Beat ’em Ups Are Poised for a Comeback
On the cusp of 2020, the retro wave is going strong. Though it’s not throwback Thursday—that would have been a clever choice—we’ve just received our first real look at Streets of Rage 4. The side-scrolling beat ’em up that formed many friendships in the arcade scene is coming back and coming to consoles.
All the side-scrolling, street juggling, and wall bouncing is back. Developers Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guardcrush Games, in association with Sega, have revived a classic co-op experience. Streets of Rage 4, judging by the reveal, keeps the essence of the classic beat ’em up series, only now with a graphical overhaul. Characters Axel and Blaze reunite to clean up with the streets with a stellar set of new animations. With an arsenal of flame punches, flip kicks, and 90s vibes at our disposal, all we need now is the music of Yuzo Koshiro, and we’re set.
As you can probably tell, the keyart now teases two additional characters. Time will pass before we discover their identities, so be sure to check back for updates. At the time of this writing, it’s unclear where Streets of Rage 4 will be made available, but it would be a crime if Sega neglected the Nintendo Switch. Let us know your thoughts. Are you excited for Streets of Rage 4? Were you a big fan back in the day? Comment down below.
About
Famously known for its nonstop action and electronic dance influenced music – scored by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima – the series has gained the status of cult classic throughout the years. It is considered one of the best beat ’em up series of all time. After many years, Axel and Blaze are finally picking up the fight where they left.
Featuring hand-drawn visuals from the team behind 2017’s gorgeous Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap remake, Streets of Rage 4 builds upon the classic trilogy’s gameplay with new mechanics, a fresh story and a gauntlet of dangerous stages with a serious crime problem. Streets of Rage 4 recalls classic gameplay but it stands as an entirely original arcade-style romp thanks to the expertise of Guard Crush Games and Dotemu.
Whether players gang up with a friend or clean up the city solo, Streets of Rage 4 is a skull-bashing, chicken-chomping delight all set to a thumping soundtrack sure to get your blood pumping.
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