10 Best PlayStation Portable Beat 'Em Up Games

This small handheld called the PSP is home to a formidable collection of beat’em up games, making it a haven for players on the hunt for the best PSP beat’em ups. Whether your heart lies with classic 2D Beat’em ups or immersive full-blown 3D brawlers, this small handheld has something for everyone.

Sony’s platforms have always been known for their outstanding collection of beat’em ups. Many of us have cherished memories of playing the best brawlers on the PS2, only to be blown away by an even more impressive roster on the PS3. Now, with handheld wonders like the PSP and PS Vita, you can enjoy beat’em ups in all their glory, whether you’re lounging on the couch or, well, taking care of business on the throne. So, get ready to read about the best PSP beat’em ups below!

The Warriors 2005

About
	Release Date October 17, 2005
	Developer Rockstar Toronto
	Publisher Rockstar Games
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PSP Releases
2007-02-12
2007-02-23

The Warriors serves as a prime exemplar that movie-licensed games can indeed achieve greatness with the right development team at the helm. Inspired by the renowned 1979 film of the same name, this game takes players on a riveting journey through the gritty streets of New York City, teeming with rival gang members determined to taint your reputation at all costs.

The Warriors shares similarities with Rockstar Games’ renowned Grand Theft Auto series, as it offers a rich array of missions essential for players to advance. These missions encompass a variety of actions, from vandalizing rival gangs’ property and spray-painting graffiti on walls to engaging in intense combat with other gang members and more.

Even to this day, The Warriors remains one of the top-notch beat ’em-up games available on the PSP. While it may lack Local Co-Op play on the handheld console unlike the PS2 version, it more than compensates with its outstanding gameplay.

Black Panther: Like a Dragon New Chapter / Black Panther 2: Like a Dragon Ashura Chapter 2010 / 2012

About
	Release Date September 22, 2010
	Developer syn Sophia
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Yakuza
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Martial Arts
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2010-09-22

About
	Release Date March 22, 2012
	Developer syn Sophia
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Yakuza
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Martial Arts
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2012-03-22

The Black Panther duology (known as Kurohyo: Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan) is a pleasantly surprising and exceptional addition to SEGA’s Yakuza franchise. In a departure from the traditional storyline, the games shift away from featuring Kazuma Kiryu as the main character, and Majima is also absent from the spotlight. Instead, players take on the role of Tatsuya Ukyo, a street punk who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dilemma he deeply regrets initiating.

Contrary to its predecessors, Kurohyo features a slightly different combat system, centred around intense one-on-one showdowns, akin to games like Def Jam Fight for NY. Unlike the original Yakuza, where Kiryu could handle a group of gangsters with finesse, Tatsuya’s combat prowess allows him to take on opponents one at a time. However, you can always switch back and forth between thugs by pressing the shoulder button, which injects an extra layer of fast-paced excitement into the gameplay.

Previously, the game was only available in Japan, creating a significant language barrier for those interested in trying out this spin-off duology. However, today, thanks to an English fan patch, you can enjoy the Kurohyo series from start to finish without any challenges. You ought to try out the Kurohyo duology on the PSP for two key reasons: it’s one of the top beat ’em ups on the PSP, and it’s the game that originally introduced multiple fighting styles to the franchise, a concept later perfected in Yakuza 0.

Viewtiful Joe™ Red Hot Rumble 2005

About
	Release Date September 29, 2005
	Developer Clover Studio
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Viewtiful Joe
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Superhero
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2006-03-22
2006-03-23
2006-05-26

Viewtiful Joe Red Hot Rumble drifts slightly from its predecessors by adopting gameplay mechanics more akin to Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. rather than the traditional 2D action-adventure beat’em up style. However, it is precisely this unique approach that adds a touch of magic to the game.

In this hybrid fighting beat’em up game, based on the anime adaptation, players engage in thrilling challenges as they battle against each other through a variety of missions. Although the gameplay between the GC and PSP versions is quite similar, choosing the PSP release is highly recommended due to its exclusive characters, which include the beloved trio of Dante, Trish, and Vergil from the Devil May Cry series.

Naruto™ Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact 2011

About
	Release Date October 18, 2011
	Developer CyberConnect2
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Naruto
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2011-10-18
2011-10-20
2011-11-11
2011-11-24

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Impact is an action-adventure beat’em up game based on the beloved  Naruto Shippuden series, encompassing the enthralling narrative from the Kazekage Rescue Mission arc to the epic Five Kage Summit arc from the anime.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact follows in the footsteps of another Naruto game, Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles, which was exclusively released on the PS2. Both of these remarkable action-adventure games feature Naruto and his fellow Ninja comrades engaged in thrilling on-screen battles against numerous enemies.

