Haven't played that many though.

Are you ready for some unadultered, repetitive fun with a friend or maybe even two? Then grab some random bottles and potentially hazardous knives from the floor and start punching your way through the gang-filled streets!

This genre is so weird. It feels so retro to play. Does that mean it hasn't evolved much from its arcade beginnings? Perhaps that's only true for some examples that try to be as faithful to the genre, or past entries, as possible. There are examples of games trying to expand the genre, with their visual presentation, story or innovating through gameplay with new mechanics, a new camera angle, or adding a different genre to the mix.

The best part of many beat 'em ups, however, is that by wanting to preserve their DNA, they usually have local co-op for the whole campaign, which is a blessing in the current gaming landscape.