Games Like Shank 2

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 41.8%, Local Co-Op 15.5%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Action 8.4%, Gore 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The direct predecessor offers the same signature art style and brutal, combo-heavy combat mechanics.

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: Side Scroller 21.1%, Local Co-Op 16.7%, Co-op 13.2%, Gore 12.6%, Action 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines side-scrolling platforming with chaotic gunplay and a similar emphasis on over-the-top violence.

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 61.5%, Action 10%, Local Co-Op 9%, Side Scroller 6.5%, Co-op 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This modern revival of the classic beat-'em-up genre features fluid, high-quality animation and satisfying, visceral combat.

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 31%, Gore 15.3%, Action 15%, Hack and Slash 11.3%, Co-op 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly fast-paced, stylish hack-and-slash combat with a dark, moody aesthetic that mirrors Shank's intensity.

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 50.3%, Gore 13.2%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Co-op 7.5%, Action 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, hyper-violent brawler that matches the raw, bloody intensity found in the Shank series.

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 59.2%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Local Co-Op 10.1%, Action 4.3%, 2D 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished modern brawler that excels in responsive combat and cooperative local play.

Head back to the Mexiverse in this long-awaited sequel to the smash hit Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across stunning new hand-crafted levels. Featuring a dense and colorful world, new luchador moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 36.5%, Local Co-Op 19%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Co-op 9.7%, Platformer 8%

Why You'll Like It: Provides fluid, combo-centric combat and platforming with a vibrant, unique art style.

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 48.4%, Local Co-Op 20.3%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Action 5.8%, Co-op 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic brawler formula with tag-team mechanics that keep the action fresh and fast.

Redeemer: Enhanced Edition is a brutal close-quarters brawler. Punch, crush, shoot, and use the environment to destroy enemies. Master deep melee combat, execute savage finishers, and fight for redemption as Vasily, a former elite operative hunted by a cybernetic corporation.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.6%, Gore 12.4%, Action 9.4%, Local Co-Op 8.5%, Co-op 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: While top-down, it captures the same brutal, combo-driven brawler spirit and focus on environmental violence.

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 44.6%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Co-op 9%, Action 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: An urban fantasy beat-'em-up with a comic-book aesthetic and branching paths that feel very similar to Shank's presentation.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Platformer 20.7%, Action 20.5%, Hack and Slash 16.4%, Gore 15.2%, 2D 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a similarly cinematic, one-hit-kill style of fast-paced action with a heavy emphasis on stylish execution.

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: Local Co-Op 30.6%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Co-op 11.6%, Action 10.6%, Platformer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style action game that captures the retro-futuristic, weapon-heavy feel of 2D brawlers.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 26.2%, Co-op 15.6%, Action 11.6%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Platformer 10%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers chaotic, side-scrolling action with a high degree of destructibility and over-the-top weapon variety.

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 41.2%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Action 10.4%, Gore 9.3%, Side Scroller 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A visceral, historically-inspired beat-'em-up that emphasizes heavy, impactful combat and gore.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Gore 22.8%, Action 22.1%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 16.2%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy-metal-infused action platformer that delivers intense, gore-filled combat and challenging encounters.

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 43.2%, Local Co-Op 18%, Co-op 10.6%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, old-school beat-'em-up that focuses on environmental interaction and brutal melee combat.

Revenge will consume you, but redemption will push you to your breaking point.Play as Dusty, a multi- weapon wielding warrior ready to face loads of outlawed criminals, dangerous creatures and the ruthless evil villain that rules them all.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 41.2%, Local Co-Op 17.7%, Action 13.2%, Co-op 9.1%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D brawler that mirrors the side-scrolling action and combo-heavy gameplay of the Shank series.

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 63.5%, Local Co-Op 11.8%, Side Scroller 6.9%, Action 6.3%, Gore 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style arcade brawler that features high-definition visuals and satisfying, punchy combat mechanics.

