20 Video Game Clones Better Than The Original

20. Absolum (Streets Of Rage)

In 2020, Guard Crush Games and Dotemu launched Streets of Rage 4, reviving one of the most beloved beat 'em ups of the '90s. The long-awaited sequel had tight combat, hand-drawn art, co-op play, and modernised mechanics, while staying true to its roots. Basically, it felt like SOR4 was as good as beat 'em ups could get.

But this year, the same developers did one better with a brand new property called Absolum. Rather than following a linear path, the fantasy side-scroller incorporates branching paths, maximising replayablity. Each playable character can be upgraded and modified, so no two runs feel the same.

The D&D-themed setting provides more environmental variety than Streets of Rage's urban streets. Enemies have more diversity, since you're battling goblins, ogres, and monsters of all shapes and sizes rather than a never-ending wave of goons. The fighting system has more range, since you can unleash magical counters, elemental powers, complex parrying techniques, as well as standard combat.

Even though beat 'em up fanatics are pumped for Dotemu's next project, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, it's going to be tough to surpass Absolum.