Review Thread

[Ghost]

Reviews are coming in for the latest entry of Streets of Rage. Releasing tomorrow.

 

Metacritic - 81 (based on 29 critic reviews)

 

Just Push Start - 9.2/10

 

Quote

"Not only does Streets of Rage 4 live up to the franchise’s legacy, but it also manages to be different enough to stand out in this genre. This is one game where you won’t get far simply mashing punch and you need to make bold plays and smart combos if you want to succeed. Thankfully, the reward is high and there is a fair number of ways to try to be the best warrior you can be, even if most of the experience will be score runs. So, if you’re looking for a good modern beat ‘em up game, there really isn’t many things better than Streets of Rage 4."

 

Full Review

 

God is a Geek - 9.5/10

Quote

. "Streets of Rage 4 is wonderful. Everything from the combat to the soundtrack is crafted with a great respect for the originals, providing a fresh take on the popular series."

 

Full Review

PSU - 9.5/10

 

Quote

. "Streets of Rage 4 is an absolute masterclass in maintaining the essence of a classic but also in reimagining certain aspects of its design DNA for a contemporary audience. Streets of Rage 4 is without doubt the best side scrolling brawler you can get on any system."

 

Full Review

The Sixth Axis - 9/10

 

Quote

. "Streets of Rage 4 is a must for any beat ‘em up fans, especially those with fond memories of the original trilogy. The fighting is great, the visuals are great, and the soundtrack is great. Lizardcube and Guard Crush have managed to capture the essence of those classic games and upgrade it for the modern age."

 

Full Review

CGMagazine - 9/10

 

Quote

It is obvious the love and attention that went into creating Streets of Rage 4, a game made first and foremost for fans, but made accessible and engaging enough for casual players to enjoy. Streets of Rage 4 is a must play, particularly fans who may have been on the fence.

 

Full Review

GameSpew - 9/10

 

Quote

A sequel, but also a celebration of the series so far, Streets of Rage 4 doesn't disappoint. That's amazing considering the many years of anticipation and excitement leading up to it. Fans couldn't have asked for more in a new entry in the beloved series. And even better, Streets of Rage 4 proves that there's still life in it. It's a tour de force of sumptuous art, mesmerising music, and trance-inducing action. Take nostalgia out of the equation, and Streets of Rage 4 is the best entry in the series yet.

 

Full Review

Vandal - 8.5/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage is back with a new game that nails the feeling of the classics. It looks great, has a fair amount of unlockable content, and adds small changes to the combat to make it even better. We’ve experienced some issues playing online that, according to the devs, will be fixed soon, but that aside, the experience was fantastic and it definitely deserves that 4.

 

Full Review

PushSquare - 7/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4 makes a valiant attempt to drag the old-school franchise into the modern age. We've ended up with a beautiful beat-'em-up that's perhaps a little too loyal to the original games, but is ultimately a blast to play, especially with others. The appeal might wear off after a little while due to repetitive gameplay, but it's a huge amount of fun while it lasts.

 

Full Review

AreaJugones - 9/10

 

Quote

After twenty-five years, one of the best beloved beat ’em ups of all time returns. Street of Rage 4 is a perfect continuation of the saga adapted to the current times with great gameplay, many end game incentives and a fun and frantic soundtrack. A perfect continuation for a legendary saga.

 

Full Review

Game Informer - 7/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4’s simple approach to combat and content is enjoyable in short bursts, but it doesn’t have the hooks to keep you coming back. This beat ‘em up feels like an homage to the ‘90s, but it’s also stuck in that era.

 

Full Review

NintendoLife - 9/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4 is the very best the series has ever been. Its hand-drawn graphics breathe new life into Wood Oak City and its inhabitants, the soundtrack is outstanding and the combat feels better than ever. Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games and Dotemu have managed to completely modernise the look and feel of Streets of Rage, expanding on the experience without losing sight of what made the original games so popular to begin with – and the handful of additions made to the action here serve only to enhance the classic core gameplay, resulting in one of the best side-scrolling beat 'em ups we've played in a long time.

