Are you a fan of classic beat ’em up games? Are you looking for a new game to add to your collection? Then you might be wondering, “Should I buy Streets of Rage 4?” This fourth installment in the popular series brings back the fast-paced, side-scrolling action that fans know and love, but is it worth the purchase? In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the game’s features, gameplay, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get ready to fight our way through the streets and find out if Streets of Rage 4 is worth adding to your gaming library.
Game Overview
Introduction to Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage 4 is the latest installment in the classic beat ’em up video game series. Developed by Sega and published by D3 Publisher, the game was released on April 20, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game features the return of the original character, Axel Stone, and introduces two new playable characters, Blaze Fielding and Adam Hunter.
The game’s story takes place ten years after the events of Streets of Rage 3, with the city of Wood Oak being controlled by a new criminal organization known as “The Syndicate”. The city’s police force is powerless to stop the organization’s violence and corruption, so it’s up to the three playable characters to take on The Syndicate and restore peace to the city.
In terms of gameplay, Streets of Rage 4 is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that features three playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and special moves. The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing two players to play together locally. The game also features a robust combat system, with a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves that can be chained together to create devastating combos.
The game’s visuals are also a standout feature, with a bright and colorful art style that brings the characters and environments to life. The game’s soundtrack is also worth mentioning, featuring a mix of new and old music from the series’ history.
Overall, Streets of Rage 4 is a solid addition to the beat ’em up genre, with engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and gorgeous visuals. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just a fan of classic beat ’em up games, Streets of Rage 4 is definitely worth a look.
Storyline and Characters
Streets of Rage 4, developed by Axel Glindeborg and published by AM7, is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that follows the story of former police officer, Adam Hunter, as he takes on the syndicate that has taken over the city. The game features three playable characters, each with their unique fighting styles and abilities.
The storyline of the game is engaging and well-paced, with a clear goal in mind from the start. The characters are well-developed and their individual personalities shine through in their fighting styles and interactions with each other.
Adam Hunter, the protagonist, is a former police officer who is out for revenge against the syndicate that killed his wife and child. He is a well-rounded character with a mix of both melee and ranged attacks, making him a versatile fighter.
The other two playable characters, Blaze and Dr. Zan, each have their own unique fighting styles. Blaze is a wrestler with a focus on grappling and throws, while Dr. Zan is a scientist who uses his knowledge of chemistry to create powerful weapons.
Overall, the storyline and characters in Streets of Rage 4 are well-developed and add depth to the gameplay experience. The story is engaging and keeps players motivated to progress through the game, while the three playable characters offer a variety of gameplay styles for players to enjoy.
Gameplay Mechanics
Streets of Rage 4, developed by Axel Glishczuk and published by AM7 Studios, is a beat ’em up game that offers an immersive and engaging gaming experience. The game features classic side-scrolling gameplay mechanics with a modern twist. Players can control any of the three playable characters: Axel, Blaze, or Floyd, each with their unique fighting styles and special moves.
Classic Side-Scrolling Gameplay
The game’s classic side-scrolling gameplay mechanics take players on a thrilling journey through the streets of Wood Oak City. Players must navigate through various levels, each with its own set of challenges and enemies. The game’s side-scrolling nature adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the gameplay, as players must constantly be on the move and react quickly to changing situations.
Modern Twists
Despite its classic gameplay mechanics, Streets of Rage 4 offers several modern twists that set it apart from its predecessors. For example, the game features a revamped combat system that allows players to perform special moves and combos by pressing specific button combinations. Additionally, the game includes an online leaderboard system that allows players to compete against each other for high scores.
Upgrades and Power-ups
Throughout the game, players can collect power-ups and upgrades that enhance their characters’ abilities. These upgrades include health upgrades, weapon upgrades, and even character upgrades that allow players to unlock new special moves and abilities. Collecting these upgrades is essential to progressing through the game and defeating tougher enemies.
In conclusion, the gameplay mechanics of Streets of Rage 4 are a perfect blend of classic side-scrolling gameplay and modern twists. The game’s engaging storyline, revamped combat system, and online leaderboard system make it a must-play for fans of the beat ’em up genre.
