The long-awaited sequel to the beloved Sega Genesis/Master Drive brawler series is finally here – Streets of Rage 4. This beat-em-up may seem simple at first glance, but don't be fooled, it's packed with clever tricks to help you and your team survive.
Storyline: Taking on the Y Syndicate
Ten years have passed since Mr. X and his Syndicate were defeated. The city appears to be at peace, but a new crime empire has emerged, corrupting everything good in the city. Mr. X's own children, the Y Twins, are said to be leading the charge.
The last remaining detectives, Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding, join forces with Cherry Hunter, the daughter of an old friend, and Floyd Iraia, an apprentice of the brilliant Dr. Zan. Together, they form a ragtag group of vigilantes, ready to take on the Y Syndicate in Streets of Rage 4.
Gameplay: Combo Your Way to Victory
In each stage, players move from left to right, defeating enemies along the way. Players can pick up healing items and firearms to aid in their battles. Each stage culminates in a boss fight, requiring players to strategize and overcome the challenges ahead.
Combos are the key to success in Streets of Rage 4. The more hits you land on enemies, the higher the danger level. Striving to deal massive damage or carefully timing your attacks to rack up a high combo count can result in incredible scores. Perfecting combos is crucial to achieving the coveted S Rank and the highest marks. Did you know that a combo of 100 exact equal hits can yield an outstanding score compared to, for example, four split strikes?
The game also introduces a reconfigured Special Attack system. After using a Special Attack, a green indicator appears on the health bar, indicating the amount of health lost. Additional hits inflicted by the player on enemies help regenerate health, depending on the damage dealt. However, if the player gets hit directly, the remaining green bar disappears, and health recovery effects vanish as well. The protagonists also have access to Aerial Special Attacks.
Download Streets of Rage 4
You can download Streets of Rage 4 directly from the Google Play Store for Android devices or from the App Store for iOS devices. Emulators can also be used for PC gameplay.
- Download Streets of Rage 4 on Android
- Download Streets of Rage 4 on iOS
- Download Streets of Rage 4 on PC
Tips and Tricks: Mastering Streets of Rage 4
Each character in the game has their own set of moves and can be personalized with loadouts before starting any specified level. You have your basic strikes, tosses, and counterattack moves, but each character also possesses special attacks that can be used in a pinch. Using special attacks consumes a portion of your own HP, but the real kicker is that you can recover that HP by landing regular strikes without getting hit.
Throughout the stages, you'll come across useful items like food to replenish HP and consumable weapons such as Molotov cocktails, knives, crowbars, and more. Each level concludes with a boss fight, often accompanied by waves of lackeys, so strategic placement and combinations are essential for success in Streets of Rage 4.
Pros and Cons: A Classic Revived
Streets of Rage 4 is an accurate recreation of retro arcade beat-'em-ups. It's simple and unchallenging, and while it does introduce some new skills and mechanics, it stays true to its nostalgic roots rather than striving for groundbreaking modern innovation.
The firearm catch movement is a fun addition to the combat, allowing you to bounce back any firearms thrown at you for a brief moment, giving you the upper hand. It requires rhythm to master, much like Gears of War's timed-button-press mechanic, but when executed correctly, it's immensely satisfying.
There are moments where things can feel a bit unfair due to factors beyond your control. There is also a segment where getting hit by a grenade throws you into the path of another explosion with no way to avoid it.
The soundtrack sets the mood perfectly, capturing the essence of the franchise's legendary beats. It showcases the biggest hits from the original series and plays even better with a friend. Overall, if the goal was to provide a classic Streets of Rage encounter with a modern twist, it succeeds brilliantly. However, despite the addition of new and enjoyable mechanics, it remains a conservative revision to a quarter-century-old layout that can sometimes feel trapped in the past.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Retro Gem
Although Streets of Rage 4 is still relatively new, it has quickly become one of the best smartphone games ever released. Its side-scrolling beat-'em-up action has been successfully adapted for casual gaming, and you can even plug in a controller for a break from touchscreen controls. Streets of Rage 4 offers a fast-paced and enjoyable experience that can be played on the go.
The graphics are impressive, and the game flows smoothly, ensuring a seamless experience once you start playing. Its beat-'em-up style may seem like a straightforward task, but mastering some cool tricks can help you and your team stay alive.
The classic protagonists fit perfectly into the battle loop, enhancing the nostalgia factor while the game incorporates fresh elements. If you're feeling a bit nostalgic, Tingting Reviews highly recommends giving Streets of Rage 4 a try.