Good old Streets of Rage. One of the games of the decade, or is that just because its Retro now?
The game is centered around a once peacful and tranquil city that has over time become the centre for violence and destruction. The reason for this is a 'secret' crime syndicate whose leader managed to buy out the local government and keep the Police quiet.
Three up and coming Police Officers known as Adam Hunter, Axel Stone & Blaze Fielding (I know, the parents must really hate them) tried to create a special attack unit. However with the Police to scared to make a stand against the mysterious leader of the crime syndicate the three quit the force and become vigilantes trying to stop the Crime Syndicates plot and restore peace to the city once again.
The game itself was just as senseless beat em up. There was nothing more to do but walk foward on this side scroller and defeat any of the enemies that walked in your path and as long as your health gauge wasnt empty you could carry on beating the hell out of your enemies.
This game was a one or two player, with one of Adam, Axel and Blaze available to play with. Along the way through the various different levels you have to fight to survive with a total of 3 continues if you are to lose all your health. At the end certain levels there is a boss to fight with a lot more health than a normal street fighter (As usual)
There was a few moves available to the game so it wasnt as boring as your usual generic moves associated with other Beat Em' Ups at the time with Backdrops, Flurries and Jump Kicks being the main source of power along with combo's ensuring you show your enemies who is boss.
Despite my ramblings on this review the game, for what its worth, is an excellent beat em up that will interest even the people who never got to experience a Master System or Mega Drive.
If Sega wants to create another old game and bring it to life for the PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii then I recommend this as the number one priority.