- #1 Phantom Fury
97% matchMixed63% of 891 reviews2024
Dev: Slipgate Ironworks™Pub: 3D Realms
Windows
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison is back in this highly interactive mix of first person action and road movie adventure. Embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey around the USA. Use an enormous arsenal of weapons and skills to battle treacherous soldiers and vile mutants, all while trying to save mankind.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 19.9%, Action-Adventure 16.1%, Arcade 13.9%, 1990's 13.9%, Old School 13.8%
- #2 School Hero
96% matchVery Positive89% of 62 reviews2025
Dev: Gkoros PolychronisPub: GPoly Games
Windows · Linux
Beat everyone in the school and save your beloved girlfriend in this anime-inspired Beat Em Up game!, as Sakura high calls for a new Hero. Will you answer the call and save her?
Why similar: Beat 'em up 30.1%, Comic Book 18.7%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Hand-drawn 9.4%, Arcade 4.6%
- #3 Mayhem Brawler
96% matchVery Positive89% of 864 reviews2021
Dev: Hero Concept
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 27.1%, Comic Book 19.1%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Arcade 8.2%, Multiple Endings 7.2%
- #4 Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate
95% matchVery Positive86% of 188 reviews2025
Dev: Rocket Panda Games JapanPub: Rocket Panda Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 55%
"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 34.3%, 2D Fighter 29.3%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Female Protagonist 6.7%
- #5 Fear Effect
94% matchMostly Positive80% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: Implicit ConversionsPub: Limited Run Games
Windows
Fear Effect, the pioneering cel-shaded cinematic action game, returns!
Why similar: Comic Book 29.5%, Female Protagonist 19%, Action-Adventure 15.9%, 1990's 14.1%, Action 6.7%
- #6 Final Vendetta
94% matchVery Positive80% of 531 reviews2022
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Numskull Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 45%
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 45.7%, 2D Fighter 18.9%, Arcade 11%, Side Scroller 11%, Female Protagonist 7.2%
- #7 Freedom Planet 2
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,697 reviews2022
Dev: GalaxyTrail
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The fast paced platforming of Freedom Planet returns! Become a full-time cartoon heroine and use abilities and items suited to your play style to explore the world of Avalice and defend its animal citizens!
Why similar: Side Scroller 27.4%, Female Protagonist 15.6%, Action-Adventure 12.4%, 1990's 8.7%, Arcade 8.4%
- #8 Invincible Presents: Atom Eve
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 571 reviews2023
Dev: Terrible Posture GamesPub: Skybound Games
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Become Atom Eve and take control of your own path as one of the most powerful superheroes in the Invincible universe! Unravel a mystery and balance the dangers and responsibilities of being a superhero with the relatable challenges of everyday life.
Why similar: Superhero 35.7% ★, Comic Book 30.1%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Story Rich 6.8%, 2D 4.6%
- #9 Streets Ablaze
93% matchMostly Positive76% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Cold Snap Games
Windows
Streets Ablaze is a 3D side-scrolling beat em' up inspired by the arcade and console games we played growing up.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 44.1%, Comic Book 17.6%, Arcade 8.1%, Action 7.9%, Female Protagonist 7.2%
- #10 The Legend of Tianding
91% matchVery Positive94% of 4,297 reviews2021
Dev: Creative Games Computer Graphics CorporationPub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The Legend of Tianding is a sidescrolling action game about Liao Tianding, the legendary Taiwanese Folk Hero. Explore the dazzling streets of Colonial Japanese Taiwan in the early 20th century.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 27.5%, Comic Book 23.4%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Multiple Endings 8.8%, Stylized 5.7%
- #11 Ariana and the Elder Codex
89% matchVery Positive82% of 109 reviews2026
Dev: Idea FactoryPub: Idea Factory International, Inc.
Windows
Ariana must restore the Codices and unravel the Library's hidden truths...
Why similar: Action-Adventure 31.9%, Action 17.3%, Female Protagonist 15.2%, Stylized 12.2%, Adventure 10.4%
- #12 Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All!
