Two Beat ‘Em Ups to Try After Fallen City Brawl
If you’ve finished Fallen City Brawl and want more side-scrolling fist-fighting action, the two best games to try next are Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. Both deliver the same punchy, combo-driven combat with modern polish, but each has its own flavor—one is gritty and technical, the other is colorful and chaotic. Below, we break down what makes each a worthy follow-up, how they compare to Fallen City Brawl, and what to consider before you buy.
Why These Two? The Modern Beat ’Em Up Renaissance
Beat ’em ups (or “brawlers�) had a golden age in arcades and 16-bit consoles, then faded for years. But the genre has seen a strong revival since the late 2010s, and Fallen City Brawl is part of that wave. It’s a fast-paced, hand-drawn brawler with a dark urban fantasy setting. When you finish it, the two most critically and commercially successful modern brawlers are Streets of Rage 4 (2020) and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge (2022). Both were developed by studios that studied the classics closely, and both have been played by millions. They’re also the most similar to Fallen City Brawl in terms of core mechanics: side-scrolling levels, light and heavy attacks, special moves that cost health, and co-op play.
Streets of Rage 4: The Technical Fighter
Streets of Rage 4 is a direct sequel to the Sega Genesis trilogy (1991–1994). It’s developed by Lizardcube and Guard Crush Games, with music by the original composer Yuzo Koshiro. The game picks up years after the third installment, with Axel, Blaze, and Adam returning, plus new characters like Floyd and Cherry. The art style is hand-drawn and looks like a moving comic, but the gameplay is deeply rooted in the old school. What sets it apart is its combo system: you can chain moves, juggle enemies, and use a “neutral special� that costs health but can be upgraded. The game rewards precision—you can cancel certain attacks into others, and each character has a unique move set. It’s harder than Fallen City Brawl on default difficulty, so if you want a challenge that makes you learn enemy patterns, this is it.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge: The Party Brawler
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is developed by Tribute Games, the studio behind Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game. It’s a love letter to the 1987 animated series and the classic Konami arcade games. You play as Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, April, Splinter, or Casey Jones (the last two are unlockable). The combat is simpler than Streets of Rage 4—you have a basic attack, a heavy attack, a special that costs health, and a super move that fills a meter. But the game shines in its co-op: up to six players can join locally or online, and there are special team-up moves where two characters combine for a powerful attack. The levels are short and packed with references, and the pixel art is gorgeous. It’s more forgiving than Streets of Rage 4, making it a great choice if you want to play with friends who aren’t hardcore gamers.
How They Compare to Fallen City Brawl
To decide which to try first, look at what you enjoyed most in Fallen City Brawl. If you liked the dark tone, the gritty art, and the sense of a brutal city, Streets of Rage 4 is closer. Its soundtrack is electronic and moody, and the story is about a city overrun by crime syndicates. If you preferred the fast-paced, slightly cartoonish action and the ability to pick up and play with anyone, Shredder’s Revenge is lighter and more accessible. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Difficulty: Streets of Rage 4 is harder, with more enemy variety and tougher bosses. Shredder’s Revenge is more casual.
- Combat depth: Streets of Rage 4 has a deeper combo system. Shredder’s Revenge is simpler but has team-up moves.
- Co-op: Both support online and local co-op. Shredder’s Revenge allows up to 6 players; Streets of Rage 4 supports up to 4.
- Art style: Streets of Rage 4 is hand-drawn and dark. Shredder’s Revenge is pixel art and vibrant.
- Replayability: Both have multiple difficulties and unlockables. Streets of Rage 4 has a “Boss Rush� mode; Shredder’s Revenge has a “Survival� mode.
