Dynamite Cop (Sega Dreamcast)

Also known as Dynamite Deka 2 in Japan.

The ‘beat ’em up’ has come a long way since the days of Vigilante, and in my opinion, Dynamite Cop on the Sega Dreamcast is one of the best examples of this genre available on modern technology.
Just like the shooter genre and the overhead shooters, beat ’em ups didn’t fare well in the 3D space and the genre as a whole had to adapt and evolve to survive. Instead of endless waves of thugs, we’ve fought whole armies in games like Dynasty Warriors, traveled to hell to defeat the undead in Dante’s Inferno and we’ve been subjected to darker toned, more serious gameworlds like Yakuza… Dynamite Cops wasn’t any of that. Upbeat, comical and everything I expected from a modern beat ’em up with such strong ties to the games that came before it.

The weapons are exciting and over the top including anti-aircraft missiles and lasers, the enemies are interesting to beat up and the story is a constant barrage of bad dialogue, break-neck plot twists and a vile scheme to take over the world. Dynamite Cop won’t keep you riveted to your seat, but it’s certainly a good laugh.

Two player mode adds a lot to the game, but you’ll also appreciate the branching paths, plethora of weapons, different characters, quick-time events and cut-scenes, this game is incredibly short (about half an hour) but it’s an absolute blast for a quick round.