Last Updated on June 20, 2023
Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to amass an extensive library of retro games on their respective online storefronts. The latest to join those ranks is Beat ‘Em Up Archives (QUByte Classics) from QUByte Interactive.
There are two games in this collection, Legend, and Iron Commando. Both were released on the SNES in 1994 and 1995, respectively. I’ve only had first-hand experience with Iron Commando, and it’s a fun side-scroller with the odd vehicle section to break up the gameplay. It’s monotonous and very unfair sometimes, but that’s par for the course with this type of game.

While these titles certainly aren’t on the level of Final Fight and Streets of Rage, you’ll find plenty to enjoy if you’re a fan of the genre. It’s not clear at this stage if the Beat ‘Em Up Archives are set to develop into an Arcade Archives-style series.
I can’t speak for the quality of the ports in the collection, but the mistakes on the Nintendo eShop description page are a little concerning. Among other issues, the main character in Iron Commando is Jack, not Jake, as it’s written. Hopefully, this is just a spelling error, but I’d swat up on some reviews before taking the plunge.
Beat ‘Em Up Archives (QUByte Classics) is available to download on all console platforms. At the time of writing, the title isn’t listed on Steam. Check your usual digital storefront.

Anthony is a freelance writer and has worked in the industry for three years. He’s furiously competitive and is always looking for the next big multiplayer hit. Anthony is a passionate PS1 collector and firmly believes in playing games in his collection rather than letting them collect dust on a shelf. He is also passionate about speedrunning and always looks forward to the next GDQ and ESA events.
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