Tag: beat em up games

Top 20 Sega Genesis Beat ’Em Ups You Can Play on the Miyoo Mini
I made this list originally for my Miyoo Mini, that pocket-sized retro handheld that’s perfect for quick gaming breaks. These Genesis titles are ideal for short bursts — just enough time to clear a few stages, save, and come back later. Of course, you can play them on PC or mobile too, but the Miyoo Mini makes them shine in bite-sized sessions.

This is my countdown of the Top 20 Sega Genesis-exclusive (and Japan-only) beat ’em ups, ranked from 20 to 1. One game per franchise, all of them packed with that 16-bit energy Sega was known for.

20. Shadow Blasters (1990)

If you’ve never heard of Shadow Blasters, don’t worry you’re not alone. This Genesis-exclusive action brawler lets you switch between four warriors, each harnessing elemental powers to clean up a post-apocalyptic Earth. It’s rough around the edges, but the variety and frantic pace make it a hidden gem for Miyoo Mini short sessions.

Fun fact: The game was published by Sage’s Creation, one of the first companies to localize smaller Japanese titles for the Genesis — giving us oddball cult classics like this one.

19. Battle Mania: Daiginjou (1993, Japan)

Technically a shooter, but its crazy boss fights and melee energy fit right in here. Bursting with attitude and chaotic energy — pure early ’90s Sega spirit.

Fun fact: It was developed by a small all-female team at Vic Tokai, which was unusual for the time.

18. Golden Axe III (1993, Japan)

The last Genesis Golden Axe game, never officially released in the West. It adds new moves and smoother animation, even if it lacks the polish of II.

Fun fact: It was originally meant for international release, but Sega of America rejected it for being “too similar” to its predecessors.

17. Yu Yu Hakusho: Makyo Toitsusen (1994, Treasure)

Four-player brawling madness with fluid animation and surprising depth. You don’t need to know the anime to have fun — just start swinging.

Fun fact: This was one of the first console games to allow four players to fight at once, predating Smash Bros. by years.

16. Ranger X (1993, Sega)

A mecha brawler that mixes shooting and close combat. Its visuals are still impressive today, and the controls are shockingly fluid for a Genesis title.

Fun fact: The developer, GAU Entertainment, created a custom tool to simulate lighting and shadows — years before the Genesis supported such effects.

15. Alien Soldier (1995, Treasure)

A boss rush masterpiece with lightning-fast combat and high difficulty. It’s short but intense, and perfect for quick bursts on the Miyoo Mini.

Fun fact: Treasure intentionally limited physical production in Japan, making original copies one of the rarest Genesis releases.

14. Sword of Vermilion (1990, Sega)

A strange mix of RPG and beat ’em up where battles shift into side-view brawls. It’s rough, but charming — a reminder of when Sega loved to experiment.

Fun fact: Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue and OutRun, produced this game early in his career.

13. Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (1990, Sega)

A slick ninja action game where your dog companion attacks enemies on command. It’s fast, satisfying, and plays beautifully in short sessions.

Fun fact: The Genesis version is completely different from the arcade release — a rare case where the home port is its own game.

12. Two Crude Dudes (1992, Sega)

A loud, over-the-top brawler where musclebound heroes clean up a ruined city. You can lift cars and toss enemies around like ragdolls.

Fun fact: The game’s U.S. title was changed from Crude Buster to Two Crude Dudes to make it sound more like an action comedy.

11. ESWAT: City Under Siege (1990, Sega)

Half shooter, half brawler — you’re a cyber cop taking down gangs with heavy armor and a jetpack. It feels like Robocop with a Sega twist.

Fun fact: ESWAT began life as an arcade beat ’em up before Sega rebuilt it from scratch for Genesis as a more action-platformer hybrid.

10. Splatterhouse 2 (1992, Namco/Sega)

A gory, horror-themed brawler with simple mechanics and an unforgettable mood. It’s creepy, violent, and strangely satisfying.

Fun fact: Sega toned down the gore slightly for the Western version, but fans later restored it through fan translations.

9. Last Battle (1989, Sega)

A launch title that wears its Fist of the North Star inspiration proudly — punch enemies and watch them literally explode. Primitive but iconic.

Fun fact: The Western release censored the blood and removed Kenshiro references, turning it into a completely new story.

8. The Hybrid Front (1994, Sega Japan)

Part strategy, part brawler, and totally unique. It’s a strange mix that works best for players who like experimentation in their Genesis games.

Fun fact: Sega’s internal dev team reused parts of its code years later for Shining Force II’s tactical systems.

7. Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter (1993, Sega)

A hybrid of side-scrolling combat and giant robot duels. You fight as a human first, then transform into a mech for boss battles.

Fun fact: The game is based on Go Nagai’s manga Mazin Saga, which was still running in Japan when this came out.

6. Cyborg Justice (1993, Sega)

You build your own robot fighter, rip off enemy parts, and graft them onto yourself. It’s chaotic but addictive.

