We already published the list of best PS1 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS1 beat ’em up games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS1 definitely has a great library of fighting games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS1 and beat ’em up games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Fantastic Four
- Release Data: Probe Entertainment Limited/Acclaim, 1997
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Overall, Fantastic Four could have been a much better game, and it’s unfortunate that the core game isn’t better.
All the external features are nice, but without a good game to center it all, it just falls flat.
Fans of beat-’em-ups would be better served by Eidos’ similarly-themed Fighting Force.
#9. Mortal Kombat: Special Forces
- Release Data: Midway, 2000
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Even if this game was free, Mortal Kombat: Special Forces isn’t worth your time, let alone your energy.
Even die-hard Mortal Kombat fans will be sorely disappointed with this title, so go play the other beat ’em up games in this list, they’re much better.
#8. Blade
- Release Data: Hammerhead/Activision, 2000
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Activision has enjoyed a strong track record when it comes to translating comic books and movies into games, but it’s failed on both accounts here.
Blade lacks the energy of the film, the feel of the comic, and the standards set by other games in its genre.
Fans of beat ’em up shooters are much better off looking up other games.
#7. Fighting Force 2
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
The first Fighting Force was good enough, and even though it looks better, Fighting Force 2 stumbles along the way to a repetitive ending.
Fighting Force 2 was not received well by critics or gamers and resulted in the game being the last in the series.
#6. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles
- Release Data: LucasArts, 2000
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Jedi Power Battles had the potential to become the best Star Wars game on PlayStation.
But with graphic glitches and some of the worst and unresponsive controls in a PS game, this is one Star Wars game that even hardcore fans should stay far away from.
#5. Fighting Force
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1997
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
All in all, getting Fighting Force isn’t recommended unless you’re prepared for an uninspired stab at making a 3D Final Fight or Streets of Rage.
If you are an absolute beat-’em-up fan, then check it out, but prepare yourself for an easy, flawed game.
#4. Gekido
- Release Data: Naps Team/Infogrames, 2000
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
As a single-player brawler, Gekido is amusing, fun, and replayable.
But with one or more friends, the game becomes a multiplayer fest worthy of a spot in every gamer’s collection.
With inviting gameplay and an abundance of hidden characters, Gekido is worthy of the acclaim given to Streets of Rage 2 or Fighting Force, provided you’re a fan of the genre.
#3. Ninja: Shadow of Darkness
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Eidos Interactive, 1998
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
In the end, Ninja: Shadow of Darkness is not terrible.
It’s a middle-of-the-road game that’ll keep your fingers busy until the pizza arrives on a rainy night, and you’ve got nothing to do.
It is still a good action game for PlayStation, but Eidos really had to tune down the difficulty level.
#2. T’ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger
- Release Data: Dreamworks Interactive/Activision, 1999
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
T’ai Fu is a game well done in almost every aspect. It does appeal to the younger gamer.
And the game itself, a 3D action title with good fighting depth and a decent little storyline, is well-conceived despite its old-style game concept.
#1. Jackie Chan: Stuntmaster
- Release Data: Radical Entertainment/Midway, 2000
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Jackie Chan: Stuntmaster will satisfy any one looking for a good beat-em-up.
Good graphics, nice combos, and a great replay value thanks to little treasure seeking elements that are often lacking in a game of this genre.
Take Stuntmaster for a spin, you’ll find it’s one of the best brawlers of all time.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best PS2 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS1 beat ’em up game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
