[TOP 10] Games Like Streets of Rage (Games Better Than Streets of Rage in Their Own Way)

The 2D brawler was once a staple genre within the gaming scene. Soon, what began in arcades began to find their way to home consoles – widely considered to be the best at replicating the unique arcade beat ‘em up experience at home was Streets of Rage. The hit spawned three sequels over the course of two decades!

However, does that mean Streets of Rage is top dog? – Not necessarily. It’s got some stiff competition. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 games that give this iconic series a run for its money.

Golden Axe – 1989 (Arcade/Genesis) 

Official UK TV Advert:

Synopsis: 

The vile Death Adder has laid claim to your kingdom! Gather your motley crew of fantasy-inspired heroes and put an end to his reign!

Originally released in arcades in 1989, Golden Axe has become a monumental game in Sega’s catalog. Not only did it exist during the height of the 2D brawler’s popularity in the late 80s/early 90s, but it also would later have its base engine used as the template for the first installment of one of the most beloved beat ‘em up series of all time, Streets of Rage.

Despite its historical significance, one shouldn’t overlook the fantastic quality of the game itself. This game is still INCREDIBLY fun to revisit – with the Genesis port being widely available through various official Sega collections that utilize emulation. However, the arcade port is often considered to be the definitive version. Fret not young squires! This iteration, although considerably rarer than its home console counterpart, can still be enjoyed via the Sega Vintage Collection for the Xbox 360 and is even backwards compatible on current generation Microsoft consoles. 

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – I would argue that its unique fantasy aesthetic certainly makes it a contender. Besides, we wouldn’t have the first Streets of Rage without it!

Guardian Heroes – 1996 (Sega Saturn/XBLA)

Official 2011 Release Trailer:

Synopsis:

A beloved gem from the sadly often forgotten Sega Saturn! Four warriors find a mighty sword of valiance! Together they make a stand against the forces of evil!

Despite having been originally released on the ill-fated Sega Saturn, Guardian Heroes is considered to be a classic. With a long RPG-styled story and plenty of crunchy action, Guardian Heroes serves as one of the few beat ‘em ups with a heavy emphasis on narrative. If that sounds intrusive or unnecessary, think again! It’s actually a refreshing change of pace that allows your constant combat to have a form of context and continuity – something that can often fall by the wayside when compared to similar beat ‘em ups from the era.

Perhaps most notably, this release received an enhanced edition on the Xbox Live Arcade in 2011. This improved Guardian Heroes received several balance updates, improved graphics, revised widescreen settings and, of course, a toggle that allowed players to enjoy the original unmodified experience from the 90s.

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – It’s certainly bigger in scope and scale with a unique focus on storytelling.

Double Dragon – 1987 (Arcade/NES)

Gameplay: 

Synopsis:

Two brothers trained in martial arts test their mettle against the thugs that stand between them and the beautiful Marian!

A beloved classic that remains a staple in gaming culture to this very day! Double Dragon is fondly remembered for several reasons. Gameplay-wise it’s still just as fun mashing goons as it ever was, and its story is tried and true – who doesn’t want to save the damsel in distress? Perhaps most important of all is its cooperative focus. The story involves two brothers, a staple gaming dynamic in many households in the 80s and 90s – and each sibling had an avatar to identify with!

Hilariously, if the two brothers make it all the way to the end of the campaign – they’ll have to fight each other to win the heart of the girl. (This “betrayal” dynamic would carry over into an optional bad ending in the first Streets of Rage!)

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – It certainly did it first, and it got a theatrical film adaptation!

Alien Storm – 1990 (Arcade/Genesis)

Gameplay:

Synopsis:

Stop a brutal alien race from invading earth!

An alien sci-fi themed beat ‘em up? – Why not!

Alien Storm is wonderfully bizarre, and I absolutely adore it. Whether a 2D brawler involves punching mindless thugs or menacing alien slugs – count me in!

What sets this one apart besides its unique aesthetic would have to be its focus on mechanics that involve shooting. That’s right! In addition to standard punches and kicks you can utilize a beat ‘em up protagonist’s most valuable asset – heavy artillery.

You’ll be blasting baddies all the way from the streets to an alien mothership! – If that’s not better than Streets of Rage, I don’t know what is! 

River City Girls – 2019 (PC/PS4/Switch/XBONE)

Launch Trailer: 

Synopsis:

Once upon a time Misako and Kyoko were saved by their brawling boyfriends… now it’s time for them to return the favor in this retro revival!

A playful riff on the River City Ransom games, this time things are flipped topsy-turvy! After having their respective boyfriends kidnapped, Misako and Kyoko dish out some vigilante justice to get their guys back!