Fun fact: The devs wanted destructible environments, but Sega cut the feature to keep the frame rate stable.

5. Golden Axe II (1991, Sega)

Classic fantasy co-op done right. Ride beasts, cast magic, and swing axes through medieval mayhem — still one of Sega’s best.

Fun fact: The team reused the same engine as the first Golden Axe but doubled the animation frames to make attacks smoother.

4. Bare Knuckle III (1994, Sega Japan)

The original, uncensored version of Streets of Rage 3. Faster and grittier than the Western release, with deeper combat and new mechanics.

Fun fact: The English version removed one entire level and toned down character designs to avoid controversy overseas.

3. Alien Storm (1991, Sega)

A fast-paced alien-busting brawler with co-op and shooting stages that break up the action. It’s quirky, colorful, and pure Sega fun.

Fun fact: Alien Storm was built on a modified Golden Axe engine — you can feel it in the combat flow.

2. Comix Zone (1995, Sega)

You’re a comic artist trapped in your own creation, literally punching your way through panels. Stylish, short, and endlessly creative.

Fun fact: Sega’s dev team studied Marvel and DC comics to nail the page transitions — all drawn by hand before being digitized.

1. Streets of Rage II (1992, Sega)

The ultimate Genesis brawler and one of the best beat ’em ups ever made. Tight controls, iconic visuals, and Yuzo Koshiro’s unforgettable soundtrack.

Fun fact: The composer reportedly used actual nightclub tracks as references, mixing early techno and house influences to get that signature sound.

Why Battletoads Isn’t Here

You might be wondering where Battletoads is. The Genesis version looks and plays great, but it’s not an original Sega title since it started on the NES. So while it’s not part of this countdown, it’s still worth playing on your Miyoo Mini if you’re ready for the infamous speeder bike level.

Other Great Brawlers That Didn’t Make the Cut

These didn’t make the list but are still fun to revisit:
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – flashy and straightforward.
- Captain America and the Avengers – chaotic superhero fun.
- Batman Returns – dark, moody, and solid.
- TMNT: The Hyperstone Heist – not exclusive, but essential.
- Battletoads & Double Dragon – crossover madness, but again, not Genesis-exclusive.
Final Thoughts

The Sega Genesis library was full of attitude, and its beat ’em ups were the loudest of them all. Whether you’re revisiting these on a Miyoo Mini or firing them up on an emulator, they still deliver that same 16-bit punch that made Sega’s glory days unforgettable.

Thanks for reading my vlogs and posts. Got a Genesis brawler I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’m always looking for the next hidden gem.
11th Oct 2025
Top 10 Nes games to play on the Miyoo Mini

Just because the Miyoo Mini can emulate retro games really well doesn’t mean all of these games are playable or offer the best experience on this handheld. We have to take into consideration the 2.8″ display screen, the button layout, and overall ergonomics. With that said, here are my top 10 NES games to play on the Mini.

10. Super Mario Bros. (JP: Sept 1985, US: Oct 1985)

The first on this list is an all-time classic. Super Mario Bros. put Nintendo on the map and gave birth to the Mario franchise that endures to this day.

The Mini’s small screen isn’t much of an issue while playing since you can see where you’re going pretty easily, and the game’s 8 world structure with optional warp zones means you can finish the entire adventure before the Mini’s control layout becomes cramped in your hands. If you’re looking for something you can complete in one sitting, then Super Mario Bros. is the game for you.

**Fun Fact:** The character was originally called “Jumpman” and was renamed Mario after Nintendo of America’s landlord, Mario Segale.

Castlevania (JP: Sept 1986, US: May 1987)

Castlevania is one of the games I got hooked on growing up. It’s a 2D platformer but more action-focused, and it was a really addictive game back in the day. I had to learn about the lore through those old game magazines and my imagination while playing.

With the NES’s 2-button layout, the game is very playable on the Miyoo Mini, and the small screen won’t strain your eyes since there’s not much dialogue text to read. The gothic atmosphere and tight controls translate perfectly to the handheld format.

**Fun Fact:** The original Castlevania was inspired by classic Universal Monster movies from the 1930s and 40s.

Contra (JP: Feb 1987, US: Feb 1988)

Contra admittedly is best played with 2 players, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good playing solo. This game spawned dozens of clones and hacks, but the classic Contra is by far the best in my opinion.

The controls and screen on the Miyoo Mini don’t hamper the game experience even when things get hectic, and it’s a perfect game to play and finish on the portable system.

**Fun Fact:** Contra is home to the legendary Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start), which grants you 30 lives instead of the brutal default of 3.

Mega Man 2 (JP: Dec 1988, US: Jul 1989)

With 3 Mega Man games on the NES, my pick is Mega Man 2, and it’s not just because of the gameplay but the incredible sound and vibe of the game. I usually play this for the nostalgia factor, and if we’re talking about NES emulation, then this is by far the best option.

Difficulty-wise, the game is brutal with its precise button inputs for jumping. I don’t know if you can actually finish the game on the Miyoo Mini with its cramped controls, but it’s still a worthwhile experience, especially if you use the Miyoo’s save state feature.

