The beat them up style is a videogame style which usually opposes one or two players to an important number of enemies. The main goal is to kill the most enemies in a minimum time to win the greatest number of points. The biggest difference with fighting games comes from the fact that there are more enemies when a combat game will often offer only duals.

Very relaxing, this game style leans on repetition and timing but also difficulties rising gradually.
As opposed the "shoot them up" which base are machines, the beat them up focuses on humanoid characters. The player like his opponent has a life bar which decrease when a shot is given. Attacks and defence possibilities are less numerous than in combat games.

A button is usually dedicated to a special attack which lowers the player's energy while executed.
The style appeared during the 80s but will have to wait its 3D generation to propose real games with however, innovating points such as a charismatic player able to beat all his enemies, varied monsters and new techniques.