Three Games to Conclude March

You can play this game on almost any platform, which is great for accessibility. Right now, my main mission in the gaming world is to bring a little justice back to the digital streets.

Lately, I’ve been diving into Capcom’s amazing collection of beat ’em ups from the late ’80s to mid-’90s. I’ve been revisiting some classics and experiencing others for the first time. Just this past week, a friend and I took on Capcom’s licensed Dungeons & Dragons brawlers—Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara—through the Chronicles of Mystara compilation. I was blown away by the game’s engaging combat, hidden secrets, alternate paths, and the clever use of inventory and magic items. With that excitement fresh in mind, my plan for this weekend is to return to the game that began Capcom’s iconic series of beat ’em ups: 1989’s Final Fight.

Final Fight is what comes to mind when I think about the ultimate beat ’em up. Back in the day, the thrill of finding it at an arcade, laundromat, or local convenience store was unmatched. Those large character sprites and gritty voice samples made a lasting impression. The game redefined its genre, taking cues from predecessors like Double Dragon and Renegade, but pushing them further to create something undeniably captivating. It’s been quite a while since I last tackled Final Fight, and my gaming partner hasn’t had the pleasure yet. This weekend feels like the perfect time for Mayor Mike Haggar to reclaim his city, battling the notorious Mad Gear gang and challenging the real villain behind it all: a wealthy mastermind running his operations from a towering glass fortress, far above the crumbling cityscape and chaotic subway. It’s a vivid journey through a city teetering on the edge of collapse, and I can’t wait to dive back into that world. — Carolyn Petit