The TakeOver

The TakeOver gets its inspiration from the grandmaster Streets of Rage and does this well. The fighting is smooth and there are a lot of options to make combos. Next to that, the game has a few original features like guns that add to the variation. Despite the lack of an online co-op mode, this is a game you simply have to play. It is almost unbelievable all this came from the brain of one man!

Surprisingly competent sidescrolling brawler with impressive strike feedback and top-notch controls – if you liked Streets of Rage 4, this one is definitely for you.

If you’re a fan of side-scrolling beat ’em ups then look no further than The Takeover.

The TakeOver is a wonderful time. It’s not overly long and its unique mechanics help it stand out against other brawlers on Switch like River City Girls and Streets of Rage 4. If you’re looking for a great homage to the ’90s that incorporates modern enhancements, this game will meet your expectations and then some.

Beat ‘em up fans can rejoice again. The TakeOver is a great example of how to bring back an old-school genre, keeping that arcade vibe and solid gameplay.

The obvious question when reviewing The TakeOver is how it compares to Streets of Rage 4, and we're pleased to report that it's just as worthy of your time as money, even if it lacks online play and some of the extra polish that DotEmu, Lizardcube and Guard Crush Games' title possesses. Some players will no doubt take issue with the CG-style sprites, but every other aspect of this package feels spot-on and we especially appreciate the two bonus stages, which feel like love letters to other Sega classics. The TakeOver offers an engaging and addictive alternative to Streets of Rage 4, and any self-respecting fan of the side-scrolling fighting genre shouldn't hesitate to pick up both.

Despite its issues, if you’ve had your fill of Streets of Rage 4 and are after another side-scrolling beat ’em up to play, you should definitely consider adding The TakeOver to your collection. Though it does eventually lose some of its shine, its combat system offers more depth than most in the genre, and the package as a whole has some genuinely nice ideas. The fact that it looks so good and has a great soundtrack is just icing on the cake.

The TakeOver offers classic beat 'em up action that you can enjoy with a pal yet it doesn't do much unique with its gameplay.

The TakeOver is a good beat em’ up. It doesn’t evolve and expand the genre, and that’s where a feel of disappointment stems. It’s entertaining, the soundtrack is spectacular, the visuals are serviceable, and the campaign is engaging enough to keep you invested for its duration. The lack of online leaderboards and online co-op is disappointing, as the omissions limit the value proposition of the title. If you are looking to experience another beat em’ up on the Nintendo Switch, then The TakeOver is something you should play, but you may feel a bit unsatisfied by what the package offers.

The TakeOver has next to nothing special about it. Aside from its stellar soundtrack, everything else about the game screams “mediocre:” its gameplay, its art style, its modes… nothing about it stands out. While it isn’t necessarily bad, it has the makings of a game that will be completely forgotten about in a few days. Unless you are simply dying to play another beat em’ up on the Switch, The TakeOver probably isn’t worth your time.