90% matchMixed62% of 338 reviews2021
Dev: Mr. Nutz StudioPub: Microids
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 22.7%, 2D Fighter 21.7%, Comic Book 18.2%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Arcade 7.4%
- #13 Spooky Ghosts Dot Com
89% matchVery Positive84% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: Zertuk
Windows · Linux
Ruby the ghost hunter has a tough gig this Halloween. Explore the haunted mansion, take down some ghosts, battle spooky bosses, and rescue the lost cats!
Why similar: Female Protagonist 49.7%, Action 34.8%, 2D 15.6%
- #14 Scott Pilgrim EX
86% matchVery Positive86% of 455 reviews2026
Dev: Tribute Games Inc.
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 56.4%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Action 8%, 2D 7.5%, Retro 6.5%
- #15 Decline's Drops
86% matchVery Positive96% of 213 reviews2024
Dev: Le Moulin aux Bulles
Windows
Grab your punching gloves, put your clogs on and smash your way in the world of Decline's Drops, a fully hand-drawn platform-brawler full of weird frogs, bizarre chickens and odd hydras! Avenge your destroyed garden and defeat the 6 heads of the Eternal Corp.! If you can, that is.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 27.1%, 2D Fighter 25.1%, Comic Book 19.6%, Female Protagonist 8.7%, Action-Adventure 7.4%
- #16 Shuyan Saga™
87% matchVery Positive83% of 541 reviews2017
Dev: Lofty Sky Entertainment Inc.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Shuyan Saga is a graphic novel series where action scenes come alive in 3D combat gameplay. Set in an ancient Chinese martial arts fantasy universe, you embark on a life-changing journey as Shuyan.
Why similar: Comic Book 32.9%, Female Protagonist 28.7%, Action 14.5%, Casual 9.7%, Adventure 8.9%
- #17 BloodRayne Betrayal (Legacy)
88% matchMixed60% of 929 reviews2014
Dev: Abstraction GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The original video game femme fatale, Rayne, has returned to battle and feed in a brand new hack ‘n slash adventure. Slay ghastly enemies as Rayne, the sexy dhampir with superhuman strength, speed, and agility, recruited by the vampire hunting Brimstone Society for one last mission.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 34.5%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Action 18.4%, Beat 'em up 17.5%, 2D 10.9%
- #18 Crypt Stalker
84% matchVery Positive85% of 107 reviews2020
Dev: Sinclair Strange
Windows
Whip your way through nostalgia fuelled kinky demon slaying. From hidden desert temples to floating ruins, this will take you back to the golden days of gaming, where there was only 4 buttons on a controller and VHS ruled the world.
Why similar: Action 62.5%, Adventure 37.5%
- #19 The Witch & The 66 Mushrooms
84% matchVery Positive87% of 199 reviews2020
Dev: Gotcha Gotcha Games
Windows
An all-new Metroidvania-style game developed using Pixel Game Maker MV! Make use of a variety of weapons as you traverse sprawling stages on a mission to take back your brother's body from the witch who stole it!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 43.9%, Side Scroller 28.7%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, 2D 5%, Retro 4%
- #20 Terminator 2D: NO FATE
81% matchVery Positive84% of 1,408 reviews2025
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Reef Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Experience the thrill of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with arcade action & pixel-perfect graphics! In this unique story blending iconic scenes from the movie with original scenarios and multiple endings, humanity’s fate is yours to decide.
Why similar: Side Scroller 37.8%, Arcade 18.8%, 1990's 14.9%, Action 6.5%, Retro 5.8%
- #21 Mini Ghost
83% matchVery Positive95% of 421 reviews2017
Dev: @unepic_fran
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
"Mini Ghost" is a mini metroidvania in the 80's MSX art style and gameplay. It's the mini prequel of Ghost 1.0.
Why similar: Action 22.7%, Female Protagonist 21.7%, Retro 15.6%, Casual 14.3%, 2D 12.9%
- #22 BANZAI PECAN: The Last Hope For the Young Century
85% matchMixed48% of 101 reviews2015
Dev: SERIOUS*IMPACT WORKSPub: Zanza Studios, LLC.
