Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers

RUSHING BEAT X: Return Of Brawl Brothers revives a little-known, cult-status series featuring a fun combat system with more depth than expected. While its limitations keep it from ranking among the genre's greats, it is a comeback with personality and a solid choice for fans of classic beat 'em ups.

The game is excellent when I’m actually playing it, making some meaningful strides forward for the genre with the weapon storage and health management, but it still gets stuck in those old-school shortcomings, and I just don’t think about it once I walk away. It nails that punchy arcade atmosphere, and the cell-shaded look is top-tier, but between the tedious boss repetition and the horridly frustrating final encounter, it lacks that lasting hook to make it truly memorable after the credits roll.

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Rushing Beat X: Return Of Brawl Brothers is one of the best beat’em ups of the last few years. And a surprising entry in a series that had been dormant for so long. Having a decent variety of characters to choose from, being able to have an inventory of health items and weapons is more enjoyable than being forced to use them outright. While the movements do feel a bit stiff and the control mapping is questionable, once you get acclimated, you’ll find a fun and addictive beat’em up. Highly recommended.

If you’re a fan of beat ‘em ups, and don’t mind something a little rough around the edges, there’s a lot to like here. Rushing Beat X: Return of the Brawl Brothers doesn’t offer much in terms of post-game content, but for jumping in with a friend and clearing out the streets now and then, you could do a lot worse than this scrappy Jaleco throwback.

Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers can be an absolute joy to play when everything comes together. Unfortunately, that often doesn't happen due to the game's lack of polish and features that other beat 'em ups have. The clunky gameplay can also be another barrier in what could have been a great action game.