The Enduring Legacy of Classic Gaming Genres

The 1980s and 1990s were defining decades in the video game industry, during which several genres rose to prominence and laid the foundation for modern gaming. Among the most influential were Run and Gun games, Side-Scrolling Beat 'em Ups (also known as belt scrollers), and One-on-One Fighting Games. These genres not only dominated the arcades and home consoles of their time but have also left an indelible mark on the industry, continuing to inspire developers and captivate players today. When I was growing up, these were my go to genres, so I couldn't be more thrilled to see their continued relevance and resurgence in modern gaming.

1. Run and Gun: The Evolution from Contra to Cuphead

The Run and Gun genre is synonymous with high-speed, side-scrolling action, where players navigate challenging environments while mowing down waves of enemies. This genre was popularised by titles like Contra (1987), developed by Konami. Contra was groundbreaking for its cooperative gameplay and challenging level design, cementing its place as a staple of 80s gaming. As noted by Konami's head developer at the time, Kazuhisa Hashimoto, who also created the famous Konami Code, "We wanted players to feel a sense of achievement, which is why Contra was so difficult, but the code was a way to make it more accessible."

Contra (1987)

The genre evolved with the release of Metal Slug (1996) by SNK, a game that combined fast-paced action with a humorous and visually striking art style. Metal Slug’s detailed pixel art and chaotic gameplay became iconic, and the series remains beloved by fans to this day.

A defining moment for the Run and Gun genre came with the release of Gunstar Heroes (1993) by Treasure, a company formed by former Konami employees. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to combine different weapon types, and its frenetic pace. Masato Maegawa, CEO of Treasure, stated in an interview, "With Gunstar Heroes, we wanted to push the limits of what the hardware could do while delivering a game that was fun and challenging."

In recent years, the genre has seen a resurgence with games like Blazing Chrome (2019) by JoyMasher, which was heavily inspired by Contra and Metal Slug. Additionally, Cuphead (2017) offered a fresh take on the genre by blending Run and Gun mechanics with a unique 1930s cartoon art style, proving the genre's enduring appeal. The release of Contra: Operation Galuga (2023) brought the classic series back into the spotlight, combining modern visuals with the traditional gameplay that made the original a hit.

Blazing Chrome

2. Side-Scrolling Beat 'Em Ups: The Golden Era of Cooperative Combat

The Beat 'em Up genre, also known as belt scrollers, was a mainstay of the arcade scene in the late 80s and early 90s. These games were typically cooperative, with players joining forces to fight through waves of enemies. The genre was popularised by Double Dragon (1987), developed by Technos Japan. Yoshihisa Kishimoto, the creator of Double Dragon, once said, "I wanted to create a game that captured the feeling of the street fights I experienced growing up, but in a way that was fun and accessible for everyone."

Final Fight (1989) by Capcom and Streets of Rage (1991) by Sega further defined the genre. Final Fight was originally conceived as a sequel to Street Fighter, but its success as a standalone title helped establish the Beat 'em Up genre as a dominant force in arcades. Final Fight introduced innovations like destructible environments and health-draining special moves, which became staples of the genre.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989) by Konami was another milestone in the genre, offering four-player cooperative gameplay and capturing the spirit of the popular cartoon series. As Tomoshi Sadamoto, a designer at Konami, explained, "We wanted to create a game that felt like you were playing the TV show, where teamwork was essential and each character brought something unique to the fight."

Despite the genre's decline with the advent of 3D gaming, the Beat 'em Up has seen a revival in recent years. Streets of Rage 4 (2020) successfully brought the series back with modern graphics, a refined combat system, and a soundtrack that honored the original games. Similarly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (2022) was a hit with fans, blending classic gameplay with modern design.

99 Vidas

Modern indie titles like Castle Crashers (2008) and 99Vidas (2016) also keep the Beat 'em Up genre alive, combining retro aesthetics with contemporary game mechanics to appeal to both nostalgic gamers and new audiences.

3. One-on-One Fighting Games: Pioneering Competitive Gaming

The One-on-One Fighting genre transformed competitive gaming and became a cornerstone of the arcade scene. Street Fighter II (1991) by Capcom was the game that truly brought the genre to the forefront. Its diverse roster of characters, each with unique fighting styles and moves, set the stage for what would become a global phenomenon. As Yoshiki Okamoto, the producer of Street Fighter II, once said, "We wanted to create a game where players could face off in a battle of skill, and each character would feel distinct and memorable."

Street Fighter II (1991)

The introduction of combos in Street Fighter II, initially a bug discovered by players, became a defining feature of the genre. This mechanic added a new layer of strategy and skill, influencing countless games that followed.

Mortal Kombat (1992) by Midway introduced a darker, more violent take on the genre, with its graphic Fatalities becoming a signature feature. The controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat's violence led to the creation of the ESRB rating system in the United States. Ed Boon, one of the creators of Mortal Kombat, stated, "We never set out to create controversy. We just wanted to make a game that was different and would stand out in a crowded market."

Throughout the 90s, other influential fighting games like Fatal Fury (1991) and King of Fighters (1994) by SNK pushed the genre further, introducing more complex mechanics and expanding character rosters.

Today, the Fighting genre remains a vital part of the gaming landscape. Street Fighter 6 (2023) and Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) continue to dominate the scene, offering refined gameplay, extensive single-player content, and robust online modes. Guilty Gear Strive (2021) has also gained a dedicated following, blending traditional mechanics with modern graphics and innovative features. Indie titles like Pocket Bravery offer fresh takes on the genre while staying true to its roots.

Pocket Bravery

Conclusion

The 80s and 90s were transformative years in gaming, giving rise to genres that continue to influence the industry. Run and Gun, Beat 'em Up, and One-on-One Fighting Games have not only endured but have evolved, thanks to the creativity of developers and the passion of players. These genres have proven their timeless appeal, and their legacy is evident in the modern gaming landscape, where both nostalgia and innovation thrive side by side.