The world's fastest brawler is back. Experience cinematic kung-fu in the most epic stickman fighter ever made. Staying true to the original, you play with only two buttons. Every press matters, do not button mash!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.6%, Action 14.8%, Gore 9.8%, Indie 4.8%, 2D 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses entirely on the rhythm and satisfaction of fast-paced, minimalist combat that feels as fluid as a high-end brawler.

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 56.1%, Local Co-Op 20%, Action 7.6%, Co-op 4.8%, Side Scroller 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A theatrical, combo-based brawler where the performance and style of your combat are the primary focus.

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 53.9%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Action 9.7%, Hack and Slash 7%, 2D 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep combat mechanics and a classic side-scrolling structure that rewards mastery of combos.

Ghat's story is far from over: Zeno Clash 2 picks up where the deliciously brazen first game left off. After 4 years of waiting, the sequel to the surreal first-person brawler brings more variety in combat and levels, and even more bizarre storytelling into the beguiling world of Zenozoik.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.4%, Action 19.2%, Co-op 7.7%, Indie 7.2%, Adventure 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, first-person brawler that shares the same focus on visceral, close-quarters combat.

It’s a punk rock apocalypse! Team up with your friends to lead embattled punk rock band Charlie Murder in their epic quest to save the world from rival death metalers Gore Quaffer and their legions of evil.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.7%, Co-op 9%, Gore 8.8%, Action 8.1%, Local Co-Op 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A punk-rock-themed brawler with deep RPG elements and a distinct, edgy art style.

Sharpen your axe, string your bow, brew your potions! Ancaria needs heroes like you. Grab your friends to join the resistance!The once peaceful land of Ancaria is in grave danger. The evil Ashen empire has enslaved its population and is using the orc-like Grimmoc to wipe out the Seraphim, who swore to protect it.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.7%, Local Co-Op 16%, Action 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.3%, Co-op 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game that incorporates RPG elements and cooperative combat mechanics.

Craft your arsenal to avenge your fallen comrades and save the world from the fearsome forces of CLAW!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.8%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Co-op 16.3%, Action 12.7%, Platformer 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action game with a heavy focus on weapon customization and side-scrolling combat.

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 68.7%, Co-op 9.8%, Side Scroller 6.8%, Local Co-Op 6.4%, Action 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized, 80s-inspired brawler that emphasizes over-the-top combat and a great soundtrack.

Samurai Riot is a 2D Arcade-style Beat ‘Em Up game with a unique co-op system. Make deep moral choices throughout the branching storyline with high replay value.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 51.9%, Action 25.5%, Adventure 11.6%, Indie 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D brawler that offers branching story paths and cooperative 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 61.6%, Local Co-Op 16.6%, Action 11.3%, Side Scroller 6.3%, Indie 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade brawler that focuses on chaotic, large-scale combat encounters.

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 20.6%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Gore 13.6%, Co-op 13.1%, Action 10.8%

Annihilate an evil penguin regime in this cinematic platform adventure game offering full solo and co-op campaigns.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 24.4%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Co-op 11.7%, Platformer 11.1%, Gore 10.2%

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 50.7%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Local Co-Op 9.6%, Action 8.8%, Co-op 5.6%

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 45.5%, Local Co-Op 19.7%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Action 7.6%, 2D 4.1%

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 31.8%, Local Co-Op 14%, Gore 12.9%, Action 8.8%, Side Scroller 7.3%

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 40.6%, Local Co-Op 16.9%, Co-op 13.8%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Action 5.9%

Onikira is a 2D side scrolling beat ‘em up set in a fantasy feudal Japan where the player takes on the role of a samurai fighting to prevent the forces of the Japanese underworld from breaking through into the world of the living.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 44.4%, Action 17.9%, Platformer 10.2%, Hack and Slash 7.8%, Adventure 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D action game that emphasizes aerial combat and combo chains.

