Fight N Rage was my favorite beat'em up before Streets of Rage 4 released, made by mexicans I think, very stylish and manga influenced, tons of juggling and branching paths.
Valdis Story was the hollow knight of it's generation, awesome metroidvania with great bosses and combat with good combos, but it didn't get tiresome like castlevania mirror of fate because regular enemies weren't health sponges, bosses were where you let loose.