Which One Should You Pick? A Decision Guide
Your choice really comes down to your preferences. If you want a solo challenge that rewards mastery, go with Streets of Rage 4. Its combo system gives you a lot to experiment with, and the higher difficulty will keep you busy for many hours. If you plan to play with friends or family, Shredder’s Revenge is the better pick—it’s more forgiving, and the six-player chaos is genuinely fun. Also consider the setting: do you prefer gritty urban streets or a colorful cartoon New York? Both are excellent, but they hit different moods. If you’re still torn, you could try the free demos on some platforms, or watch a few minutes of gameplay to see which art style appeals to you more.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
One common issue players face when moving from Fallen City Brawl to these games is the difference in timing. Fallen City Brawl has a very fast, almost floaty feel, while Streets of Rage 4 has a heavier, more deliberate rhythm. Give yourself a few levels to adjust. Another problem is co-op connection issues—if you’re playing online, make sure your network is stable, and consider using a wired connection. Some players also find the special moves that cost health confusing; remember that in both games, you can regain that health by dealing damage, so don’t be afraid to use them in a pinch. Finally, don’t skip the tutorials—both games have a training mode that explains the advanced mechanics, and it’s worth spending five minutes there.
Cost and Availability
Both games are available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Prices vary by platform and region, but both are typically in the $25–$30 range at launch, and often go on sale for around $15–$20. They also include all DLC content in later editions—Streets of Rage 4 has a “Mr. X Nightmare� DLC that adds new moves and a survival mode, while Shredder’s Revenge has a “Dimension Shellshock� DLC that adds a roguelike mode. If you’re on a budget, wait for a sale; both are frequently discounted. Also, check if your platform offers a demo or a free trial—some services like Xbox Game Pass have included these games at various times.
Alternatives Worth Mentioning
If you’ve already played both, or if they don’t quite appeal to you, there are other modern brawlers you might like. Fight’N Rage is an indie gem with a retro look and deep combat, but it’s more obscure. River City Girls (2019) is a beat ’em up with RPG elements and a great soundtrack, but it’s more about leveling up than pure combos. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is another option, but it’s older and less polished than the two we highlighted. For a more classic feel, the Final Fight and Double Dragon series are available on modern platforms, but they haven’t received the same modern treatment. Stick with Streets of Rage 4 and Shredder’s Revenge for the best experience after Fallen City Brawl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play these games solo if I don’t have friends?
Yes, both games are fully playable solo. They scale enemy count and health to the number of players, so you won’t be overwhelmed. The AI partners in Shredder’s Revenge are not available in solo, but you can play alone with no issue. Streets of Rage 4 also has a single-player mode that works well, though the game is more fun with a partner.
Are these games as long as Fallen City Brawl?
Both are slightly longer. Fallen City Brawl is about 2–3 hours for a first playthrough. Streets of Rage 4 has 12 stages and takes about 3–4 hours. Shredder’s Revenge has 16 stages and takes about 4–5 hours. Both have higher difficulties and unlockables that add replay value.
Do I need to have played the old games to understand the story?
No, both are standalone. Streets of Rage 4 has a brief recap of the previous games, but you don’t need prior knowledge. Shredder’s Revenge is set in the 1987 cartoon universe, but the plot is simple—Shredder is up to something, and you fight him. You won’t be lost.
Which game has better graphics?
It’s subjective. Streets of Rage 4 uses hand-drawn art that looks like a comic book, with fluid animation. Shredder’s Revenge uses pixel art that pays homage to the 16-bit era, with vibrant colors and detailed sprites. If you prefer modern hand-drawn, go with Streets of Rage 4; if you like retro pixel art, go with Shredder’s Revenge.
Can I play with friends online?
Yes, both games support online co-op. Streets of Rage 4 allows up to 4 players online, and Shredder’s Revenge allows up to 6. You can also play locally with friends on the same couch. Just note that online play requires a stable internet connection and, on some platforms, a subscription service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold.
Are there any microtransactions or pay-to-win elements?
No, both games are completely free of microtransactions. You pay once and get the full game. The DLCs are optional expansions that add content, but they don’t give you an unfair advantage—they add new modes and moves, not pay-to-win items.
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