(Image credit: Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, Dotemu)

Dr Prescribed Fist Remedy

I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard that Streets of Rage 4 made a return after 26 years. Did Dotemu really bring back one of my favorite childhood franchises? The modernized gameplay and graphics are worth the wait; however, the enemies and play can still get stale at times in this retro 2D side-scroller. Only one rule applies for a game that is known in Japan as Bare Knuckle IV: punch everything. The intensity of this game has received a recent nomination for Best Action, check out the whole list and vote on The Game Awards nominee page.

Fans of the original three games will not be disappointed by the gameplay. Fists and feet will be flying as familiar enemies strike with new equipment and moves in this arcade classic. Though each level adds only a few bad guys and some versions only have multiple colors for show, so the action can get a little repetitive. This similarity to the previous trilogy had me using only the limited moves of the originals, until the added mechanics beat me into submission with a mallet. Luckily, the developers put in plenty of strategy into balancing the game including new special attacks and 2-player online or 4-player couch co-op. Even the star maneuvers make a return with more depth, including calling in the bomb squad or lighting up the screen with scorching cannon blasts.

The stunning visuals of those blasts are not the only noticeable updates throughout the nonstop clash. The entire game now has a comic book art style which brings the flatness of the classic games into the modern era without losing a beat. Bright neon lights and individualized buildings scattered throughout the levels break up the dull nature of the 90s side-scrolling backgrounds. Characters have a modernized look that resemble their traditional gear, except for Axel who appears to have brawled for the last few decades and lost. My favorites were the new additions like Cherry Hunter with her smashing guitar.

(Image credit: Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, Dotemu)

Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games poured their appreciation for the series even into the storyline as it stays true to the franchise. Mr. X’s children, the Y Twins, threaten to take control of the city and the police using hypnotic rhythms of amazing techno anthems. There are 12 full levels of mayhem that may take about three hours of playtime before the twin’s plans are fully unraveled. Each stage ramps up in difficulty while layering tributes to the classic titles everywhere. The final level tops off the insanity by packing in the most brutal collection of enemies and bosses that carries on the namesake.

Streets of Rage 4 is worth playing for anyone who loves an arcade challenge, not just for those who enjoyed the original series. Gather the family for a few hours of 90’s retro action reminiscent of Double Dragon or join up with a friend online to get the full fun of the game safely. I am excited to play a potential dlc, but Dotemu’s tweet confirming additional content does not have any release dates yet.

Streets of Rage 4

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

• Developer: Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, Dotemu

• Publisher: Dotemu

• Release Date: April 30, 2020