Many titles within multiple genres still contain aspects and features of the beat 'em up style in the modern day, with both indie and Triple-A developers utilizing this. While some of the titles may not be popular or favored among many players, there are certainly some that still stand as subjects of revisiting on the PS2, PS4, and PS5.
With some of the upcoming titles featuring a mixture of beat 'em up along with hack and slash such as Wanted: Dead, there are a number of titles old and new fans may be reminded of amid their experiences.
5 Def Jam: Fight For New York
Classed as one of the PS2's greatest titles among fans specifically in this genre, Def Jam: Fight For New York is a beat 'em up title that excels at its intentions. Purely based on hand-to-hand combat with numerous styles at players' disposal, the opportunity for experimentation and perfect execution is very much available. This is a game that is very much akin to the likes of other popular and more prominent fighting titles such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken.
For those who are more familiar with games that have a heavy focus on combat, use of environments, multiple styles, movesets, and more, this game has all of this in one with its unique story mode which also allows for character creation. Whilst it isn't available on new-gen consoles and is unlikely to be remastered or remade despite its rumors, fans will know that this is worth a visit.
4 God Hand
Standing as of the more popular and prominent studios in gaming, Capcom was able to produce a game that is the true definition of beat 'em up. This is another title that features a various amount of movesets and ones which enable the player to mix and match each to their unique liking, producing engaging encounters within multiple regions. While it is certainly fun and entertaining for beginners during its early stages, this is a title that is often brutal and unforgiving and puts players in tough predicaments as enemies can very easily outnumber and overwhelm them.
It is a game that can test players' skills and patience, with a plethora of bosses and different enemies to fend off. Given its controls which are very similar to Resident Evil 4 giving players a lack of freedom in terms of camera control, fans of this genre may find it hard to give it a try but each of the spectacular fight sequences makes up for this.
3 The Warriors
While The Warriors may not be amid Rockstar Games' more classic and memorable PS2 titles such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it still very much did its job as a game in this genre. Not particularly too hard nor easy, its combat and brutal attacks from both the player and NPCs stand as what veterans will love.
This is very much unlike the Rockstar's titles in the modern day such as Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, as it's more aligned with Bully and Manhunt. Rockstar Games were able to provide a positive and pleasing experience here, with each combo and combat encounter providing a satisfying feel, and appears to be a more aggressive and mature themed game in comparison to Bully.
2 Spider-Man (2018): Combat Wave Challenges
The prominent contribution to Spider-Man (2018)'s success was its traversal and impressive web-swinging, but its combat challenges were also executed to a great standard. These are often known as 'Fisk Hideouts' which can be much more relaxed and less difficult early on in the game, but on the game's spectacular difficulty and coming up against Mr. Negative's possessed enemies once the game gets underway.
The fluidity between the attacks and dodges provides a perfect blend for a beat 'em up style game, and whilst that certainly is not its primary genre, it still manages to become a major part of the game's duration. The amount of moves and attacks has been further extended for PC players, thanks to the modding community who have integrated combat inspired by Web of Shadows, which is another beat 'em up Spider-Man title held to high praise.
1 Sifu
Out of all the titles, Sifu is the most appropriate and eligible title when it comes down to beat 'em up games for players well-versed here. The indie developer studio Sloclap managed to provide a surprise for fans as Sifu adheres to all player types, whether beginner or advanced with the added difficulty modes.
Just like God Hand, players can string together a mixture of different attacks whilst enemies have no qualms in rushing in all at once, leaving for tough ordeals in the attempt to fend them off. There is also an engaging story of vengeance to enjoy along with the presence of two endings, which are dependent on whether players decide to kill bosses or spare them. Either one of these two choices can lead to different experiences, and those who are experts at games as such will have fun showcasing their masterful skills.