Graphics and Sound
Visuals and Art Style
An Homage to the Classics
- Streets of Rage 4 presents a nostalgic return to the classic beat ’em up genre, featuring hand-drawn characters and environments inspired by the original trilogy.
- The game’s visuals maintain a consistent art style throughout, ensuring that players can immerse themselves in the world of SOR4.
- This homage to the past is sure to delight fans of the series, providing a fresh take on the familiar settings and characters.
Detail and Attention to Detail
- Streets of Rage 4 showcases a level of detail and polish that sets it apart from other beat ’em up games.
- From the intricate animations of the characters to the carefully crafted backgrounds, every aspect of the game has been meticulously designed to provide an immersive experience.
- The game’s attention to detail is evident in every scene, making it a visual treat for players.
Modern Touches, Retro Charm
- Despite its classic roots, Streets of Rage 4 incorporates modern elements to enhance the gaming experience.
- The game’s use of color and lighting effects creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience, adding depth to the world and bringing it to life.
- The fusion of retro charm and modern technology makes Streets of Rage 4 a truly unique gaming experience.
In conclusion, the visuals and art style of Streets of Rage 4 are a testament to the game’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience. With a homage to the classics, attention to detail, and modern touches, the game is sure to impress players old and new.
Soundtrack and Sound Effects
Streets of Rage 4’s soundtrack and sound effects play a crucial role in enhancing the overall gaming experience. The game’s audio design is impressive, with a blend of old-school and modern elements that create a unique and immersive atmosphere.
The game’s soundtrack is composed of electronic and synthwave music, which perfectly captures the essence of the Streets of Rage series. The music is catchy and memorable, and it helps to set the tone for the game’s fast-paced action. Players will find themselves humming the game’s tunes even after they’ve finished playing.
Moreover, the sound effects in Streets of Rage 4 are top-notch. The game’s developers have done an excellent job of incorporating realistic sound effects that enhance the game’s visuals and create a more immersive experience. For instance, the sound of punches and kicks feels impactful, and the gunshots are realistic. Additionally, the game’s ambient sounds, such as the sounds of cars and people in the background, help to create a sense of atmosphere that makes the game world feel more alive.
Overall, the soundtrack and sound effects in Streets of Rage 4 are top-notch, and they significantly contribute to the game’s overall experience. The game’s audio design is impressive, and it sets a new standard for beat ’em up games. Players can expect to be fully immersed in the game’s world, thanks to the game’s excellent audio design.
Controls and User Interface
Control Scheme and Layout
When it comes to the controls and user interface of Streets of Rage 4, players can expect a seamless and intuitive experience. The game’s developers have carefully designed the control scheme and layout to ensure that players can easily navigate through the game without any issues.
One of the standout features of the game’s controls is the smooth and responsive controls. Players can move their characters with ease, and the game’s responsiveness ensures that there is no lag or delay between player input and character movement. This makes the gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable for players.
The control scheme and layout of the game is also well thought out. The game’s developers have ensured that all of the game’s controls are easily accessible, with players able to map the controls to their preference. This allows players to customize the controls to suit their playing style, making the game more comfortable and enjoyable to play.
In addition to this, the game’s user interface is also well designed. The game’s menus are easy to navigate, and the game’s visuals are clear and concise. This makes it easy for players to access the game’s settings and options, as well as to understand the game’s progress and status.
Overall, the controls and user interface of Streets of Rage 4 are well designed and intuitive. The smooth and responsive controls, along with the well thought out control scheme and layout, make the gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable for players. The game’s user interface is also well designed, making it easy for players to access the game’s settings and options, as well as to understand the game’s progress and status.
Customization Options
Graphical Settings
One of the standout features of Streets of Rage 4 is its impressive graphical customization options. Players can adjust the graphics quality to their liking, which can be particularly useful for those with lower-end systems. The game also includes a range of graphical filters that can give the game a retro look, making it feel like a nostalgic throwback to the classic beat ’em up era.
Control Customization
Streets of Rage 4 also offers a range of control customization options, allowing players to tailor the controls to their preferred playstyle. Players can remap the controls, allowing them to place buttons for special moves or character abilities where they are most comfortable. Additionally, the game includes an option to enable or disable motion controls, giving players the choice of how they want to control their character’s movements and actions.