Playing much like the older titles in the series, this entry gave the visuals and gameplay a much-needed sense of polish. With wide-screen, HD pixel art, and fully voiced dialogue – beating down enemies has never before been such an atmospheric experience.

A new update on a tried-and-true classic? Well, Streets of Rage eventually got one too… but unlike the universally beloved Streets of Rage 4 – this installment already has a sequel on the horizon!

TMNT Shredder’s Revenge – 2022 (PC/PS4/Switch/XBONE)

Release Trailer: 

Synopsis:

The Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles are back in action… literally!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a staple in the 2D brawling scene for decades! After countless coin-op and home console releases, Streets of Rage 4 publisher Dotemu has revived the classic series for another round of pulse-pounding, bone-shattering action!

Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael are ready for action – fully voiced by the capable performers who brought them to life in the iconic 80s animated series. April O’Neal, Splinter, and even Shredder himself, also make playable appearances.

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – It’s a contender for one of the best retro revivals ever, so it may very well be!

Comix Zone – 1995 (Genesis)

Gameplay:

Synopsis:

A comic book illustrator is thrust into a fictional world by the very villain he helped create. Beat hordes of enemies and try to free yourself!

With a beautiful cel-shaded visual style to help convey the notion that you are trapped in an illustrated world of fiction, Comix Zone stands out amongst similar brawlers from its era in terms of looks as well as style.

The very idea of being trapped inside a world you, as an artist, gave life to is just the sort of existential horror that I would never have imagined would occur in a side-scrolling beat ‘em up from the mid-90s, but I’m actually glad it’s here.

Presentation is everything with this particular package, and Comix Zone remains an outstanding title just because of how ‘out there’ Sega was willing to go back during its heyday. 

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – Heck, I’d argue its visual style directly influenced the look of the fourth installment!

The Simpsons – 1991 (Arcade)

Gameplay: 

Synopsis:

The Simpsons are having just another ordinary day of pedestrian pugilism… Oh wait, that doesn’t usually happen? – Well, I guess we’ve seen everything. You know the drill. Beat everybody up.

Ah, the 1990s. Never was there a time better suited to the ‘irreverent IP meets violence’ concept. In this case, America’s favorite cartoon family has to fight like it’s the apocalypse in their suburban town of Springfield. 

The gang’s all here too. Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa all team up to take down the crazed pedestrians that have all apparently been waiting in the wings since the Tracey Ullman Show took off. 

Bart kind of fits here. He’s scrappy… But Lisa? Little Lisa Simpson beating the stuffing out of local ruffians? – Who am I kidding. Streets of Rage has nothing on this. 10/10.

Scott Pilgrim VS the World – 2010/2021 (PC/PS4/Switch/XBONE/PS3/360)

Gameplay Trailer: 

Synopsis:

The iconic graphic novel/film receives its own vintage inspired brawler! Pick your favorite character and flex your two fists – resisting every modern stereotype you’ve ever heard about the way Canadians act.

Ever fought your way, tooth and nail, through every citizen in downtown Toronto just to prove that you’re worthy to your new girlfriend? – Me too. I made bail. 

But apparently they’ll let this Pilgrim guy off Scott free since he’s got to battle seven evil exes to earn the heart of the enticing Ramona Flowers. Scott Pilgrim is a lovely game that is most reminiscent of River City Ransom on the NES. 

You fight baddies, level up, listen to amazing chiptunes, and even play a Guitar Hero-inspired mini game in one memorable mission. This game, published by Ubisoft, actually helped reignite the conversation on digital game preservation when it was delisted after its original release. Luckily, it made an epic comeback in 2020 and we can call the Vegan police all over again.

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – People missed this sole game almost as much as they missed the entire Streets of Rage series!

Final Fight – 1989 (Arcade/SNES/Sega CD)

Gameplay: 

Synopsis:

A rag-tag group of friends assemble to rid the streets of crime and recover Mayor Haggar’s daughter… Will they prevail?

What could possibly be a better way to end our list than with a game that has the word “final” in the title? – Okay, no, that would be pretty weak reasoning, but Final Fight actually occupies a very peculiar space in this ranking.

When Final Fight hit arcades in 1989, it was the next big thing. Soon game companies wanted to bring it to their home console platforms. Where Nintendo succeeded in licensing the rights from Capcom, Sega did not, so they would eventually decide to create their own IP inspired by Final Fight. This would later be known as Bare Knuckle in Japan – with the west changing that title to the all-too-familiar Streets of Rage.

Is it better than Streets of Rage? – Now that’s a question too heated to ever answer definitively, with a fierce rivalry still unfolding across various forums on the internet daily. However, one thing is for certain, imitation is the greatest form of flattery – and Final Fight will forever be a top-tier game.

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