Considering the heavy popularity that beat-em-ups are experiencing, there’s no better time for Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers. It’s a follow-up to two notable SNES brawlers, Rival Turf and Brawl Brothers, but it has so much more to offer than either of those. Namely with its characters, combos, and just being so damn delightfully weird.
The game’s plot is all over the place, but you’re one of six tough heroes looking to clean up the streets of Neo-Cisco. Seems that the Zeekus virus is wreaking havoc, and it’s up to you to do so. It’s merely in place for all the beat-em-up shenanigans that follow, but, hey, we’re here for it.
The gameplay system is actually very good, allowing you to build combos and super techniques to obliterate enemies. You can also use weapons on the side and explosive barrels that, well, detonate. And there’s a double jump too, ideal for dodging incoming vehicles. I just wish there were more modes – if any game would benefit from a versus mode, it’s this one. As for the presentation, it’s pretty good, on par with what we expect from the franchise. That said, some touch-ups to a few backgrounds wouldn’t hurt.
If you want a beat-em-up that changes the genre as we know it, stick with the superior Streets of Rage 4 or Marvel: Cosmic Invasion. But if you’re down for a goofy as heck brawler with a lot of creativity and ridiculousless, sign up for Rushing Beat X. The Brawl Brothers may have been a long time coming with their return, but they’re most certainly welcome.
Rushing Beat X Tasks You With Beating Up and Beating Up Some More
Never mind the plot. It’s involving a weird Zeekus virus that’s washed over Neo-Cisco and turned a majority of folks into angry zombies. It’s time for you to hit the streets and save the day! You’ll choose from six characters (some of which unlock over the course of the game) and use stylish combos to defeat enemies. What’s more, you can throw them into the background for bonus points, through a window or into an electronic sign. It takes practice, but it’s a thrilling technique once utilized.
In fact, the gameplay is probably Rushing Beat X’s biggest draw. It’s just a lot of fun to play. Unleashing devastating combos with big and small heroes alike is a joy. And you can play alongside a friend in co-op and really come through with the goods. I also like the supers you can unleash, as well as the many weapons you can pick up over the course of the game. (You can even use them separately, saving them for an annoying boss coming up.)
That said, some stages are slightly inconsistent. One stage involved double jumping over speeding cars, but the indication that they were coming wasn’t entirely clear – especially when you’re distracted. Other states are better, however, including a classic brawl in a mall.
Look, I’ll just say it. The game is weird. But in the best way. It’s this offbeat nature that really works to its credit, and makes Rushing Beat X worth seeing through to the very end. I just wish there were more modes thrown in, like a versus mode or even a horde mode. Gimme that army of zombies!
There are games with tighter controls, but I enjoyed my time with Rushing Beat X. And if you’re down for a goofy arcade-style beat-em-up with style aplenty, chances are you will too.
How Is Rushing Beat X’s Presentation?
Next, let’s get to how things look and sound with Rushing Beat X.
The visuals are definitely a step down from some of the more polished brawlers out there. But that’s not entirely a bad thing. In fact, this second-rate nature actually suits the material. Plus some of these animations are a lot of fun to watch, and some of the settings are imaginative. Others are a bit more common, but you’ll notice the standouts when they happen. I also like the food and weapon selection menu, reading like something you’d find at a used car lot. Good stuff.
As for the sound, it’s great. The in-game music is classic gaming beat-em-up rock, as you’ve come to expect. The punches and kids definitely land with plenty of thuds. And the voicework is top notch. It’s not every day that an announcer warms you to “be careful out there!”
It’s hardly the stuff of legend, but Rushing Beat X should likely win you over with its goofy anime-style approach. Sometimes it pays to stand out.
Rush Over and Get On This Beat
Again, Rushing Beat X is just odd enough to not really compete with the “big boys” on the market. But it stands on its own as a quality beat-em-up. I really enjoyed the combat system (especially the secondary use of weapons). And the presentation definitely has its own style to it, even if it’s unpolished in some places.
I kinda like its offbeat style. It works in its favor, and will likely generate an audience looking for the same. As it should. The return of the Brawl Brothers is a welcome one. Now go have fun…and “be careful out there!”
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Huge thanks to Overload PR for providing us with a review code! Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam/PC!
Need more brawling goodness? Check out our review of Beat ‘Em Up Collection!