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 26%
REGAIN JUSTICE! Use the divine art BANZAI SHINKEN to restore justice in this old-school arcade-style hard-knuckle brawler!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 54.1%, Female Protagonist 19.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 9.7%, Retro 5%
- #23 Fight'N Rage
82% matchVery Positive91% of 3,174 reviews2017
Dev: sebagamesdev
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 41.8%, Side Scroller 16%, Multiple Endings 10%, Arcade 9.9%, Female Protagonist 9.7%
- #24 Janosik 2
81% matchVery Positive96% of 78 reviews2024
Dev: Onix GamesPub: Retrovibe
Windows · Linux
Janosik 2 is a retro action-platformer with metroidvania elements. Get ready to jump, slash, dodge roll, dive, smash and bash your way through deadly traps, mischievous villains and bosses, and more in this sequel to Janosik.
Why similar: Action 25.2%, 2D 20.8%, Retro 16.3%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Adventure 15.1%
- #25 Super Phantom Cat
82% matchVery Positive82% of 237 reviews2019
Dev: Veewo Games
Windows
A retro-casual platformer game! No matter who you are! Get your cat ears ready, BRING IT ON! Set off on the crazy journey to rescue your sister!
Why similar: Story Rich 29.3%, 2D 25.6%, Adventure 23.4%, Retro 21.7%
- #26 FLARE NUINUI QUEST
78% matchVery Positive94% of 248 reviews2024
Dev: sulpxPub: holo Indie
Windows · Linux
Play as Shiranui Flare in this retro action platformer, wielding her dual pistols, as you explore the world on a quest to save your friends!
Why similar: Side Scroller 24.4%, Action-Adventure 14.8%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, Old School 10.9%, Action 10%
- #27 Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint
79% matchMostly Positive74% of 129 reviews2023
Dev: Hack The PublisherPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac
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 44%, Side Scroller 25.6%, Stylized 7.3%, Old School 6.5%, 2D 5.7%
- #28 G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
80% matchMixed47% of 166 reviews2024
Dev: indie.io
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 46%
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 49.2%, Side Scroller 27.7%, 2D 5.7%, Action 5.2%, Retro 4.7%
- #29 Phantom Project
79% matchVery Positive83% of 234 reviews2021
Dev: Astravelari LLC
Windows
Phantom Project is a psychological horror game that encourages you to put your deerstalker on and unravel the supernatural mysteries around you. This game is a prototype and is subject to major changes and improvements.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 81.9%, Adventure 18.1%
- #30 MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
75% matchVery Positive88% of 2,099 reviews2025
Dev: Tribute Games Inc.Pub: Dotemu
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A cosmic battle awaits! Choose between 15 Marvel Super Heroes in this frenetic action beat ‘em up to fight against the deadly Annihilation Wave threatening the galaxy. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the Marvel Universe will be fought for across the stars!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 24.2%, Superhero 21.5% ★, Comic Book 15.4%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Arcade 7.8%
- #31 RUSHING BEAT X: Return Of Brawl Brothers
76% matchMostly Positive75% of 72 reviews2026
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
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 44%, Side Scroller 25.7%, Arcade 11.1%, Old School 7.8%, Action 4.1%
- #32 The Wandering Corinne
78% matchMixed54% of 100 reviews2024
Dev: ankoku marimokanPub: Mango Party
Windows
Embark on a journey as the wandering swordsman Corinne in this hardcore 2D side-scrolling action game! Rescue the enslaved and and don't fall prey to the monsters desires...
Why similar: Beat 'em up 45.3%, Side Scroller 23.5%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Action 8.3%, Adventure 5.8%
- #33 Legend of Himari
77% matchVery Positive89% of 426 reviews2018
Dev: TERNOX
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Himari was ambushed! Help her hold out as long as possible, attack enemies, use magic to slay them, maintain Himari’s health level, so she could fight on, and also do not miss!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 25.2%, Side Scroller 21.7%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Old School 5.2%
- #34 MARVEL MaXimum Collection
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 97 reviews2026
Dev: Limited Run Games
Windows
Experience one of the most comprehensive gatherings of Marvel’s early gaming legacy. Every major iteration across Arcade and home consoles, this collection is a curated journey through the evolution of the 1990s Marvel Universe in pixels.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 24.3%, Superhero 21.4% ★, Comic Book 16.1%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Arcade 7.7%
- #35 Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
74% matchVery Positive94% of 4,458 reviews2018
Dev: INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.