Accessibility Options
The game also includes a range of accessibility options, making it more accessible to players with different needs. These options include colorblind modes, a high-contrast mode, and subtitles for cutscenes and dialogue. Additionally, the game includes an option to toggle off or on enemy health bars, making the game more accessible to players who may find them distracting or unnecessary.
Overall, the customization options in Streets of Rage 4 are extensive and provide players with a range of options to tailor the game to their preferences. Whether it’s adjusting the graphics quality, remapping controls, or enabling accessibility options, the game provides a level of customization that can make the experience more enjoyable for all players.
Replayability and Longevity
Replay Value
Streets of Rage 4, the latest installment in the classic beat ’em up series, boasts a wealth of content that keeps players engaged for hours on end. With its robust single-player campaign, cooperative multiplayer mode, and extensive customization options, there’s no shortage of reasons to return to the world of virtual brawling. In this section, we’ll explore the various factors that contribute to the game’s high replay value.
Multiple Playable Characters
One of the primary reasons players may choose to replay Streets of Rage 4 is to experience the game with different characters. Each of the three playable characters – Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter – brings their own unique playstyle and set of special moves to the table. For example, Axel is a more agile fighter with a focus on quick strikes and combos, while Blaze is a more powerful character with a selection of devastating special moves. Adam Hunter, the newcomer to the series, is a tech-savvy character who uses gadgets and high-tech weapons in battle.
Different Difficulty Settings
Another factor contributing to the game’s replay value is the variety of difficulty settings available. Players can choose from five different difficulty levels, ranging from “Easy” to “Nightmare,” allowing them to tailor the experience to their preferred level of challenge. Completing the game on higher difficulty settings unlocks additional content, such as new playable characters and bonus stages, further incentivizing multiple playthroughs.
Skill Trees and Character Progression
Streets of Rage 4 also features a robust character progression system, allowing players to upgrade their characters’ abilities and unlock new moves as they progress through the game. Each character has a skill tree with multiple branches, representing different offensive and defensive abilities. Players can earn in-game currency by defeating enemies and completing objectives, which can be spent to unlock new abilities and upgrade existing ones. This system encourages players to experiment with different playstyles and strategies, and to continue playing the game to further develop their chosen character.
Secret Locations and Hidden Content
Finally, Streets of Rage 4 contains a variety of secret locations and hidden content that can only be discovered through exploration and diligent searching. These secrets range from hidden collectibles, such as “Star Coins” and “Rage Boosters,” to secret areas and bonus stages. Uncovering these secrets adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game, and provides additional incentive for multiple playthroughs.
In conclusion, Streets of Rage 4 offers a wealth of content and replay value, thanks to its multiple playable characters, different difficulty settings, skill trees and character progression, and secret locations and hidden content. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of beat ’em up games, there’s plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more virtual brawling action.
Post-Game Content
Streets of Rage 4 offers an impressive array of post-game content that extends the life of the game significantly. The game’s development team, AM7, has ensured that there is a wealth of challenges and opportunities for players to continue their adventures after the main story has been completed.
Replayable Story Mode
One of the primary ways in which Streets of Rage 4 provides post-game content is through its replayable story mode. Players can choose to revisit the game’s story, making different choices and exploring different paths to uncover hidden secrets and unlock new abilities. With a diverse cast of characters and a gripping narrative, the game’s story is sure to keep players engaged for multiple playthroughs.
Survival Mode
In addition to the replayable story mode, Streets of Rage 4 features a challenging survival mode that puts players’ skills to the test. In this mode, players must fight their way through waves of enemies, with the ultimate goal of reaching the highest possible score. This mode offers a unique challenge for players, as they must strategize and manage their resources to survive as long as possible.
Boss Rush Mode
For players looking for an extra challenge, Streets of Rage 4 offers a boss rush mode. In this mode, players must face off against the game’s toughest bosses in rapid succession, with limited resources and no opportunity to heal between battles. This mode is a true test of a player’s mettle, as they must use all of their skills and knowledge to overcome the game’s toughest challenges.
