Streets of Rage is 15 years old as I write this. Recently I was browsing through a second hand store and found the game. For only $3 it was a bargain - and I happily went home with my purchase - I was sure to have some happy gaming moments with this. This is a game that I played after school at the local Milk Bar - with the chips in the hot fat sizzling behind me - ahhh memories. But Streets of Rage is more than a trip down memory lane - it is a fantastic game in its own right - spawning 2 sequals, and sporting a soundtrack that was revolutionary for the time. Hailing from Yuzo Kashiro - who went on to do some of the most influential soundtracks of all time. There is a mix of techno and some hip hop, mixed to great effect and really drawing you in to the game. The game also featured a semi 3D engine - with an overhead camera angle, where your characters - 3 of whom you could choose, would walk along a left to right path, with the ability to move down to the bottom of the screen as well. The top of the screen was always cordoned off - via buildings or walls. This system works well - focusing on hard and fast action. Taking the cue from games like Double Dragon and Final Fight, Streets of Rage was Sega's first attempt at getting into 2D beat-em-up action gaming - and they have done extremely well. Starting without a story - because in this type of game, you dont need one - you are tasked with getting from the start to the end - and throughout the many baddies who are quick to hit. You are given a choice of 3 characters, each with different stats and attacks. You can choose between Adam - a strong but slow character, Blaze - who is a quick but weak fighter, or Axel, who is a mixture of the 2. Not only do you have all the normal punch and kick combos - you can also pick up some weapons, like baseball bats - and pipes. You can use these simply - as well as in combos. The game can get a little hectic, with enemies crowding around you. The level design - and even the gameplay itself is simplistic - as was the norm in 1990. However through it's simplicity is it's great playability. The game is just great fun to play - and it doesn't get bogged down by trying to be anything it isn't. Just left to right, fight and then beat the boss. Repeat - for the total 8 levels. However - this is a highly polished and highly playable game. For its time - it was revolutionary. In 2005 - it remains a classic. if you can find a copy of this, then I urge you to get it and enjoy all the nostalgia that goes with late 80's to early 90's gaming. Classicly playable.
Other Helpful Reviews for Bare Knuckle: Ikari no Tekken
Streets of Rage (GEN) Review By Andy Ryle (Ryle_Boy) Micro Review #2 ___________________________________________________________ Overview 16 years on, it's easy to look back upon classic games and ask "How did I e... Read Full Review
sega genesis was had a rich section of beat 'em ups but they were always behind the super nintendo.they'ver struggled as much as they could but,still they were no.2 in the 16-bit era... this is a good start of probably ... Read Full Review
