Play it on: pretty much any device you have
Current goal: Dispense some justice in the urban jungle
I’ve found myself diving back into Capcom’s unbeatable beat ’em ups from the late ’80s to mid-’90s lately. Whether it’s revisiting old favorites or experiencing them for the first time, the thrill is the same. This past week, a buddy and I got our hands on the stellar Dungeons & Dragons adventures, Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara. We tackled them through the Chronicles of Mystara collection, and I was blown away by the engaging combat, hidden secrets, alternate routes, and the way these games cleverly weave in inventory systems and magical items. Now, looking forward to the weekend, I’m eager to revisit the classic that started Capcom’s legendary streak in the beat ’em up genre: the iconic 1989 release, Final Fight.
For me, Final Fight epitomizes what beat ’em ups are all about. I remember being floored by this game whenever I spotted it at arcades, laundromats, or local convenience stores. The massive characters, those distinctive voice samples, and the intense, impactful fighting blew me away. It was evident from the get-go that this game was going to revolutionize the genre. Building on the foundations of pioneers like Double Dragon and Renegade, Final Fight offered something highly accessible, appealing, and downright memorable. It’s been years since I last played it, and my friend, who’s been my partner in crime for these gaming sessions, hasn’t tried it at all. So, this weekend feels like the perfect time for Metro City’s Mayor, Mike Haggar, to make his comeback. Ready to take on the Mad Gear gang once more, he’ll fight his way through decaying cityscapes and subway stations, eventually confronting the real villain—a wealthy crime lord running his empire from a glass tower, looming over the chaos below. — Carolyn Petit
