Streets of Rage 4: The Resurgence of a Beat ‘Em Up Legend
The newest game in the Streets of Rage franchise is Streets of Rage 4, developed by Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games, and published by Dotemu. Released in 2020, this title brought the beloved beat ’em up series roaring back to life after a hiatus of over 25 years, captivating both longtime fans and a new generation of players with its blend of classic gameplay, stunning visuals, and a pulse-pounding soundtrack.
A Modern Take on a Classic Formula
Streets of Rage 4 isn’t simply a remake or a rehash of old ideas. Instead, it meticulously builds upon the foundation laid by the original trilogy, introducing new mechanics, characters, and a compelling storyline that continues the saga of Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter. The game’s hand-drawn art style is a major departure from its pixelated predecessors, offering a vibrant and detailed world that feels both modern and respectful of the series’ roots. The gameplay is tightened and refined, adding new combos, special moves, and cooperative elements that enhance the overall experience. This makes Streets of Rage 4 a worthy successor and a standout title in the modern beat ’em up landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Streets of Rage 4 a remake of the original games?
No, Streets of Rage 4 is not a remake. It is a direct sequel to the original trilogy, continuing the storyline and featuring returning characters while introducing new elements to the franchise. It builds upon the established lore and gameplay mechanics, rather than completely reimagining the existing games.
How many Streets of Rage games are there in total?
Including Streets of Rage 4, there are four main games in the series. The original trilogy was released between 1991 and 1994 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, and Streets of Rage 4 was released in 2020.
What are the key new features in Streets of Rage 4?
Streets of Rage 4 introduces several key features, including:
- Hand-Drawn Visuals: A completely new art style that replaces the pixelated graphics of the original games with beautifully animated hand-drawn visuals.
- New Characters: Introduces new playable characters like Cherry Hunter (Adam’s daughter) and Floyd Iraia, alongside returning favorites.
- New Combat Mechanics: Expanded combo system, special moves, and star moves that add depth to the combat.
- Cooperative Gameplay Enhancements: Strengthened cooperative gameplay with moves designed to encourage teamwork.
- God-Tier Soundtrack: A brand new soundtrack featuring contributions from renowned composers such as Yuzo Koshiro (original Streets of Rage composer), Olivier Derivière, and more.
What is the story of Streets of Rage 4?
Streets of Rage 4 takes place ten years after the events of Streets of Rage 3. Wood Oak City is once again plagued by crime, this time orchestrated by the Y Syndicate, led by the twin children of Mr. X. Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter reunite to combat the new threat, joined by newcomers Cherry Hunter and Floyd Iraia.
Is Streets of Rage 4 a good game?
Yes, Streets of Rage 4 has received widespread critical acclaim. It is praised for its faithful recreation of the classic beat ’em up experience, its stunning visuals, its engaging gameplay mechanics, and its exceptional soundtrack. Many critics and fans consider it a worthy successor to the original trilogy and a standout title in the genre.
Is Streets of Rage 4 suitable for children?
While Streets of Rage 4 features cartoonish violence, it is generally considered to be PG-13. The game involves punching, kicking, and using weapons like bats and knives against enemies. Parents should consider the level of violence and thematic elements before allowing younger children to play.
How does Streets of Rage 4 compare to Streets of Rage 2?
Many fans consider Streets of Rage 2 to be the pinnacle of the original trilogy. Streets of Rage 4 brings modern gaming conveniences and new mechanics to the table, but the nostalgia and classic gameplay of Streets of Rage 2 still hold a special place in many gamers’ hearts. Some prefer the tighter, more focused gameplay of Streets of Rage 2, while others appreciate the expanded features and visual upgrade of Streets of Rage 4.
Why was Ash removed from the Western versions of Streets of Rage 3?
Ash, a mini-boss in the Japanese version of Streets of Rage 3, was removed from the Western versions due to concerns about his stereotypical portrayal. He was considered to be an offensive representation of a gay man, leading to his exclusion from the international releases.
What happened with the story in the Western versions of Streets of Rage 3?
The Western versions of Streets of Rage 3 were heavily altered compared to the Japanese version. The story was completely changed, many cutscenes were removed, and the difficulty was significantly increased. As of Streets of Rage 4, the Japanese version of the story is considered the canon version.
What is the difference between Streets of Rage 4 and the Anniversary Edition?
The Streets of Rage 4 Anniversary Edition includes the base game along with the Mr. X Nightmare DLC, which adds:
- New Survival Mode: A challenging mode with weekly challenges.
- Character Customization: Allows players to build their own fighting style and unlock new moves.
- New Playable Characters: Shiva, Max, and Estel.
- New Weapons and Enemies: Additional content to expand the game.
Is there DLC available for Streets of Rage 4?
Yes, the primary DLC for Streets of Rage 4 is the “Mr. X Nightmare” DLC, which adds the survival mode, character customization, new characters, and other features. This content significantly expands the game and provides additional replayability.
Which is better: Streets of Rage or Final Fight?
Both Streets of Rage and Final Fight are classic beat ’em up franchises, and the preference between them often comes down to personal taste. Final Fight is known for its detailed character sprites and urban setting, while Streets of Rage is praised for its smoother gameplay, iconic soundtrack, and more diverse cast of characters. Ultimately, both series have made significant contributions to the genre.
Is Streets of Rage 4 available on PS5?
Yes, Streets of Rage 4 is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility. While some features may be absent compared to the PS4 version, the core gameplay experience remains the same.
Who is the main villain in the Streets of Rage series?
The main villain in the Streets of Rage series is Mr. X, the mastermind behind the criminal syndicate that plagues Wood Oak City. He appears as the primary antagonist in the original trilogy and his legacy continues to impact the events of Streets of Rage 4.
Are there unlockable characters in Streets of Rage 4?
Yes, the Mr. X Nightmare DLC adds Shiva, Max, and Estel as playable characters. The original trilogy featured other hidden characters like Roo in Streets of Rage 3. Each unlockable character brings unique abilities and playstyles to the game.
The Enduring Legacy of Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage 4 successfully revived a beloved franchise, demonstrating that classic gameplay can thrive in the modern gaming landscape. With its engaging story, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay, Streets of Rage 4 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the beat ’em up genre. The game’s success is a tribute to the hard work of the developers and to the loyal fanbase that eagerly awaited its return.
The lessons learned from games like Streets of Rage extend beyond mere entertainment, offering valuable insights into areas such as game design and storytelling. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) are dedicated to exploring the educational and social impact of games, recognizing their potential to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning.