Reviewed
06.08.2016
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM7/Ancient
Format
4
Megabit
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
Aug.
2, 1991
¥6,000
(Japan)
Sep.
18, 1991
$49.95
(USA)
Aug.
24, 1991
£34.99
(EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Action/
Beat'em
up
Player(s)
1-2
Options
6
Button
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
| Intro |
|
> Streets of Rage (a.k.a. Bare Knuckle in Japan)
is a side scrolling beat 'em up that was meant to be Sega's answer to Final
Fight. While SoR isn't as good as the arcade version of Final
Fight, it certainly holds its own against the SNES
version and Double Dragon (a great game). Like other games
in this genre, you can move up and down 2D locations that create the illusion
of 3D via depth with diagonal backgrounds.
> The Story: "This city was once a happy, peaceful place... until one day,
a powerful secret criminal organization took over. This vicious syndicate
soon had control of the government and even the police force. The city
has become a center of violence and crime where no one is safe."
> That sounds familiar. Streets of Rage has three selectable
characters with powerful martial arts skills waiting to be unleashed. You
can choose from Adam, Axel and Blaze who are ex-cops seeking to bring criminals
to justice. Blaze is a strong female character who has an athletic body
and thighs that are distracting. Together all three heroes endeavor to
hunt down the source of this problem and cut off the head of the snake.
Some say there are no more heroes in the world. Wait until you meet these
three (especially Axel). As is tradition for this genre, much more formidable
enemies known as bosses guard the end of each stage.
> If you're into import games, then SoR is a breeze. Just make sure you
have a MegaKey or comparable device. |
| Graphics |
|
> Streets of Rage has smaller sprites than Final Fight
but has a darker art style (both literally and metaphorically). The graphics
are colorful but serious at the same time. That makes the game more unique
(in my opinion of course). Enemy characters are very punkish. Maybe that's
not for everyone but this game came from a very different time.
> The game has many bosses that are enlarged out of proportion which makes
them very foreboding. They literally stand out. The first boss reminds
me of the cannibal giants of old that were all slain. You can summon a
police car that launches a rocket at everyone on screen which reminded
me of Golden Axe
(which also has impressive AOE attacks). |
| Control |
|
> Aside from the usual punch/kick moves you can unleash combination attacks,
grab and throw enemies, or combo attack them to death while in your grip.
You can also jump kick (in spectacular fashion), which is great for closing
gaps. Take the upper hand by using melee weapons such as pipes, and throw
knives that can be picked up throughout the game. This all adds up to form
a solid gameplay experience. |
| Sound |
|
> The music was composed by Yuzo Koshiro who also composed the soundtrack
for The Revenge of Shinobi.
I can tell from the music alone that he was inspired by both techno and
trance. It turns out I was correct (I am somewhat of a music connoisseur).
Streets
of Rage has techno melodies that easily capture your attention
(fast repeating electronic beats with other synthesized instruments added
to the mix). Sound effects are a bit rough, but overall the game is good
in the sound department. You will know when you hit someone.
> The music fades before you encounter a boss at the end of each level
and the boss is introduced with music that uses remixed air raid sirens.
That creates a great sense of alarm. This track stands out more which was
no doubt the intention. That was very innovative. |
| Fun |
|
> If you love side scrolling beat 'em ups then you should check this out.
There are 8 levels, tons of enemies and huge bosses to remove from existence.
We need more games and fiction where the good guys win (guys can be a gender
neutral term before anyone criticizes me for using it). Evil can never
be allowed to stand in the way of peace. You can adjust the difficulty
and play with a friend to defeat evil together. If you play in 2 player
mode, the game will spawn two bosses instead of one, which will test your
reflexes (you can even let a second player die and continue if you want
a greater challenge).
> What's interesting is seeing how the main characters evolve in the sequels
compared to the original game. Blaze is always stunningly beautiful even
as time goes by. If I were a better man and if she were real, I'd marry
her. I think she'd look better in blue though; red isn't my color anymore.
I kept you waiting there too long my love. Adam never seems to stay out
of trouble despite having excellent fighting skills. Don't worry; Axel
and Blaze always have his back. I personally will always rescue the people
I love if I have the power to do so. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> While Streets of Rage lacks the depth of its sequels, it's
worth playing for the sake of completeness. There are some imposing bosses
here that you won't find in the other games. If we pretend the sequels
don't exist then Streets of Rage is a good answer to Final
Fight. Which do gamers remember more? I found it hard to replay
Streets
of Rage because Streets of Rage 2 overshadows it
in every way. Streets of Rage 2 is a work of art, but the
original game laid the foundation for it. It was a very solid foundation
indeed. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.0 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 9.0 | Fun: 9.0 |
~
Geoffrey Duke ~
|