**Fun Fact:** The infamous US box art showed a middle-aged man in yellow armor that looked nothing like Mega Man. This became so legendary that Capcom included him in Street Fighter X Tekken.

Battle City (JP: Sept 1985, US: Not Released)

Another game that’s best played in co-op and spawned multiple hacks even during the NES era. I had a hard time looking for the original NES ROM with all the mods available – from starting with metal walls to having upgraded enemies that can use power-ups.

This recommendation is perfect for short bursts of gameplay throughout the day. I usually play this while commuting to places like the grocery store or appointments. The small screen and button layout is actually an advantage since you’re just using the direction pad and one button for firing.

**Fun Fact:** Battle City was hugely popular in Eastern Europe and Russia, where it’s often considered one of the greatest NES games of all time.

Excitebike (JP: Nov 1984, US: Oct 1985)

Sure, there are racing games that are good on the NES, but my pick is Excitebike. One thing that stands out is the design creator where you can make your own course, and with the Miyoo’s save state feature, you can replay your course without worrying about it being deleted.

Easy controls and very easy to pick up and play – the only skill you need to learn is when to use turbo versus normal speed without your bike overheating. Perfect for the Miyoo Mini.

**Fun Fact:** Excitebike was one of the 18 NES launch titles and featured one of the earliest console track editors, pioneering user-generated content decades before it became mainstream.

Double Dragon 2 (JP: Apr 1989, US: Jan 1990)

Switching up to beat ’em ups, my pick would be Double Dragon 2 (Double Dragon 1 was my first choice, but I got a bad ROM that doesn’t run on my Miyoo). It’s your classic beat ’em up with button inputs depending on where you’re facing – B attacks left, A attacks right, and pressing both makes you jump.

What makes it stand out is the story, which was pretty dark for its time. Billy’s girlfriend was killed by a shadow organization, and now it’s up to the Lee brothers to avenge her. The side-scrolling action works perfectly on the portable format.

**Fun Fact:** Double Dragon 2 controversially removed two-player co-op from the main story, making players fight each other after completing single-player. This was so unpopular that future entries returned to co-op.

Darkwing Duck (JP: Not Released, US: Jun 1992)

Being a fan of the Darkwing Duck cartoons, it’s no secret that I’d choose this NES game. A side-scrolling platformer with a Batman-like hero using gadgets was quite enjoyable back in the day. Playing it on the Miyoo Mini now is more enjoyable than when I first played it as a kid.

I didn’t get to enjoy this game as much as I wanted before since the cartridge conked out on me just a few days after I got it. As soon as I got the Miyoo Mini, I looked for this ROM first. The colorful graphics look great on the small screen.

**Fun Fact:** Darkwing Duck was developed by Capcom using the same engine as the Mega Man series, which explains the tight, polished gameplay.

Pac-Man Championship Edition (ROM Hack)

No top 10 NES game pick would be complete without Pac-Man. For my pick I’m recommending the Pac-Man Championship Edition ROM hack, which tries to emulate the modern version on the NES and is one of the greatest Pac-Man experiences available.

You might think the small screen would be difficult, but based on experience, it’s just the perfect size to see the tight corners and dots you need to grab. The Miyoo’s controls are super responsive with no false inputs whatsoever.

**Fun Fact:** The original Pac-Man Championship Edition was created by series creator Toru Iwatani in 2007, over 25 years after the original game.

Urban Champion (JP: Nov 1984, US: Aug 1986)

Let me just say that this list is in no particular order, and I’m sure others will complain that I didn’t include their favorite games like Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Dragon Warrior, or Final Fantasy. Here’s the thing – those are great games, but I think they’re much better experienced on a bigger screen, so if I offended anyone, sorry, but this is my list.

Last one is another game that works best with 2 players, but as a single player experience this also translates well on the Miyoo Mini. Urban Champion is a fighting game where you and the computer beat each other up in the middle of the street. There are no life bars, just stamina. A round ends if you beat your opponent to their side of the screen.

There are police cruisers passing by from time to time, so you should avoid fighting unless you want a trip to jail. Also avoid neighbors throwing potted plants from windows above. Simple game with no story, but the gameplay is somewhat addictive in my opinion.

**Fun Fact:** Urban Champion was one of Nintendo’s earliest fighting games from 1984, and it’s often considered one of the worst NES games ever made – but that’s exactly what gives it cult appeal.

Conclusion

The Miyoo Mini proves that great gaming experiences don’t always need the biggest screen or the most complex controls. These 10 NES classics showcase how perfectly suited retro games are for portable play, whether you’re looking for quick arcade action or longer adventure sessions with save states to help you through the tough spots.

What makes these picks special isn’t just their quality as games, but how well they adapt to the Mini’s form factor. From the responsive controls of Pac-Man Championship Edition to the simple joy of creating tracks in Excitebike, each game feels like it was meant to be played on a handheld device.

1st Sep 2025

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