Harken back to my golden age of gaming, a time when the Sega Genesis and SuperNES were head to head in the console wars.  There was a game genre that sparked my love of co-op, one that seems to have all but disappeared.  From Altered Beast to Golden Axe, Streets of Rage to Double Dragon - the co-op beat em up games were the cream of the crop in co-op experiences.  The concept of these games was simple - partner up with a friend and punch, kick and attack everything in your path.  They were challenging, fun, and over the top; but once 3D games became popular they all but disappeared.

After having looked at some more recent fare in the past few weeks, Co-Op Classics will now focus its attention on the golden age of the arcade.  Back in 1991, the side scrolling brawler was the undisputed king of co-op.  TMNT: Turtles in Time, the Dungeons and Dragons series, and X-Men: The Arcade Game all came from this time period.  While reliving these old glory days with some friends via MAME, we stumbled upon a beat em up masterpiece: Vendetta.  I don't think I have played a more unintentionally funny game in my entire life!  After reading about it, I am sure you will agree.

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