Play it on: just about any device
Current objective: Clean up the streets
I’ve been on a nostalgic journey recently, diving back into Capcom’s legendary beat ’em up games from the late ’80s to the mid-’90s. In some cases, it’s my first time playing them. Just last week, a friend and I tackled Capcom’s licensed Dungeons & Dragons brawlers—Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara—through the Chronicles of Mystara collection. These games caught me by surprise with their engaging combat, hidden routes, and the clever use of inventory and magic items. Their design left a lasting impression on me. Now, I’m craving more and plan to return to the title that launched Capcom’s iconic streak in the genre: the 1989 classic, Final Fight.
Whenever I think of the ultimate beat ’em up, Final Fight immediately comes to mind. Remember those days when spotting it in an arcade or even your local laundromat felt like uncovering a treasure? Those larger-than-life character sprites, intense sound effects, and the addictive combat all pulled you in. It was clear from the start that this game was set to transform the genre, taking the groundwork laid by pioneers like Double Dragon and Renegade and turning it into something much more accessible and memorable. It’s been years since I played Final Fight, and my gaming partner hasn’t had the pleasure yet. So, this weekend seems like the perfect opportunity for Metro City’s Mayor, Mike Haggar, to return to the fray. It’s time for him to hit the streets once more, tackle the infamous Mad Gear gang, and face off against the ultimate adversary: a rich and influential man, operating his criminal kingdom from atop a glass skyscraper. All this unfolds against the backdrop of a city teetering on the edge of chaos, brought to life by the game’s stunning depiction of deteriorating streets and subway systems. — Carolyn Petit