Why similar: Side Scroller 35.6%, Female Protagonist 17.1%, Arcade 15.5%, Retro 9.8%, Action 9.5%
- #36 En Garde!
73% matchVery Positive91% of 4,631 reviews2023
Dev: Fireplace Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 65%
En Garde! – the swashbuckler action game! Battle graceless guards and nefarious noblemen in fast-paced fights full of spectacle. Use the environment, your wit and your blade to teach them all a lesson!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 44.9%, Female Protagonist 20.8%, Action-Adventure 13.5%, Stylized 9.5%, Action 5.6%
- #37 9 Years of Shadows
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,183 reviews2023
Dev: Halberd StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Why similar: Side Scroller 45.9%, Action-Adventure 18.3%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Action 6.7%, 2D 5.1%
- #38 The Chosen Warriors
76% matchMostly Positive72% of 132 reviews2020
Dev: GoeX GameS
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 98%
The Chosen Warriors is a new old school side scroller beat 'em up inspired by games like Golden Axe and Knights of the Round.
Why similar: Beat 'em up 78.7%, Action 12.9%, Adventure 8.4%
- #39 Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
72% matchVery Positive86% of 1,587 reviews2023
Dev: Secret BasePub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 43.9%, Side Scroller 23.7%, 1990's 8.5%, Old School 5.9%, 2D 4.8%
- #40 Fighters Unleashed
77% matchMixed57% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Fighters Unleashed is an old school Beat'em up game with a modern look and feel, combos, ninjas, soldiers, zombies, and more. Are you good enought to unleash your power ??
Why similar: Action 63.3%, Adventure 36.7%
- #41 Wendigo Blue
71% matchVery Positive91% of 137 reviews2025
Dev: EndlessFluff
Windows
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 54.7%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Old School 10.2%, Action 7.5%, 2D 7.2%
- #42 River City Girls Zero
74% matchMixed65% of 292 reviews2022
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 42.1%, Arcade 13.7%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, 1990's 8.6%, Action-Adventure 7.6%
- #43 Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage
72% matchVery Positive85% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: DeerFarmPub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows
Popular vertically scrolling shoot'em up game Shikhondo is back and powered up! One day, the soul-starved Youkai escape from the depths of hell. Now, the story of the Grim Reaper and the girl who has fallen into this land begins!
Why similar: Arcade 42.7%, Female Protagonist 20%, Action 16.9%, 2D 12.5%, Casual 5.4%
- #44 Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,647 reviews2025
Dev: Pocket TrapPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Are you ready for the first Yoyovania?! In this 2D top-down adventure you'll explore a sprawling urban landscape, reinterpreting your surroundings through your mastery of yoyo tricks. Navigate the city's many districts, fight rival crime bosses, and regain the influence of the Pipistrello family!
Why similar: Action-Adventure 34.1%, Story Rich 17.7%, Retro 12.8%, 2D 11.7%, Action 9.2%
- #45 Mad King Redemption
70% matchVery Positive90% of 88 reviews2026
Dev: SECRET MISSIONPub: Pixel Doors
Windows
Mad King Redemption is a unique blend of a traditional beat'em'up game with strong roguelite progression, mixed in a pixelated graphic style in a 2.5D world. Relieve the king from his madness while beating up corrupted enemies, in a fresh way at every run!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 33.6%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Arcade 10.9%, Action-Adventure 9.7%
- #46 I Am The Hero
73% matchVery Positive82% of 544 reviews2017
Dev: Crazyant
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 61.2%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Action 9.7%, 2D 6.2%, Adventure 5%
- #47 SomnaBuster
70% matchVery Positive98% of 126 reviews2024
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
BE WILD! BE WONDERFUL! BE-WITCHING!
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.5%, Hand-drawn 17.9%, Arcade 15.7%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, 1990's 11.2%
- #48 The Vagrant
70% matchVery Positive90% of 8,587 reviews2018
Dev: O.T.K GamesPub: Thermite Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Guide Vivian the Vagrant, through vibrant and dynamic landscapes while hacking and slashing a path from a quiet coastal village through mysterious forests, haunted castles, and wrecked battlegrounds. When the endless barrage of enemies have been vanquished, what solace will be left for our hero?
