This isn’t just a historically significant assemblage of games, it’s also an immensely fun one. Fans of the genre and those new to it should definitely consider giving it a download, particularly for the games that are appearing on home console for the first time.
The Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle is another welcome feather in the cap that is their redemption arc that we’ve been seeing in 2018, and if you’re dying to knock heads with Mayor Haggar or rack up some coin with the crew of Battle Circuit, this is an excellent reminder of why Capcom did so much for this genre.
It’s a pity that this bundle does not include more prominent games, because the ones we get are probably completely obscure to many players. On the other hand though it’s a chance to travel to possibly unknown regions of the past and see how the genre evolved. Oh, and Armored Warriors is really cool. [12/2018, p.89]
It can be hard sometimes to make collections for retro games feel exciting, especially if those games have been released numerous times before. Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle bucks that trend not only by having games that are still enjoyable to this day, but also by including two titles that are finally being released on consoles for the first time. A few issues mars the overall package, but not enough to put a major damper on its offerings.
While each title has its own appeal, brawlers are inherently repetitive by nature, so the focus on a single style of gameplay can be exhausting after a bit. [Issue #37 – January/February 2019, p. 20]
Although the seven games on offer are good examples of the fun, but shallow genre, it’s hard to shake the feeling that with a bit more attention – the kind Mega Man and Street Fighter received – this could have been another must have retro collection.
This game concept is great for coop gaming nights with friends!
The intuitive controls with just two or three action buttons are inviting. We work together: two, three or four players cruise the streets, the fantasy realms and the planets to beat all evil guys, minions, bosses!
There are seven Beat 'em Up games, Arcade versions made by Capcom in the '90s, to choose from (watch the trailer above). Especially The King of Dragons aged very well: the archetype of high fantasy! Five very distinct characters to play, amazing enemy variety, amazing fast changing scenery, spectacular bosses taken from mythology, level up system (!), an epic fantasy soundtrack... this really is all aspects of Beat 'em Up done right and worth 9 points!
The other games are a joy to play, and offer each their own world / scenario from dangerous streets to planets with vibrant SCI-FI settings. But there is to admit: the age of the games shows here and there. Surprisingly Final Fight, when played in 2018 with today's gaming experience, annoys with throwing constantly the same roster of enemies at you throughout the stages. Even the placement of the enemy formations is sometimes all too randomly done. But of course the iconic character design and the fluid easy-to-get-into controls are still there and make the game enjoyable to this day.
Let's face it–in the history of arcade games, beat 'em ups rarely qualify as masterpieces. A few classics stand out, mainly for nostalgia value, and the best games in the genre may provide some quick co-op fun with friends–but most of them were little more than coin guzzlers with paper-thin mechanics and close to zero innovation.
All that being said, beat 'em ups can still be an innocent, if volatile, pleasure. This collection by Capcom is as good as you can reasonably expect it to be. It includes a real genre classic (Final Fight), one or two games worth remembering, and a bunch of curiosities. The games have been ported with care, and they make for a great way to kill time when me and my buddies buy a new game and want to kill time as it downloads. Plus, Capcom also included a few welcome extras, like original concept art.
All in all, this collection is essential for beat 'em up fans, and a nice diversion for the rest of us.
Oh boy... These games are great, and for twenty dollars, I think it's worth it for the seven games you get, however, I bought this game so I could play with other people. The online play is a cluster****, nine times out of ten there will be severe lag and ping issues, along with a ceaseless stutter through out the entire game play. The way I see it, the online play is worthless, and it really makes me want to ask for my money back.
The game has no challenge - you can only play each game once since you'll finish it no matter what. Video games are supposed to be challenging: in the arcade you want to win for as little coins as possible. At home consoles, you're supposed to be limited and challenged in some way. This collection provides no challenge at all - might as well watch it on YouTube for free.
SummaryRelive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle. This comprehensive collection includes seven classic games, each with various multiplayer options, online capabilities and detailed galleries.