With video games like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Toxic Crusaders, it seems as though there’s a recent resurgence of side-scrolling beat ‘em ups based on existing properties. The genre used to be everywhere, but has unfortunately faded away over time. Until now, that is, thanks to these games based on popular IPs. With this particularly fun genre making a comeback and with so many of them focusing on movies and shows that people love, it’s hard not to think about what else would make for a great side-scrolling beat ‘em up. Here are some that would work especially well.

Steven Universe

Steven Universe is filled with colorful characters with unique weapons and abilities. It also offers plenty of fun action and unique set pieces. It has all the makings of a great beat ‘em up. Sure there are a few Steven Universe video games, but they’re turn-based RPGs. They’re by no means bad, but this is something that could excel as a creative beat ‘em up. There are more than enough characters to allow for multiplayer gameplay. 

What would allow it to stand out from other games, though, is a fusion mechanic. Two characters fusing together like they do in the animated series to become stronger or perform a super move would make this game one-of-a-kind.

Street Sharks

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has proven time and time again that it works perfectly for side-scrolling beat ‘em ups. Street Sharks being one of the most prominent rip-offs of TMNT indicates that it would likely serve as a beat ‘em up that’s just as great as some of the Ninja Turtles games. Playing as four hulking shark guys as they punch and chomp their way through enemies would be an absolute blast. The Street Sharks also have their fair share of ocean-themed villains who would make for fantastic boss fights.

Ready Player One

Something that both the Ready Player One novels and movie excel at is celebrating classic media. A Ready Player One beat ‘em up can do just that. Parzival, Art3mis, and their friends can battle their way through iconic settings from retro beat ‘em ups to pay homage to what makes the genre so great. It would even make sense in the world of Ready Player One as the OASIS would allow the characters to travel into any game, movie, or just about anything else they wanted.

The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy comic books and TV series have become known for their riveting storytelling, quirky characters, and incredible action sequences. All of which would allow for an insanely fun video game. With each of the Hargreeves siblings having their own superpowers and fighting style, there’s no doubt that The Umbrella Academy would make for an exciting and action-packed multiplayer experience. Who wouldn’t want to fight a boss that’s a guy with a fishbowl for a head?

Invincible

It’s no secret that Invincible has positively blown up in popularity. A beat ‘em up based on the hit comic and TV series would be an instant success. With superpowered characters that are quickly becoming household names and massive fight scenes, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on a game that lets you play out each moment. The big question, though, is would Omni-Man be too overpowered for a game like this? It’ll be worth playing through to find out. Bonus points if they get the cast of the TV show to voice the characters.

John Wick

John Wick has become one of the best action movie series around. This is hugely thanks to the phenomenal martial arts choreography and gunplay. Both of which would play into a side-scrolling beat ‘em up wonderfully. The combos the player could perform as they fend off hordes of assassins could get especially epic. It’s quite shocking that there’s no proper John Wick video game yet, but one in this genre would be an ideal fit.

The Lord of the Rings

There are plenty of The Lord of the Rings video games out there, but none are side-scrolling beat ‘em ups. Most may prefer their Lord of the Rings games to be in full 3D with an open world, but have you ever played Golden Axe? It’s essentially a Lord of the Rings beat ‘em up, but without any of the characters or settings we know and love. It does prove how great an actual LOTR side-scroller would be, though. This would provide a unique way to explore the popular fantasy franchise.

Magic the Gathering

The hit trading card game has been adapted into other tabletop games and comic books, and has become playable online and on phone apps. However, a full video game that takes place within the world of the tabletop staple would be something fans clamber for. A side-scrolling beat ‘em up in which the players control Jace, Chandra, Lilliana, and other Plainswalkers as they battle it out against Eldrazi, Phyrexians, Nicol Bolas, and a variety of other foes and creatures while traveling from Plane to Plane could be a dream come true for any fan. The variety of spells and equipment that could be used would escalate this to a whole other level.

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