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 46.7%, Local Co-Op 15.2%, Co-op 11.8%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Hack and Slash 6.1%

"Lost Castle 2" is a 2D Beat'em up Rogue-Lite game. Explore abundant treasures and items to enhance yourself, master various weapons to showcase your skills, and challenge powerful monsters to demonstrate your strength. A new adventure is calling for treasure hunters!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 41.5%, Local Co-Op 27.3%, Co-op 8.8%, Action 6.4%, Multiplayer 4.2%

Stick 'Em Up 2: Paper Adventures is a run'n'gun/platform game of stick figure characters fighting through beautiful paper and card levels. Fly across city rooftops firing rockets from a helicopter, leap between pirate ships with a sword, race buggies on the moon, and more!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 22.1%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Action 16.6%, Co-op 12.3%, Platformer 10.1%

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 55.4%, Local Co-Op 24.1%, Action 13.1%, Indie 7.3%

The legendary beat ’em up series from Jaleco returns. Master trained fighters take on a rising evil with raw strength and refined technique. Built around easy-to-use auto-combos, the game lets skilled players weave powerful strings for exhilarating combat. Let your fists burn with fury once more.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Co-op 8.9%, Action 6.7%

Joe Danger, the world’s most determined stuntman, returns to embark on a death-defying thrill-ride across the set of the greatest blockbuster movie ever made. Across 100 crazy levels he’ll chase crooks by police bike, destroy laser-firing robots with a stolen jetpack, escape giant boulders in a minecart, time-travel to punch dinosaurs...

Why similar: Action 68.2%, Indie 31.8%

The definitive version of the smash-hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges, and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.

Why similar: Platformer 46.8%, 2D 25.8%, Beat 'em up 14.6%, Local Co-Op 4.7%, Action 2.4%

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 45.5%, Local Co-Op 19.5%, Action 12.3%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Adventure 5.5%

A former member of the criminal underworld is lured back into “the life” by a mysterious drone claiming they have until sunrise to prevent a citywide criminal takeover together.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 68.1%, Action 12.9%, Gore 11%, Violent 3.3%, Indie 2.2%

“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Action 30.8%, Local Co-Op 22.2%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Co-op 8.4%, 2D 7.3%

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: Local Co-Op 25%, Platformer 14.5%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Action 14.1%, Co-op 12.6%

Embody a hard-boiled detective seeking bloody justice. in an old-school, Korean-style beat-’em-up. Plow through the criminal underworld to find and punish those responsible for his sister's death...before his mind unravels and his vengeance completely destroys him.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.1%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Action 8.5%, Gore 6.9%, Hack and Slash 5.7%

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

Why similar: Beat 'em up 52%, Action 22.3%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Side Scroller 8%, 2D 2.8%

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 41.2%, Local Co-Op 15.2%, Action 12%, Co-op 10.5%, Side Scroller 8.2%

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 29.3%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Gore 13.2%, Action 10.5%, Platformer 6.9%

Play solo or with your hetero lifemate in this hand drawn, arcade style, side-scrolling beat-em-up blessed by Jay and Silent Bob themselves.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.2%, Local Co-Op 24.3%, Action 11.4%, Indie 2.1%

Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 36.5%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Action 11.2%, Co-op 10.4%, Platformer 9%

Super Double Dragon rises again! Now with new features such as customizable wallpapers and speed options!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.7%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Local Co-Op 12.5%, Action 12%, Co-op 6.9%

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 46.9%, Local Co-Op 15.9%, Co-op 14%, Action 7.7%, Multiplayer 2.8%

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the brutal conclusion to the Hotline Miami saga, set against a backdrop of escalating violence and retribution over spilled blood in the original game.

Why similar: Gore 43.2%, Action 19.4%, Violent 11.1%, Difficult 8.3%, 2D 6.3%

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 51.4%, Local Co-Op 20.7%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Action 7.7%, Adventure 3.9%

The original Coq of War returns in a glorious explosion of finger-licking fun; with enhanced controls, new upgrade systems, a full single player campaign in “Part 1: The Cockup” with full VO and OST - and a 1- 4 player campaign in “Part 2: The Rescue” with procedurally generated maps.

Why similar: Action 36.7%, Platformer 23%, Adventure 14.8%, Indie 14.3%, 2D 11.1%

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 41.6%, Gore 14.3%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Hack and Slash 8.5%, Co-op 7.9%