3 Games to Bid March Farewell

Play it on: virtually any device

Current mission: Deliver justice to the streets

Recently, I’ve been diving back into the heyday of Capcom’s legendary beat ’em ups from the late ’80s to the mid-’90s. Some of these gems I’m experiencing for the very first time. Just last week, a friend and I tackled Capcom’s outstanding Dungeons & Dragons fighters, Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara, using the Chronicles of Mystara compilation. I was blown away by the engaging combat, the abundance of secrets and branching paths, and the clever use of inventory systems and magical items. Now, as the weekend approaches, I’m itching to revisit the game that marked the beginning of Capcom’s defining streak in the beat ’em up genre: 1989’s Final Fight.

Final Fight, to me, is the epitome of a beat ’em up. Back in the day, it was mesmerizing to see this game in arcades or even at local laundromats and convenience stores. The massive character sprites, the gritty digitized voice effects, and the intense combat were revolutionary. It was one of those games that you instantly knew would leave a permanent mark on the genre, evolving the foundational elements of earlier titles like Double Dragon and Renegade into something far more compelling and memorable. I haven’t played Final Fight in ages, and my gaming partner hasn’t experienced it at all. So, I think the time is perfect to accompany Metro City Mayor Mike Haggar as he takes to the streets once again. Together, we’ll face off against the Mad Gear gang, and eventually confront the real villain—the wealthy mogul behind it all, lairing atop a glass tower. This setting beautifully captures the essence of a city teetering on the edge of chaos, with dilapidated subway cars and streets defining Final Fight’s iconic portrayal of urban decay. — Carolyn Petit