Sega Genesis review: Streets of Rage

Streets Of Rage (Sega Genesis) My rating: A



Final Fight pretty much set the standard for beat-em ups but SOR improved upon it by offering more skill, more technique, and a killer soundtrack ahead of it's time. In SOR, you play as either Adam, Blaze, or Axel with a mission to stop Mr.X and his gangsters from terrorizing their city. They fight their way through eight stages and believe me, they rock!! First starting off in the streets, The game offers exciting beatdowns through a beach, a cruise boat, and my personal favorite, a rising elevator where you can throw your enemies off.



Before I go any further, I have to comment on how fantastic SOR music is. There is a reason why Yuzo Koshiro name is on the title. Each song matches perfectly with each stage setting. When you're not busting heads, check out the game's BGM for some excellent tunes. Heck, I'll go as far to say that the music makes the game.

Another point to SOR is the complex maneuver list. While you still have the standard punch-kick combos, Axel, Adam, and Blaze can attack from behind, can perform team combos (Such as a somersault throw), can grab an enemy from behind and suplex them, and can still attack even when left defenseless. One maneuver the gang is lacking is an attack that hits all the enemies that surround them (A point for Final Fight.) Instead, the characters can call for a police backup who will shoot a deadly blast from his rocket launcher. Very cool indeed.

Difficulty wise, this game is pretty tough. The enemies get tougher in the later stages and the game will send larger waves of baddies at you. The bosses can be challenging, especially the bosses of stage 4 and 5. Those two can take all your extra men and continues if you're not careful. The game is best played with two players but be warned, you'll receive double the enemies and bosses (Except for the stage 5 boss right here) than single play.

Another cool feature is the multiple game ending. The final boss, Mr.X, will ask you a question to join his group. Depending on your answer will affect the game's ending. What is more interesting is if you're playing with another player and if he/she chooses yes and you choose no, Both of you have to fight against each other until the other is defeated. What are friends for if you have power?

While Final Fight is an excellent brawler, SOR adds everything missing to it to make it a much more complete product. Without a doubt, a must have for Genesis collectors.

Where can I find this game?

Right here