Blood Bros.

About

Blood Bros. is a 1991 arcade shooter built on the same formula as Tad Corporation’s earlier hit but with fresh trappings. Two playable characters, a cowboy and an Indian, battle through Western-themed stages to take down the villainous Big Bad John. The top-down action focuses on depleting an enemy gauge by destroying foes and destructible structures. Players wield automatic fire and a limited stock of dynamite to clear each screen, with collapsing buildings and a goofy victory stroll marking level clears. Boss encounters reset entirely on failure, adding tension to every encounter. The game stands out for its co-op multiplayer and quirky power-up system. Dynamite, special weapons, and points drop from destroyed objects or oddball characters like a running Indian chief or charging warthogs. A tin can dispensing rewards when shot midair adds chaotic fun. Though often overshadowed by its predecessor, Blood Bros. has a cult following. Community ratings reflect this: it holds a 4.2/5 on IGDB and 82% on MobyGames. A bootleg version called West Story also circulates, hinting at its regional popularity.