Streets of Rage 4 is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game developed by Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games. Released 26 years after Streets of Rage 3, it brings the classic series back to life with modern touches while keeping the core gameplay intact. If you grew up with the original games in the series, this new entry will feel like a trip down memory lane, but with a fresh coat of paint.
With crisp hand-drawn visuals and a soundtrack that mixes classic beats with new tunes, Streets of Rage 4 stands out in today’s gaming landscape. Whether you’re playing by yourself or with friends, there’s plenty of action and challenge waiting. Let’s dive into what makes Streets of Rage 4 worth checking out.
The Fight for a Corrupt City
The story in Streets of Rage 4 picks up ten years after the events of the last game. The evil Mr. X is gone, but his children, the Y Twins, have taken over. They’re using their influence to corrupt the city through mind control. Once again, it’s up to Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and some new allies to bring peace back to the streets.
The story itself isn’t too deep, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s really just a way to push you into non-stop action. As you move through each stage, you’re battling thugs, street gangs, and bosses, all while unraveling the twins’ plan. The villains and characters may seem over the top, but they fit the overall style of the game, which has always embraced that arcade feel.
Cherry Hunter, the daughter of Adam from the original game, and Floyd Iraia, a powerhouse with robotic arms, join the fight. Their inclusion adds more variety, making the team feel balanced. The game keeps the story simple but throws in just enough twists to keep you interested. While you won’t play this game for its story, it does a good job of sticking to its roots while adding a bit of freshness.
Combos, Specials, and Teamwork
The core of Streets of Rage 4’s gameplay stays true to its roots. And, is what makes it so addicting. It’s a side-scrolling beat ‘em up where you take down waves of enemies. Each character has their own set of moves, and knowing when to attack, defend, or use special abilities is key to survival.
You can choose from several characters, each with their own strengths. Axel and Blaze offer balanced fighting styles, while Cherry is quick and nimble. Floyd, on the other hand, is slow but packs a heavy punch. Each character feels different, so you can find the one that fits your style. My personal favourite is Cherry. Her speed and mobility allow you quickly move around enemies and avoid getting hit. And, her quick combos and ability to dash make her effective at keeping the pressure on opponents while staying out of danger.
The game’s combat is smooth and responsive, letting you string together combos and special attacks with ease. It’s simple enough for newcomers, but there’s plenty of depth for veterans who want to master each character. Multiplayer adds a whole new layer of fun. You can team up with friends locally or online to tackle the stages together. Working as a team adds more strategy, as you can plan attacks and help each other out when things get tough. There’s also a versus mode where you can face off against each other for bragging rights.
Whether you play solo or with others, Streets of Rage 4’s gameplay keeps you coming back for more. It mixes the classic feel of the originals with enough new tricks to make it worth your time.
Mr. Nightmare DLC
Since Streets of Rage 4 first launched, a Mr. X Nightmare DLC has been released. It adds exciting new content to the game and significantly expands it. You can now play as new characters like Max Thunder, each with unique abilities. The DLC also includes a survival mode where you face endless waves of enemies. With new stages and challenges, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Hand-Drawn Visuals and Nostalgic Beats
Streets of Rage 4 looks absolutely beautiful. Its hand-drawn art style stands out and the characters and backgrounds are clean and detailed. It gives the game a fresh, modern look without losing its classic Streets of Rage feel. Every stage has its own theme, from city streets to hidden labs, and the designs are easy to appreciate as you fight your way through.
The animation is smooth, making every punch, kick, and combo feel satisfying. Whether you’re throwing enemies or using special attacks, the graphics keep things exciting. Even though the game has a retro inspiration, the crisp animations make it clear this is a modern update.
The soundtrack is another strong point. It mixes tracks from the old games with new tunes, offering a mix of electronic beats and catchy melodies that I love. The music fits the mood of each stage and keeps the action going. If you are a fan of the original Streets of Rage games on the Sega Genesis, you’ll recognize some familiar sounds, but even newcomers will find the music catchy and enjoyable.
Overall, Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games did a great job in striking a balance between old and new. The updated graphics and sound feel fresh but stay true to the series’ roots.
Streets of Rage 4 Is a Worthy Addition to the Series That Is a Must-Play
Streets of Rage 4 is a solid return to form for fans of the classic beat ‘em up genre. It stays true to its roots while adding just enough modern touches to feel fresh and new. The hand-drawn visuals are clean, and the music hits all the right notes, blending old and new sounds seamlessly.
The gameplay is easy to pick up but offers enough depth for those who want a challenge. Whether you play by yourself or team up with friends, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The different characters bring variety to the combat, with each one offering a unique fighting style.
While the story is simple and straightforward, it fits the action-focused style of the game and gives you a good excuse to fight. The combination of satisfying combat, great presentation, and solid multiplayer options, in my opinion, makes Streets of Rage 4 a worthy addition to the series.
If you’re a longtime fan, this game will feel like a true revival of the classics. If you’re new to the series, it’s a great entry point into one of the most iconic beat ‘em ups of all time.
Streets of Rage 4
Summary
Streets of Rage 4 brings the classic beat ’em up series back with modern graphics and gameplay. You must fight to save the city from going corrupt. The game features smooth combat, a variety of characters, and enjoyable multiplayer options. With its beautiful hand-drawn visuals and a catchy soundtrack, Streets of Rage 4 is a great mix of nostalgia and fresh excitement.
As always, remember to follow us on our social media (e.g., Threads, X (Twitter), YouTube and Facebook) to keep up with the latest news.
