Where to get it

2019 · Action · Arcade

The TakeOver

Timed Nintendo exclusive

The Takeover is a side-scrolling beat'em up inspired by 90's classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Battle solo or alongside a friend in local co-op while listening to awesome tunes from Little V Mills, Richie Branson, James Ronald and industry legend Yuzo Koshiro!

Released: 9 November 2019
Platforms: Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4 Windows
Genres: Action Arcade Beat 'em up Casual Fighting Indie
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Modes: Co-op Single-player
Perspective: Side view
Themes: Action
Age ratings: PEGI 16 CERO C ESRB T
Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish (Spain)
Time to beat: 2.5hmain story5hcompletionist

About

The TakeOver is an indie beat 'em up video game developed by Greek developer Pelikan13 (Antonis Pelekanos) and published by Dangen Entertainment. It was released for Windows and MacOS on February 2, 2016 in early access, seeing a full release on November 10, 2019. It was subsequently released for Nintendo Switch on June 4, 2020 and PlayStation 4 on May 20, 2021. The game is a clone of the Streets of Rage series that uses similar gameplay and graphical style, also featuring some music by that series' composer, Yuzo Koshiro. The game received mixed reviews, with some critics bemoaning the writing quality and lack of gameplay polish or online multiplayer, though they agreed it was a worthwhile homage.

A sequel, Takeover 2, is in development and scheduled to be released in September 2026.

›Story

The gameplay is designed around a new combo system that allows you to link together punches and kicks. Quickly put enemies in to the ground, keep them stunned or launch them in to the air and continue to juggle! Maintaining a combo will fill your Super meter faster and allow you to unleash a devastating attack. You can also find and use weapons such as crowbars, swords and machine guns scattered around the levels.

Last but not least, each character is equipped with a unique sidearm but ammunition is scarce so use it wisely! The game is easy to get in to but not easy to master.

Players say

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The TakeOver is a side-scrolling game with a story told via comic-book-style cutscenes. The game involves pressing X to win. The game also features minigames such as vehicle driving and jet piloting in a manner resembling After Burner: Climax.

Development

As Greek artist and developer Antonis Pelekanos withdrew from his work on The '90s Arcade Racer, he showcased his first demo for The TakeOver, a beat 'em up heavily inspired by Streets of Rage. Youtuber Matt Kowalewski offered feedback on Steam and began corresponding with Pelekanos. Matt Kowalewski would eventually be offered a contributory role as a writer and producer on the project, which he accepted. After Pelekanos completed the brunt of his work on the game, Matt Kowalewski wrote and produced the cut scenes, hiring both artists and voice talent, including Kira Buckland, Marc Swint and Curtis Arnott.

Reception

DamienMcFerran of Nintendo Life rated the game positively, saying it was "worth the time and money" compared to Streets of Rage 4. He cited the game's character sprites and lack of online play as downsides, but praised the soundtrack and Yuzo Koshiro's contribution. Matthias Schmid of 4Players also rated it positively, calling it "surprisingly competent". The game was reviewed by Gameplay magazine in 2019.