 

Full Review

TechRaptor - 9.5/10

 

Quote

If you're looking for brawlers to evolve, Streets of Rage 4 doesn't fit the bill. There are plenty of great games looking to move things forward and change things up, and that's rad. What Streets of Rage 4 provides is a perfect continuation of one of the founding fathers of the genre. It brings back a Genesis experience that never once feels outdated. It's the type of game that reminds you why you love a genre in the first place, a new standard for other games to strive for. Axel and Blaze are back, and they're still kicking ass. Let's just not wait another two decades for another return trip

 

Full Review

Eurogamer - Essential

 

Quote

For too long I used to think the beat 'em-up genre died a death all those years ago for good reason, and that this was a brand of game best left alone in the 90s. With its improvements, embellishments and above all reverence for the originals, Streets of Rage 4 makes me realise the error of my ways as it reframes the beat 'em-up as the forefather of the action genre that lives on today in the likes of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry - games born from the same mentality, and with that same swagger. Streets of Rage 4 has all that and then some. This is more than a mere revival of a once-loved series. Streets of Rage 4 is quite simply the best of the bunch.

 

Full Review

IGN - 7/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4 delivers the greatest hits of the classic series and is at its best when played with at least one friend. If the primary focus was delivering a traditional Streets of Rage experience with a modern coat of paint, it absolutely succeeds. But while it layers on a few new and interesting mechanics, it’s still a very conservative update to the quarter-century-old format that feels like a slave to the past.

 

Full Review

JeuxActu - 8.5/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4 is the rightful heir to the series, and if it doesn't do too much in the way of new stuff, it's still a blast to play. A must-buy for the nostalgic gamers.

 

Full Review

Arstechnica - Approved

 

Quote

I'll leave it at this: I'm in love with my biggest gaming surprise so far in 2020. SoR4 is easy to share with friends and easy to get hooked on. Its levels are choreographed with tons of enemy types from across the series so that you don't land in the usual "ugh, same enemies again" fatigue that even the Genesis originals suffer from. And, heck, Lizardcube and Guard Crush were kind enough to bring back the cheesy two-player "battle" mode—and it's actually kind of legit, since it neatly implements the special attacks' new risk-and-reward proposition. If you're on board with the scant length and the game's urging that you replay it a few times for maximum value, I heartily encourage you to spend 10 satisfying hours with this beat-'em-up rebirth.

 

Full Review

HeyPoorPlayer - 4.5/5

 

Quote

Online woes aside, Streets of Rage 4 is the gold standard for what a beat ’em up should be and the game longtime fans of the series deserve. The wait has been long and at times uncertain, but Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Lizardcube have managed to deliver a game that was well worth the 26-year wait. With stellar visuals, an unforgettable soundtrack, and a wealth of modes to enjoy, this is one game you need to have in your collection.

 

Full Review

WellPlayed - 10/10

 

Quote

So often developers try and recapture the magic of beloved games but fail to stick the landing. That is not the case here though, because Streets of Rage 4 is a carefully thought out and respectful tribute to a series that captivated a culture of fans. Regardless, some elements are inevitably going to draw the ire of fans, whether it’s the art style, the soundtrack or something else. But I love that Dotemu and co. took a chance on a dormant IP and modernised it, giving it a new lease on life. And I love that players, new and old, have the chance to play a new Streets of Rage game in 2020.

 

Full Review

Polygon - Recommended

 

Quote

In hindsight, we never talked about the quarantine or the general state of suck that has defined the past few months. We weren’t in 2020, or even this universe. For a moment, Streets of Rage 4 transported us to another time and place, where Sonic was king and Mario was a slowpoke wannabe, and there wasn’t a problem in the world.