New Game Plus
Finally, Streets of Rage 4 offers a new game plus mode, which allows players to carry over their progress from their first playthrough to a new game. This mode offers players the opportunity to upgrade their characters and unlock new abilities, making it a great way to experience the game’s story and gameplay in a fresh way.
Overall, Streets of Rage 4’s post-game content offers a significant amount of replayability and longevity, ensuring that players will be able to continue their adventures long after they have completed the main story. Whether players want to revisit the game’s story, test their skills in survival mode, or take on the game’s toughest challenges in boss rush mode, there is something for everyone in Streets of Rage 4’s post-game content.
Performance and Technical Aspects
System Requirements
In order to enjoy Streets of Rage 4 to its fullest, it is essential to consider the system requirements. These requirements ensure that the game runs smoothly and without any technical glitches or lags. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Streets of Rage 4:
Minimum System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7 (64-bit) or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2500 or AMD FX-8300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850
- Storage: 3 GB available space
Recommended System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580
It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the platform or store where the game is purchased. Additionally, it is advisable to check for any updates or patches to ensure the best possible gaming experience.
By meeting the recommended system requirements, players can enjoy Streets of Rage 4 without any interruptions or lag issues. The game’s smooth and seamless gameplay is a testament to the attention to detail given to the technical aspects.
In conclusion, while the minimum system requirements may allow for basic gameplay, it is highly recommended to meet the recommended system requirements for the best possible gaming experience. With the right hardware, players can fully immerse themselves in the world of Streets of Rage 4 and enjoy every second of the game.
Performance Analysis
When it comes to the performance of Streets of Rage 4, the game is definitely worth its weight in gold. The game’s developers, Am7on and DotEmu, have done an excellent job in ensuring that the game runs smoothly across different platforms. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and the performance is consistent across all platforms.
One of the standout features of Streets of Rage 4 is its smooth frame rate. The game runs at a solid 60 frames per second, which ensures that the gameplay is silky smooth and responsive. This is particularly important in a beat ’em up game like Streets of Rage 4, where timing and precision are crucial.
In addition to its smooth frame rate, Streets of Rage 4 also boasts impressive load times. The game’s load times are relatively short, which means that players can get straight into the action without having to wait around for long periods of time. This is especially important in a game that is as fast-paced and action-packed as Streets of Rage 4.
Another notable aspect of Streets of Rage 4’s performance is its visuals. The game’s graphics are top-notch, with crisp, clear visuals and smooth animations. The game’s characters are well-designed and animated, and the game’s environments are varied and detailed. Overall, the game’s visuals are a treat for the eyes and help to immerse players in the game’s world.
In terms of technical aspects, Streets of Rage 4 is also well-optimized. The game runs smoothly even on lower-end systems, and the developers have done a good job of balancing the game’s graphics and performance. This means that players can enjoy the game’s visuals without sacrificing performance.
Overall, Streets of Rage 4’s performance is impressive, with a smooth frame rate, short load times, and top-notch visuals. These factors combine to create an engaging and immersive gaming experience that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth gameplay: One of the standout features of Streets of Rage 4 is its smooth and seamless gameplay. The game runs smoothly on most systems, with minimal lag or slowdown, even during intense action sequences.
- High-quality graphics: The game’s graphics are top-notch, with detailed character models, environments, and special effects. The game’s art style is consistent and visually appealing, making it a joy to play.
- Good performance on both consoles and PC: Streets of Rage 4 performs well on both consoles and PC, with minimal differences in performance between the two platforms. This means that players can choose the platform that they prefer without worrying about a significant difference in gameplay.
Cons
- Occasional bugs and glitches: While the game is generally stable, there are occasional bugs and glitches that can occur. These are usually minor and do not affect the overall gameplay experience, but they can be frustrating nonetheless.
- Frame rate drops in some areas: There are a few areas in the game where the frame rate can drop, causing the game to feel a bit sluggish. These areas are few and far between, but they can be noticeable.
- No multiplayer mode: Unfortunately, Streets of Rage 4 does not have a multiplayer mode, which may be a disappointment for some players. This is a shame, as the game’s cooperative mode was a highlight of the previous games in the series.