Why similar: Side Scroller 29.2%, Female Protagonist 27%, Beat 'em up 23.6%, 2D 7.9%, Action 7%
- #49 Roar of Revenge
71% matchVery Positive93% of 60 reviews2021
Dev: SEEP
Windows
A game that puts together Rastan's action with adventure elements inspired by Faxanadu. An old school tribute for every lover of 8-bit classics!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.2%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Arcade 13.9%, Action-Adventure 11.9%, Action 5.6%
- #50 Noitu Love 2: Devolution
71% matchVery Positive92% of 634 reviews2012
Dev: Joakim Sandberg
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 77%
A century after the legendary boy Noitu Love saved the world from the evil Darns, they rise again, but in a chaos of time-bending mayhem!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 50.7%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Action 10.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Arcade 5.8%
- #51 River City Girls 2
68% matchVery Positive85% of 1,971 reviews2022
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 43.6%, Comic Book 27.6%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Action 5.2%, 2D 5.1%
- #52 Dancin' Divas
67% matchVery Positive94% of 66 reviews2025
Dev: MrPr1993Pub: Shady Corner Games
Windows
A robbery has taken place! Four Diva's from around the world are showcasing their treasures at the local lounge but things have gone south. It's time to fight back!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 27.7%, 2D Fighter 19.6%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Action-Adventure 6.5%
- #53 INAYAH - Life after Gods
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 295 reviews2025
Dev: Exogenesis StudiosPub: Headup
Windows
A hand-drawn 2D metroidvania in a post-apocalyptic world. Forge your destiny in a non-linear story with multiple endings. Explore diverse biomes, conquer 20+ unique bosses, and master a magical Gauntlet with ever-evolving powers.
Why similar: Side Scroller 53.5%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Action 12.5%, 2D 11.4%, Combat 4.4%
- #54 SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
65% matchVery Positive82% of 4,427 reviews2025
Dev: SEGA
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
Why similar: Action 30.3%, Side Scroller 24.7%, Hand-drawn 20.8%, 2D 15.2%, Arcade 9%
- #55 Shank 2
69% matchVery Positive82% of 3,581 reviews2012
Dev: Klei Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 61.3%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Action 8.8%, 2D 5.8%, Adventure 2.8%
- #56 Grapple Force Rena
69% matchVery Positive94% of 143 reviews2018
Dev: Friend & FairyPub: GalaxyTrail
Windows · Linux
Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!
Why similar: Female Protagonist 46.1%, Action 41.2%, 2D 12.7%
- #57 Ghost 1.0
67% matchVery Positive91% of 2,107 reviews2016
Dev: @unepic_franPub: Unepic Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A mysterious agent, capable of becoming a digital ghost, sneaks aboard the Nakamura Space Station. This is where the fun begins: the station is well-protected with its heavy defences, never-ending arsenal of weapons, and mysterious artifacts. It will all have to be destroyed.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 38.8%, Side Scroller 26.1%, Action 15.8%, 2D 10.6%, Adventure 8.7%
- #58 Damsel
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 78 reviews2018
Dev: Screwtape Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Cause distress in this challenging fast-paced action platformer. Experience a dark cartoon world come to life as frenetic gameplay meets comic book visuals and storytelling. Dash through beautiful arenas vanquishing vampires, rescuing hostages, disarming bombs, hacking servers and much more.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 45.8%, Arcade 25.3%, Action 17%, 2D 11.8%
- #59 Super Alloy Ranger
66% matchVery Positive91% of 390 reviews2022
Dev: Alloy MushroomPub: Neverland Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Super Alloy Ranger is a 2D side-scrolling action game. Play as Marksman Kelly or Combat Robot No.2 to challenge different levels within the dangerous Machine Empire and unlock new weapons. Use Kelly’s shooting and No.2’s deathblows to defeat abnormal Machine Bosses!
Why similar: Action-Adventure 45.4%, Action 27.1%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Combat 9%, Adventure 8.2%
- #60 The TakeOver
67% matchVery Positive84% of 1,163 reviews2019
Dev: Pelikan13
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 60%
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 60.5%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Arcade 9%, 1990's 6.8%, Action 4.3%