The Master System version of Streets Of Rage is another respectable transition of a Genesis classic, with both improved gameplay and visuals over it's Game Gear counterpart.
One of the main problems with the Game Gear version with the hit detection, perhaps to accommodate the smaller screen, it was far more lenient allowing hits to register a foot or two away. Likewise, the passive enemies were ripe for exploiting a spammage of supplex, encouraging the player to ignore punching or kicking altogether.
Here, enemies are responsive, countering the player. It's much more difficult to activate a supplex and punches register with contact. It still has the problem of abusing the flying kick attack, but largely this is a marked improvement.
Aside from this, the powerup (i.e. call a police car) is a chosen activation (Start + attack) rather than a trigger via pickup. As with the Genesis, choosing the opportune moment adds a layer of thought to mayhem.
The visuals are crisper, and the camera slightly pulled out. While no Genesis level visuals, it's cartoony style still looks visually appealing for a 8 bit game, superior to NES titles (e.g. Batman 1989).
Audio as well is pleasant, though lacking the Yuzo Koshiro's punchy beats from the Genesis that helped define the series.
Though enemies are largely the same, levels differ and like the Game Gear are cut down, this version has a unique boss and only 2 enemies appear. It's also only 1 player. The Game Gear version has the advantage of two players, but oddly omits Adam as a character (teh racisms).
Streets Of Rage is a great game, and this version, rather than being shameful, is a good demonstration of what the Master System was capable of. Similar 8 bit games of it's ilk, even that on the same system such as Double Dragon do not touch Streets Of Rage's presentation.