Pros
Impressive visuals and soundtrack
Streets of Rage 4 boasts impressive visuals that enhance the overall gaming experience. The game’s characters, backgrounds, and environments are all meticulously designed, ensuring a visually stunning experience. The character models are detailed, with intricate animations that bring them to life. The game’s backgrounds are richly detailed, with vibrant colors and intricate textures that create an immersive atmosphere.
In addition to the visuals, the game’s soundtrack is equally impressive. The music is catchy and complements the fast-paced action of the game. The sound effects are also well-designed, with realistic gunshots, punches, and kicks that add to the overall immersion.
Engaging storyline and characters
Streets of Rage 4 has an engaging storyline that keeps players hooked from start to finish. The game’s story follows the protagonist, Blaze, as he attempts to take down the evil Syndicate and save his city. The game’s characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and backstories that make them relatable and engaging. The game’s dialogue is well-written, with witty banter and engaging conversations that add depth to the characters.
Smooth and responsive controls
The game’s controls are smooth and responsive, making it easy for players to control their characters and navigate through the game’s environments. The game’s mechanics are intuitive, with simple controls that allow players to execute moves and attacks with ease. The game’s camera angles are well-designed, providing players with a clear view of their surroundings and enemies.
Wide range of customization options
Streets of Rage 4 offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their characters and gameplay experience. Players can customize their characters’ appearance, weapons, and abilities, allowing them to create a unique character that suits their playstyle. The game also offers a range of difficulty levels, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Good replay value and post-game content
Streets of Rage 4 has good replay value, with multiple endings and hidden secrets that encourage players to replay the game. The game also offers post-game content, including challenges and bonus levels, that keep players engaged even after they have completed the main story. The game’s replay value and post-game content add value to the overall package, making it a worthwhile purchase for gamers looking for a game with long-term playability.
Cons
- Some minor technical issues on certain platforms:
- Frame rate drops in certain areas of the game
- Sound glitches on certain systems
- Some players may find the game too challenging:
- Difficulty level is high, even on normal setting
- Boss battles are particularly challenging
- Limited multiplayer options:
- Only local multiplayer available
- No online multiplayer or co-op mode
Final Verdict
- In terms of performance and technical aspects, Streets of Rage 4 delivers an impressive gaming experience.
- The game’s graphics are top-notch, with detailed character models, smooth animations, and beautifully designed environments.
- The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a catchy synthwave soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s retro-inspired aesthetic.
- The game’s controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to pull off the game’s many moves and combos.
- Overall, Streets of Rage 4 is a technically sound game that delivers a seamless gaming experience.
- Therefore, it is definitely worth the purchase for fans of the series and anyone looking for a fun and challenging beat ’em up game.
FAQs
1. What is Streets of Rage 4?
Streets of Rage 4 is a side-scrolling beat ’em up video game developed and published by Sega. It is the fourth installment in the Streets of Rage series and was released in April 2022. The game features cooperative multiplayer and a retro-inspired pixel art style.
2. What platforms is Streets of Rage 4 available on?
Streets of Rage 4 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
3. How is the gameplay in Streets of Rage 4?
The gameplay in Streets of Rage 4 is fast-paced and action-packed. Players control one of three characters: Axel, Blaze, or Floyd, each with their own unique fighting styles and special moves. The game features a variety of enemies and bosses, and players must fight their way through levels filled with punching, kicking, and weapons such as pipes and knives. The game also features cooperative multiplayer, allowing two players to team up and take on the game’s challenges together.
4. What is the story of Streets of Rage 4?
The story of Streets of Rage 4 takes place 10 years after the events of the previous game. The city of Wood Oak is in turmoil as a new crime syndicate, the Syndicate, has risen to power. Players take on the role of one of three characters: Axel, Blaze, or Floyd, as they fight their way through the city to take down the Syndicate and restore peace to the city.
5. Is Streets of Rage 4 worth the purchase?
Streets of Rage 4 has received positive reviews from critics and players alike. The game’s retro-inspired pixel art style, fast-paced gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer have all been praised. However, some players have noted that the game can be somewhat short and that the difficulty can be uneven at times. Ultimately, whether or not Streets of Rage 4 is worth the purchase will depend on the individual player’s preferences and expectations.