Happy July, folks! This month is really bringing the heat in numerous ways, and we’re back to give you the scoop on what’s happening this month, starting with QuBytes’ new upcoming Beat Em Up collection!
QuByte is known for contributing quite a bit to the genre, granted their releases aren’t going to blow you away if you’re a beat em up enthusiast, but they do add some small fun experiences at a cheap price.
Most notable about this collection is that it combines most of their previous 16-bit releases with one new title in the mix. Let’s have a look at them!
First Samurai
First Samurai is a side-scrolling action platformer originally released on multiple platforms including the SNES, which this port is based on. You play as the first samurai in history as the name implies, utilizing your sword, many secondary items and even your fists!
Second Samurai
The sequel to First Samurai, Second Samurai allows you to bring a friend along this time for a time traveling adventure. This port is based on the Sega Genesis version, which gives you 3 combat options, the sword, melee attacks and throwing knives along with a magic screen clearing item that appears from time to time.
Iron Commando
The Punisher never came to the SNES but at least in Japan you had Iron Commando, a game that functions as a belt-scroller that’s clearly inspired by the Punisher and Cadillacs and Dinosaurs.
You’ll brawl through 8 locations, solo or with a friend, using Jack or Chang Li with access to a decent set of melee attacks, numerous weapons and a smart bomb attack that uses your grenades.
Legend
Legend is another SNES released belt-scroller by the same creators of Iron Commando. This one also comes with the ability to play local co-op with a friend.
Koar and Igor hack and slash their way through six levels, using swords, axes and magic. For being the SNES answer to Golden Axe this one is a fairly decent game.
Sword of Sodan
Sword of Sodan is another side-scroller and a horrible one at that. It’s the only game on the collection that wasn’t previously ported and sadly it’s not much of a selling point. This port is based on the Sega Genesis version.
If you can get through this one, the game is quite short, you get a very limited set of moves and potions that give you power ups as well as heal you. This game as an easy skip in my humble opinion but if you want a quick laugh, go ahead and boot this up!
Water Margin: A Tale of Clouds and Winds
Released on the Sega Genesis, Water Margin was originally a bootleg version of capcom’s Knight’s of the Round. The game is set in feudal China where you pick between 3 heroes and fight through seven chapters.
The combat is quite simple, there isn’t a grapple feature or weapon pickups, just your melee attacks and screen clearing magic moves like Golden Axe.
This one is worth giving a shot, maybe in co-op with a friend!
Gourmet Warriors
Last but not least is the SNES released Gourmet Warriors. This one has my interest the most due to it’s unique aesthetic and mechanics. You play as 3 cyborgs tasked to collect as much protein as possible,
The combat is pretty straightforward but comes with some cool features involving food pick ups that you use for recipes in between each level.
Features List
- Rewind function to undo mistakes in real time
- Unlockable cheat options for custom gameplay
- Full control remapping support
- Digital manuals included
- Multiple screen settings (aspect ratio, visual filters, CRT effects)
- Localized menus in English, Portuguese (BR), and Spanish
The QUByte Classics Beat Em Up collection is set to release July 17th for Steam, Xbox, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Check them out at the links below!
– Mr.Din
Links
Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/beat-em-up-collection-qubyte-classics-switch/
PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10014071