Streets of Rage 4: Unlocking the Full Roster – A Comprehensive Guide

Streets of Rage 4, the long-awaited continuation of the classic beat ’em up series, delivers a satisfying punch to the nostalgia bone while adding fresh mechanics and a vibrant art style. A significant part of its appeal lies in its diverse and expansive roster of playable characters. The answer to how many unlockable characters there are in Streets of Rage 4 can be approached two ways. Initially, the game featured 12 unlockable retro characters. However, with the addition of the Mr. X Nightmare DLC, a character, Roo, that was once a secret that permanently unlocked with completing a level was added to that list. This brings the total unlockable characters to 13. In total, Streets of Rage 4 boasts an impressive 21 playable characters, blending the new with the old in a beat-’em-up extravaganza. This guide will break down how to unlock them, who they are, and what they bring to the table.

Unlocking the Retro Brawlers: A Point-Based Odyssey

The core mechanic for unlocking the retro characters in Streets of Rage 4 revolves around accumulating points as you play through the game. At the end of each stage, you’re awarded a score based on factors like your combo skills, the difficulty you selected, whether or not you used any continues and your overall efficiency. These points are then added to your cumulative total.

As your total score climbs, you’ll hit specific thresholds that trigger the unlocking of a new retro character. This system encourages replayability and mastering the game’s mechanics. The higher your score, the faster you’ll unlock the entire retro cast. It’s not just about brute force; skillful play and understanding the scoring system are key. Here’s how it breaks down. Simply put, to permanently unlock Roo, you must stack those stars for the first boss and floor her with your clown army.

Strategies for Fast Unlocks

While simply playing the game will eventually unlock all characters, some strategies can expedite the process:

• Higher Difficulty: Playing on harder difficulties significantly boosts your score multiplier. While initially challenging, mastering these modes is the quickest way to rack up points.
• Combo Mastery: Maintaining long combos is crucial. Learn enemy attack patterns and use your special moves strategically to keep your combo meter running.
• Perfect Clears: Completing stages without using continues grants a substantial score bonus.
• Co-op Play: Playing with friends can lead to higher scores due to coordinated attacks and combo opportunities. However, be mindful of the added chaos!

The Complete Streets of Rage 4 Roster

To fully grasp the scope of unlockable content, it’s important to know the full roster of playable characters in Streets of Rage 4:

• Returning Characters: Axel Stone (SOR4, SOR1, SOR2, SOR3), Blaze Fielding (SOR4, SOR1, SOR2, SOR3), Adam Hunter (SOR4, SOR1), Skate Hunter (SOR3), Max Thunder (SOR4)
• New Characters: Cherry Hunter, Floyd Iraia, Estel Aguirre, Shiva (SOR4)
• Retro Characters: Axel (SOR1), Axel (SOR2), Axel (SOR3), Blaze (SOR1), Blaze (SOR2), Blaze (SOR3), Adam (SOR1), Skate (SOR3), Max (SOR2), Shiva (SOR4), Roo (SOR3)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding character unlocks and the Streets of Rage 4 roster:

1. How many characters are in the base game of Streets of Rage 4 without DLC? The base game initially features 17 playable characters, including the starting roster and the initial retro unlocks. This number increased when Roo was added to the retro unlocks.
2. Is the Mr. X Nightmare DLC required to unlock all characters? While not required to unlock the initial retro characters, the Mr. X Nightmare DLC adds Roo, Shiva, Estel and Max Thunder to the playable roster.
3. What is the fastest way to earn points in Streets of Rage 4? Playing on Mania difficulty, maintaining high combos, and avoiding continues are the most efficient ways to earn points quickly. Focus on learning enemy patterns and mastering your character’s special moves.
4. Do different characters have different point multipliers? No, the point system is consistent across all characters. The only factors affecting your score are difficulty, performance, and whether you use continues.
5. Can I unlock characters in co-op mode? Yes, you can unlock characters in both local and online co-op modes. The points earned are shared among all players.
6. Are there any secret or hidden characters beyond the point-based unlocks? Yes, Roo is available through a game easter egg.
7. Does using assists or special moves affect my score? Using special moves is essential for maintaining combos and clearing difficult sections, ultimately leading to a higher score. Assists do not directly affect your score, but strategically using them can help you avoid damage and maintain your combo.
8. What happens if I use a continue? Using a continue significantly reduces your end-stage score, hindering your progress towards unlocking characters. Try to avoid using continues whenever possible.
9. Can I track my progress towards unlocking a specific character? No, the game doesn’t provide a specific progress bar for each character. You’ll have to estimate based on your total score and the known unlock thresholds.
10. What are the main differences between the retro character variants? The retro characters have different movesets, stats, and visual styles based on their appearances in previous Streets of Rage games. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as each character has unique strengths and weaknesses.
11. Is it possible to unlock all characters without playing online? Yes, all characters can be unlocked by playing the game solo. Online co-op is simply an alternative method for earning points faster.
12. Why was Ash removed from the Streets of Rage series? Ash, a mini-boss from the Japanese version of Streets of Rage 3, was removed from the Western releases due to concerns about his portrayal reinforcing negative stereotypes.
13. Is Streets of Rage 4 suitable for children? While the game features cartoonish violence, it’s generally considered PG-13. Parents should consider the stylized combat and mature themes before allowing younger children to play.
14. What makes Streets of Rage 4 replayable? Streets of Rage 4 offers high replay value due to its diverse roster, challenging gameplay, and multiple difficulty levels. The scoring system encourages players to improve their skills and experiment with different strategies.
15. Where can I learn more about the history and development of the Streets of Rage series? Resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer academic perspectives on game design and cultural impact. You can also find in-depth articles and documentaries online.

By understanding the unlocking mechanics, mastering the gameplay, and exploring the diverse roster, you can fully enjoy the complete Streets of Rage 4 experience. Happy brawling!