 

Full Review

Wccftech - 9/10

 

Quote

Streets of Rage 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but honestly, that’s okay. The game’s dazzling visuals, silky-smooth action, varied level design, and sexy sense of cool more than make up for a few minor old-school irritations. Veteran Bare Knuckle brawlers will get the most out of Streets of Rage 4, but it should provide a satisfying thumb workout for players from all eras.

 

Full Review

TheOuterHeaven - 4/5

 

Quote

It took 23 years, but I’m happy to say that Streets of Rage is back and then some. The gameplay is reminiscent of games of the past while bringing in new mechanics that push the game further. Thanks to the insight from the developers, there’s still plenty to do after the game has been beaten, which ensures players will be picking up the controls for a long time. I couldn’t have asked for a better follow-up to the classic series. All that’s needed now is for the online components to be fixed and this is will be perfect in my opinion.

 

Full Review

 

VIDEO REVIEWS

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2020 by Ghost
update

[Klart]

Nice post ? 

[Admiralvic]

While you didn't include mine, I gave it a 92/100. 

[Ghost]

23 minutes ago, Admiralvic said:

While you didn't include mine, I gave it a 92/100. 

 

Sorry! I added yours. Great score. Glad to hear you're enjoying it

[xI3i0_HuNt3r-]

IGN full of Sh*t as always. Can’t wait to play it tomorrow. 

[Admiralvic]

2 hours ago, Ghost said:

 

Sorry! I added yours. Great score. Glad to hear you're enjoying it

 

You're fine. I'm excited others will get to play it and can't wait to see what others think.

 

2 hours ago, xI3i0_HuNt3r- said:

IGN full of Sh*t as always. Can’t wait to play it tomorrow. 

 

Eh, I can understand both sides. It can be a really frustrating game and combat is something you need to get into to actually like. I actually beat normal with mostly C ranks and now that I'm going through hard I'm averaging A. One struggle is really knowing when you've done enough and getting the right people. The opposite is also true.

[punkshepherd]

Excellent news. I was sorta hoping itd score well. Always a good sign.

 

I'll pick this up soon i think. Can't wait to try it. 

[Ghost]

In this episode of Digital Foundry, they take a look at what makes this series so good - and how it's taken to the next level in Streets of Rage 4.

 

 

[You]

The game is great so far. Although it feels kinda clunky now they took up the ability to run and side up and down with double tapping. Always feels like I am battling trying to get close to enemies due to my muscle memory of SOR3 and that infamous SOR remake.

[TurtlePM]

I still don't know if I like this game or not. I finished Stage 6 now and I lost 2 lives at the dojo. 

Why do enemies break your combos? They move super fast compared to our character, then I'm in a middle of a combo mid-air and, suddenly, an enemy stands in front of me and kicks me. The dojo sequence was a nightmare, everyone using spears, a single touch takes you down (and takes loads of health). 

In the original trilogy, enemies positioned themselves around you, ready to attack, but never before you end a combo. This game is more like a "let them attack first, get out of their line, and attack, move over, and repeat" for every single enemy after a certain point :/ 

[You]

Some of the tunes at the beginning of the game were kinda crappy and not at all memorable, from about Stage 4 onwards though.

 

I still find the game rather clunky, the "hardest enemy" in this game are ones that walk faster than you, Bosses can sometimes be so cheap because you're trying to hit them and they just moonwalk away from you at twice your walking speed.

 

This makes the game even more clunky when I'm trying to run like in SOR3, hopefully when I unlocked the SOR3 characters they have their run and then I don't have to use the new characters anymore. Bombs get thrown at you and I instinctively double tap up like in SOR3 to avoid it, but then get hit because of the slow up walk.

 

I also don't like the way you can't use your special attack every 10 seconds for free like you can in SOR3.

 

This honestly feels like a Streets Of Rage 2.5.

