with updated visuals and mechanics.

Heaven, earth and mankind - Create and destroy everything according to your will! Experience the revival of the '90s classic hit "Actraiser"

Why similar: Destruction 25%, 2D Platformer 24.8%, Anime 17.5%, Retro 14.9%, Action 9.2%

Bakeru's adventure begins in this Japan-esque Wild Action Game!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.4%, Anime 15.8%, Comedy 14.6%, Action 9.4%, Funny 6.6%

Breakers Collection features both of the original games (Breakers and Breakers Revenge) and a brand new content for the cult-classic among the fans of Fighting Games, that was released in 1996 for the Neogeo and Arcades.

Why similar: Old School 24.1%, Anime 18.8%, Retro 16.1%, Combat 9.2%, 2D 8.4%

At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the heroes were fighting for hegemony, and the flames were everywhere. In the game, players played the role of Zhao Yun, a well-known general of the Three Kingdoms, and interpreted the story of his youth.

Why similar: Historical 54.3%, Retro 23.2%, Action 10.8%, Combat 9.5%, Singleplayer 2.1%

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 34.8%, Retro 22.2%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, Action 12.1%, 2D 10.2%

The world-famous Double Dragon roars back to life!

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 41.3% ★, Beat 'em up 35.1%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Action 5.8%, PvE 3.1%

The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 34.2%, Retro 19.4%, PvE 15%, Action 12.5%, 2D 10.5%

This is the River City sports challenge! The Rule is simple, be the # 1 in 4 events by all means. That's it! Hitting and kicking? Of course! Wooden swords dumbbells and even bombs are available to use. The great sports challenge where anything's possible has just begun!!!

Why similar: Retro 36.4%, Action 18.8%, Anime 18.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Funny 8.6%

This is the most recent installment of the ‘Kunio-Kun’ franchise recreated as a fun and easy fighting game with the fighting aspects taken and upgraded from River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Star Special~.

Why similar: Action 46.6%, Retro 28.5%, Anime 24.9%

Join Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers in a brand-new brawling adventure across space, time, and the streets of Toronto!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 43.6%, Retro 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Funny 9.3%, Online Co-Op 8%

Experience the thrill of one versus thousands in an all new open world setting with DYNASTY WARRIORS 9! Travel through Ancient China depicted on a single, vast, open-world map, master the new State Combo System, and watch the Three Kingdoms story unfold through a cast of 90 playable characters!

Why similar: Action 84%, Historical 8.8%, Beat 'em up 4%, Anime 2.8%, Singleplayer 0.3%

A new release in the Empires series, featuring a mix of thrilling action and country capturing simulation. Experience the human drama of the Three Kingdoms in a way only Empires can provide. Fight exciting Castle Sieges and manipulate the country's Politics. Welcome to the Empires experience!

Why similar: Historical 66.3%, Action 30%, Singleplayer 3.8%

Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Why similar: Retro 24.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.1%, Anime 18%, 2D Platformer 16.8%, Action 11%

The original cute and hardcore shrine maiden shooter is now available on Steam! Completely new game, a sequel to the home original "Pocky&Rocky" (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)! The adventures of Pocky&Rocky begin once again.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 47%, Action 38.3%, Retro 12%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Lead an army of 100 Wonderful Ones from around the world in this Unite Action spectacular!

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 40.1% ★, Beat 'em up 27.9%, Comedy 10.3%, Anime 8.5%, Action 7.7%

In the game, players will play the role of Liu Bei, the monarch of Shu Han during The Three Kingdoms period, and defeat the strong enemies encountered by cultivating the military generals and forming the characteristic army. Whether you can change your life and unify the three countries is up to you

Why similar: Historical 31%, Old School 23%, Retro 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.5%, Comedy 9.1%

A new SAMURAI WARRIORS begins. After a 7-year wait, a new instalment in the tactical action series "SAMURAI WARRIORS" is finally here!

Why similar: Historical 47.9%, Anime 30.2%, Action 20%, Singleplayer 1.9%

"Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate" is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up with the heart of a fighting game, showcasing nostalgic pixel art and the latest cross-platform online multiplayer. Experience the biggest and most expansive entry in the "Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds" series to date!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 40.4%, Anime 14.2%, Online Co-Op 9.6%, Family Friendly 9.3%, Retro 9.2%

PLAY with characters from the Three Kingdoms, FIGHT with infinite numbers of enemies, and SURVIVE till the end! Make your favorite character to be the legendary hero of the Three Kingdoms by unique skills and various tactics. Fight together with royal adjutants in any battle.

Why similar: Historical 55.3%, Action 21.7%, Anime 21.3%, Singleplayer 1.8%

A groundbreaking, uber-popular game upon its arcade debut in 1987. Double Dragon is the undisputed godfather of co-op beat ‘em up.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 63.6%, Retro 17.8%, Old School 5.1%, Action 5.1%, Pixel Graphics 3.2%

Grab a backpack, boxing tape, and focus on what high school is all about: Beating the ever loving crap out of one another! Troublemaker blends favorite action-adventure-beat-'em-up elements from the strongest traditions in the genre.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 77.2%, Funny 13.4%, Action 7.8%, Singleplayer 1.5%

The legendary 3D beat 'em up is back: Fighting Force!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52.6%, Old School 20%, Retro 11.6%, Action 9.3%, Combat 6.2%

Travis Touchdown is back, baby! The otaku assassin takes up his trusty beam katana once more to slash his way to the top of the Galactic Superhero Rankings and save the world in the latest entry in the No More Heroes series.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 42.7%, Comedy 19.9%, Anime 14.8%, Action 10.4%, Funny 7.8%

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 56.2%, Online Co-Op 18.8%, Retro 16.2%, Action 7.7%, Singleplayer 1.2%

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 57.7%, 2D Platformer 25.7%, Action 8.4%, 2D 7.2%, Singleplayer 1%

KOF ’97 is the final entry in the Orochi Saga, the original storyline of the KOF series, which is still played by enthusiastic fans around the world. KOF ’97 makes a return with new features such as online matchmaking, a new gallery mode, and custom menu BGM settings!

Why similar: Action 100%

CommanderVideo returns in Runner3's heart-pounding saga! Conquer villainous villains, drive wild vehicles, and navigate thrilling environments. Meet quirky characters and face retro challenges for an adrenaline-soaked rhythm-music platformer adventure!

Why similar: Action 36.5%, Funny 35.7%, Family Friendly 23%, Singleplayer 4.8%

Asterix & Obelix – Slap them all! 2 is a Beat’em Up with an original story. Explore different places such as forest ruins, a vast Roman camp and even Lutèce. Encounters and fights punctuate the storyline. This dynamic game invites you to come on an adventure — with a generous distribution of slaps!

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 39.2% ★, Beat 'em up 32%, Historical 10.5%, Action 4.9%, 2D 4.4%