Bare Knuckle II (or Streets of Rage II, depending on where you grew up) is the absolute peak of Genesis-era beat 'em ups. The second you boot it up, that Yuzo Koshiro soundtrack hits—synth beats so good you’ll pause just to listen. The pixel art’s cleaner than the first game, and the characters actually feel different this time—Axel’s quick but weak, Max is a slow tank, and Blaze? Still the best pick if you ask me.

You’re basically clearing screen after screen of goons with baseball bats and switchblades, pulling off suplexes and elbow drops like it’s your job. The two-player co-op is where it really shines, though. Nothing beats teaming up with a friend, accidentally punching each other in the chaos, then laughing it off while you wreck Mr. X’s goons. It’s simple, satisfying, and still holds up way better than most games from 1992.

If you’ve never played it, you’re missing out on one of the all-time greats.