 

Oh I hate the Kung Fu Master style stages where you can't walk up and down, you can't block or parry so when those guys do their flying kicks at you, what do you do other than waste energy on a special move? Those parts were done way better on Double Dragon Neon and that is saying something...

 

I feel like I am enjoying the game and not liking the game in equal measures.

 

The "cut scenes" between stage seems really cheap. Like the BOR SOR unofficial remake did a better job.

 

Oh and one more thing, most of the stage gfx feels the same, they are kinda bland/darkish and not memorable at all. I liked seeing Roo at the bar though on one stage

 

He had better be a playable character at some point.

 

I think my biggest gripe is the soundfx, none of the hitting sounds have feeling, all thud sounds that are decent but have no impact, could have been better, also why is it that hitting with most weapons, like with knives and cleavers, the sounds sounds like like knives and forks hitting empty bottles? That is so weird.

Where is the iconic slashing sound when you slice someone with a samurai sword. It's a weird clanking bottle sound instead..

 

Bosses seem lazy as well, one stage is just two of the First Boss stage, and that Police woman, why is she a boss on two stages?! And the second time you fight her she summons the boss from Stage 2?

 

Normally the final stage has the compulsory every single boss from the game before the final boss, but why all this Boss recycling already. Also, why is Electra a boss character? That just seems kinda lame, and lazy.

Edited April 30, 2020 by enaysoft

[KILLA_KEN1988]

Downloading as I write this ? has the online mode got cross play?

[Ashbo]

I’m pleased this has reviewed well. I do take reviews with a pinch of salt normally, but I hold SoR games in a high regard for the love I had for them growing up and playing them to death with friends and family, so have kept my eye on them. Could have easily been a mess this, but from what i’ve seen and read and being in a discord group about it, the majority are enjoying it and are impressed, even if it parts/all some may see it as a rehash.

 

Will hopefully get this soon and give it a go. Thanks for the post.

[RadiantFlamberge]

One change I like is that health spent on specials isn't truly "gone" until you are hit (it just turns green), and it can be recovered by hitting enemies with regular moves. This encourages you to use special moves in combos. Floyd is amazing... while he's slow like Max, his reach makes up for it. His blitz move is a good low-risk way to shatter Murphy's energy shield, and the Gotcha grab is good for combos.

 

I'm wondering if they plan on adding playable SoR4 Max and Shiva in a future update. On the character stats screen under the extras menu, when you go to their pages it shows the SoR2 and SoR4 sprites (though the one for Max is "possessed" I'm sure they could mod it slightly for a playable version).

[Musashi1596]

If you don't mind, I'd like to be a little cheeky and take the opportunity to drop mine

[You]

Streets Of Rage 4 is a great game and definitely worthy of being the 4th entry in the series.

 

Unfotunately though after playing the game non stop I feel kinda tired with it, which is a shame. I wish the soundtrack was better, one of the best things about the other 3 is coming back to the games and having the soundtrack blow me away.

 

In SOR4 only about 3 or 4 tunes are totally awesome and I hate the final boss. It's stupid, cheap and just doesn't work.

I love being able to play the characters from SOR2 and SOR3 but after having played the original games for so long, they just feel ever so slightly different which puts me off, especially since the unofficial remake does it better and allows you to run with all the SOR2 characters.

 

Enemies being able to unfairly tap through your attacks in SOR4 is also annoying, especially since they have the whole system of "Using your special attack and then be able to get it back when hitting enemies". Sometimes you get cheap hitted and it is not fun to be honest.
 

I'd give it a 6, 7 out of ten. It's a really good game, but I think it needs some tweaking.

I honestly wish you could have 3 or 4player coop online, that would have made the lastability way better. They went to the effort of making 3-4 player coop and yet made it very difficult to actually play in multiplayer. If Dragon's crown can do dropin and dropout coop on PS3 and even Vita I am sure other systems are more than capable of being able to do this. There are so many characters to choose from and yet 2 player online coop is the limit?