Arcade Cabinets And Beat 'Em Ups, Reviewed On Merit
Straight verdicts on classic cabinets and belt-scrollers, written by fans in Hurghada, Egypt who've logged the hours to back up every score.
Browse ReviewsCabinet & Cartridge Verdicts
Recent reviews from our ongoing coverage of arcade history and classic brawlers
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs — Cult Brawler
The Capcom co-op classic still holds up on its combo system, though the cabinet's original four-player setup is where it truly earns its stripes.
Alien vs Predator — Underrated Gem
Overshadowed by its Capcom siblings, this scrolling brawler deserves credit for aggressive enemy AI and a roster that rewards distinct playstyles.
Sengoku 3 — Sprite Work Triumph
Noise Factory's late-era beat 'em up impresses with lush animation and branching paths, even if the difficulty curve punishes button-mashers.
Violent Storm — Konami's Quiet Standout
A lesser-discussed entry with tight hit detection and a grimy visual style that set it apart from brighter contemporaries on the arcade floor.
Guardian Heroes — Genesis Ambition
Treasure's multi-plane brawler experiment holds a rough charm; branching storylines and RPG elements make it a worthwhile detour for genre purists.
Dungeons and Dragons: Shadow over Mystara — Depth Check
Capcom's RPG-infused cabinet rewards patience with character builds and cooperative strategy, earning its reputation among serious beat 'em up circles.
Curious What Score Your Favorite Cabinet Earned?
Search the archive for honest, hands-on verdicts on beat 'em ups and arcade classics we've actually sat down and played.