If you have a penchant for beat’em ups and are a fan of anime games, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact is an excellent 3D brawler that promises an enjoyable gaming experience.

Guilty Gear Judgment 2006

About
	Release Date August 03, 2006
	Developer Arc System Works
	Publisher Majesco Entertainment
	Franchise Guilty Gear
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2006-08-03
2006-08-24
2006-09-05
2007-08-03
2007-08-23

Guilty Gear Judgment is a lesser-known instalment in the renowned Guilty Gear franchise, primarily because it takes a different approach, presenting itself as a 2D beat’em up instead of the traditional 2D fighter.

In this game, you don’t have to concern yourself with facing off against a single skilled opponent; instead, you can unleash your abilities against a diverse array of adversaries, employing any means necessary to secure victory.

As expected from Arc System Works, Guilty Gear Judgment delivers on all fronts with its stunning pixel-art graphics, an impressive roster of characters, and an incredibly enjoyable 2D beat’em up experience from beginning to end. This gem of a game stands as one of the best PSP titles that might have slipped under the radar.

Ben 10™ Protector of Earth 2007

About
	Release Date October 23, 2007
	Developer High Voltage Software
	Publisher D3 Publisher
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Concept Fantasy
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

PSP Releases
2007-10-30
2007-11-30
2008-02-01

Ben 10: Protector of Earth undoubtedly stands out as one of the finest Ben 10 games of its time. This action-packed brawler, based on the original Ben 10 cartoon series, offers the exciting ability to access all your favourite alien forms all available in one click.

Moreover, the game offers a seamless cooperative multiplayer mode, enabling a second player to join and engage in on-screen battles alongside you, providing valuable assistance in moments of difficulty.

It is indeed unfortunate that we haven’t seen a game quite like Protector of the Earth or the Alien Force series, as the PS5 could truly benefit from another Co-Op game set in the Ben 10 universe.

Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact 2010

About
	Release Date April 28, 2010
	Developer Marvelous
	Publisher Marvelous
	Franchise Ikki Tousen
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Anime
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2010-04-28

Ikki Tousen takes players on a thrilling and action-packed school-life adventure, where you assume control of fierce and beautiful girls, prepared to take on anyone who stands in their way. This Japan-exclusive 2D beat’em up is a gem on the PSP.

Despite the game being entirely in Japanese, players can still enjoy it as it is designed to be Western-friendly. You can simply boot up the game with one goal in mind: to unleash an onslaught on foes on-screen without getting too concerned about understanding every detail of the interface.

All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2 2012

About
	Release Date August 02, 2012
	Developer Bandai Namco
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Superhero
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2012-08-02

All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2 is yet another 2D beat’em up sidescroller released exclusively in Japan. Developed and published by Bandai Namco, Rider Generation 2 boasts an impressive collection of Riders to choose from, making this the ultimate 2D Kamen Rider to date.

Thankfully, you can enjoy this game from start to finish without worrying about the language. The goal is the same as any side-scrolling 2D beat’em up: defeat your opponents and rise victorious. Get this game if you love 2D beat’em ups, and especially, Kamen Rider series.

Great Battle Fullblast 2012

About
	Release Date March 01, 2012
	Developer Banpresto
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Superhero
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2012-03-01

Great Battle Fullblast is an extraordinary side-scrolling beat’em up that boasts an insane crossover between three intellectual properties: Ultraman, Gundam, and Kamen Rider. With such a thrilling combination, who could ask for anything more?

Great Battle Fullblast is not just limited to beat’em up gameplay; it also offers a delightful array of mini-games for players to enjoy. Without giving away any spoilers, we can confidently say that this game is nothing short of cool.

Kenka Bancho™ Badass Rumble 2008

About
	Release Date November 27, 2008
	Developer Spike
	Publisher Atlus
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Martial Arts
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PSP Releases
2008-11-27
2009-11-10

Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble is the final game on this list, and it stands as a remarkably decent 3D beat’em up for the PSP. Set in the fictional city of Kyoto, the game centres around Takashi Sakamoto, a Bancho with a clear ambition of becoming Japan’s finest by triumphing over all the regional banchos.

Throughout most of the game, you will find yourself immersed in a semi-open world environment, where interactions with NPCs and engaging in enjoyable 3D brawling segments are prominent features. Considering its budget-friendly nature, Kenka Bancho manages to provide a decent experience. However, when compared to the likes of Kurohyo, it becomes apparent which game excels as a superior specimen within the genre.

Thank you for reading