Streets of Rage 4 is a revival of the classic series of side-scrolling beat ’em up games from the Sega Genesis, which are still enjoyable co-op experiences in their own right. In this game, you move to the right and defeat waves of enemies with a variety of punches, kicks, throws, and special moves. The hand-drawn animation style and energetic soundtrack are both excellent, and most of the set pieces effectively convey the feeling of “rage.” While this game may not be the most ambitious, it successfully recaptures the thrill, style, and refinement of the classic beat ’em up genre. For a more accessible and simpler throwback brawler, you may also want to consider Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.
Number 4. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC)
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a lighthearted game that takes you through the nine main Star Wars films using Lego characters. Like most Lego games, it is easy to play and involves collecting items and defeating enemies. The game’s sense of humor is one of its best features, as the shortened versions of each film are filled with amusing gags and references. There are many side quests and collectibles beyond the main narrative, but many of these are repetitive and the game’s systems are not complex enough to make optional content particularly interesting. However, if you focus on the main content, you will likely find Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to be a fun and affectionate tribute to some inherently silly films.
Number 5. Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Xbox, PC)
