Top 10 SNES Beat ‘Em Up Games

The beat ’em up genre stands out on the Super Nintendo with some really great games and what I want to do is share what I consider to be the 10 best beat ’em ups released on the Super NES.

Battletoads in Battlemaniacs

Ranking at #10 is Battletoads and Battle Maniacs released in 1993. This franchise has always been known for putting out challenging games with nice art styles but one thing I can say is that a difficult game has a higher replay value. You control the Toads Rash and Zits as they fight through various levels to rescue their friends.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

Next at #9 is Power Rangers The Movie released in 1995. Based on the popular TV series and movie Power Rangers, the game lets you control your favorite Ranger as they battle through levels inspired by the film. The game has some vibrant graphics, faithful character designs, and coop multiplayer making it a nostalgic trip for fans of the franchise which I myself was.

The Combatribes

At #8 is The Combatribes released in 1992. The game features three cyborgs – Berserker, Blitz, and Bull – who fight against various gangs in a futuristic New York City. The game is notable for its brutal combat allowing players to grab and slam enemies into the ground and its diverse level designs.

The Peace Keepers

Coming in at #7 is The Peacekeepers released in 1994. This title is part of the Brawl Brothers series. There are three games – Rival Turf, Brawl Brothers, and then there’s Peacekeepers and this game stands out for its branching story paths and multiple endings. You could choose from several characters each with their own storyline and special moves. The game’s nonlinear progression and cooperative play make it a hidden gem on the Super Nintendo.

Super Double Dragon

Number 6 is Super Double Dragon released in 1992, also known as Return of Double Dragon in Japan. This is a noteworthy entry in the Double Dragon series. The game features brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fight against the criminal organization. As always it has a deep combat system with a variety of moves and counterattacks which set it apart from other beat ’em ups at the time.

King of Dragons

Taking the halfway spot is King of Dragons released in 1991. The game blends beat ’em up action with fantasy elements. You can choose from five different characters including a wizard, elf, and warrior, each with different abilities. The game’s coop gameplay has some RPG-like progression and some really fun boss fights.

Captain Commando

Number 4 is Captain Commando released in 1995. The game is set in a futuristic world and offers you a unique roster of characters including Captain Commando, a mummy, a ninja, and even a baby in a mech suit. Each character has their own unique fighting style and the game’s coop multiplayer mode provides a diverse and entertaining beat ’em up experience.

Knights of the Round

Number 3 is Knights of the Round released in 1991. The game was inspired by the legend of King Arthur. Knights of the Round offers a medieval twist on the beat ’em up formula. You could choose to play as Arthur, Lancelot, and Percival, each with unique abilities and weapons. The game features an innovative leveling system that gives it some RPG elements mixed in with beat ’em-up gameplay.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

The runner-up is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time released in 1992. Now this game looked really great on the Super Nintendo and was known for its vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay, and faithful representation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise that I love by the way. You could choose your favorite turtle and fight through various time periods to stop Shredder’s evil plans. Its coop multiplayer mode and innovative level design make this game a classic.

Final Fight

And my number one pick is Final Fight 1 released in 1989. This is the first of a three-part series on the Super Nintendo. The two sequels seemed just too easy and weren’t as challenging as the first game but both are still decent games. The story of part one follows the former pro wrestler Mike Hagger, his daughter’s boyfriend Cody, and her friend Guy as they battle through the streets of Metro City to rescue Haggar’s kidnapped daughter Jessica. The game has a gritty urban setting, diverse enemy types, and memorable characters.

Conclusion

So those are my favorite 10 beat ’em up titles from the Super Nintendo. Once again, if you want to download the ROM files of these games, check out our SNES ROMs collection.