We recently reported the news that QUByte have bashed open their Beat ‘Em Up Archives to bring two lesser-known 16-bit beat ‘em ups to modern formats, and following this news, we’ve bashed out this Beat ‘Em Up Archives Switch Review for you.
Hailing from the 1990s means that these games lack the silky smoothness of contemporary titles such as Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4, or Final Vendetta. But if you enjoyed the retro titles on the Cowabunga Collection or you still go back to the Mega Drive Streets of Rage games, then this twin-pack of 16-bit beat ‘em ups is an essential purchase for you.
Iron Comando deploys the style of Warriors-esque street toughs, as favoured by the likes of Streets of Rage and Renegade, but the inclusion of a machine gun as a collectible weapon gives the game a feel of NARC or Konami’s Punisher game on occasion. It’s a small change to the gameplay, but a well-implemented and welcome one nonetheless. Sound-wise, Iron Commando’s impact noises are satisfying, and the soundtrack is typical of its era.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous-looking Legend enters the fantasy realm, bringing swords and sourcery to the side-scrolling beat ‘em up genre, which inevitably brings to mind Sega’s classic Golden Axe.
The games in this collection aren’t quite up there with the best in the genre, but they both play well, and they’re definitely above average examples of the 16-bit side-scrolling beat ‘em up, and any fan of the genre will greatly enjoy busting open the Beat ‘Em Up Archives. So, punch and kick your way to the eshop today and get brawling 16-bit style!
