5 Best Games Like Marc Ecko’s Getting Up

Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was a beat 'em up game that never really pulled the same amount of traffic as its rivals. Although slightly reminiscent of its rivals, the graffiti-based entry did provide a well-needed fresh lick of paint to a tired old formula—no pun intended. But in spite of its relatively small but loyal fan base, the game itself never received a sequel, or even so much as an updated port.

Of course, it's been over 15 years since Atari dropped the Eckō chapter, meaning our hopes of ever seeing a reboot are pretty much running on fumes these days. Therefore, to help bridge the gaps and fill the void in our hearts, we're having to resort to alternatives, if only to help alleviate the pain as we continue to nudge Atari for an update. And if you, like us, are longing for a reboot, then be sure to settle for these to help pass the time.

5. Concrete Genie

Granted, Concrete Genie won't have you beating up street thugs for spare cans of paint. But it will, however, get you to unlock your wildest imagination as you paint the underbelly of natural disaster in a fresh coat of neon textures. Meanwhile, you will have to use stealth to dodge a gang of bullies who only wish to harm you, as well as undo your progress.

Although not a direct rip-off of Marc Eckō's Getting Up, Concrete Genie does feature its fair share of familiar references, as well as the same goal of wanting to revamp a dying city through the power of paint. The only difference here, of course, is that Marc Eckō favours classic graffiti, whereas Concrete Genie opts for a magical paintbrush that holds the power to bring its creations to life. Both, however, are well worth playing, no matter your genre preference.

4. Def Jam: Icon

Dropping the graffiti element for a moment, Def Jam: Icon is, arguably, the closest thing you'll get to Marc Eckō‘s beat 'em up style. Both feature the nitty-gritty playground settings that employ unorthodox weaponry, and both rosters feature the signature street brawlers for protagonists. The major difference is, one wants you to be a rebel with a paintbrush, and the other wants you to be a first-class music producer.

Of course, you could play any Def Jam game and still have a slight burst of déjà vu. Though, from an artistic point of view, the two are worlds apart, and in no way, shape or form, on the same page. But if you're after a beat 'em up game that builds itself up from the streets, then Def Jam: Icon is definitely a good bet.

3. Kingspray Graffiti VR

For those genuinely interested in the world surrounding street art, Kingspray Graffiti VR is, more or less, the go-to virtual reality component that has all the tools to give you a fully comprehensive run-down. And with thanks to the power of VR, you too can get behind the mask and conjure a creation fit enough to share the brick wall.

At heart, Kingspray Graffiti VR is a multiplayer game, with a four-player mode that allows for you and your friends to paint stunning murals all over the globe. But if you're only interested in bombing a single wall with a wide range of caps, then you can do just that, without the risk of freezing the creative waterfall running through your core. Although you won't be able to do a Marc Eckō and thrash someone's head in with a baseball bat—you will be able to make incredible art. And when all's said and done, that's really what this is about.

2. Jet Set Radio

If you're happy to drop the realistic tone for a second, then Jet Set Radio is definitely worth spending some time with. Though, being a game that came out back in 2000, it has unfortunately slipped quite the number of beats, as it was, of course, originally developed for the Dreamcast.

Having said that, there are plenty of reasons to step back into the inline skates of the unruly GGs gang. And as far as graffiti-based games go, it really does hit the nail on the head. As well as having to dodge the authorities, zip around from one suburb to the next, and tag the city's most prominent landmarks, Jet Set Radio is, in short, an incredibly fun game to sink into. Plus, with a remake being available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it is, if only slightly, more accessible.

1. Infamous: Second Son

Infamous: Second Son certainly has the same bite as Marc Eckō's Getting Up, in the fact that both cast their protagonists as rebellious street artists with a motive for dismantling the powers that be. The major difference here, of course, is that Second Son's lead, Delsin Rowe, becomes a subject to a life-changing experience, in which he develops supernatural abilities.

The fact is, besides the shift in genre, Infamous: Second Son certainly does tick a few familiar boxes. Although generations apart, the open-world game does often show its early influences, few of which round back to Marc Eckō's Getting Up. And so, for that, we will proudly staple the PlayStation exclusive near the pinnacle of this list.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five Marc Eckō's Getting Up alternatives? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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