Streets of Rage

Played it with a friend recently, we got all the way to the last level but we couldn't get past it. Really hard game and i understand its influence but it's not for me, i'm not a fan of beat 'em up.

It's baffling to me just how many beat 'em up were really bland copy and paste of already existing game, while not even trying to add any peculiar new mechanic or gameplay elements, and still sell well.
All of that after Nekketsu Monogatari came out in 1989 and showed the world just how to do a good beat em up, too!

Beaten this game 2 player with my nephew. Pretty challenging game, and a lot more fun with a 2nd player.

Streets of Rage is a classic beat 'em up video game series developed by the game developer, Sega. The first game in the series was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis console, and since then, the series has become one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in gaming history. The Streets of Rage games are known for their fast-paced action, great music, and memorable characters.

The series takes place in a fictional city called Wood Oak City, where a criminal organization called the Syndicate has taken control of the streets. The player takes on the role of one of three ex-police officers who have decided to take matters into their own hands and clean up the streets. The first game follows Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter as they fight their way through the streets to take down the Syndicate's boss, Mr. X.

Streets of Rage is known for its simple but effective gameplay mechanics. Players can move left and right on the screen and use two attack buttons: one for a standard attack and one for a special attack that consumes a small amount of health. Players can also pick up weapons like baseball bats, pipes, and knives to use against enemies. The game features a variety of enemies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and players must learn how to effectively take them down to progress through the levels.

One of the standout features of the Streets of Rage series is its music. The games' soundtracks were composed by Yuzo Koshiro, a legendary video game composer who is known for his work on classic games like ActRaiser and The Revenge of Shinobi. Koshiro's music is a mix of electronic dance music, techno, and house, and it perfectly complements the game's fast-paced action.

The Streets of Rage series has been praised for its excellent level design. Each level is designed to be challenging but not frustrating, and players must use their wits to navigate the environment and defeat enemies. The games also feature a variety of boss battles that require players to learn patterns and use different strategies to defeat them.

Streets of Rage also features a two-player co-op mode, which is where the series really shines. Players can team up with a friend and fight their way through the levels together. The co-op mode adds a new layer of strategy, as players must work together to defeat enemies and bosses.

The series has had four main games, with the latest entry, Streets of Rage 4, released in 2020. Streets of Rage 4 was developed by Lizardcube and Dotemu, two indie game studios known for their work on retro-style games. The game was well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising its updated graphics, music, and gameplay mechanics while still staying true to the series' roots.

Overall, the Streets of Rage series is a classic and beloved franchise that has stood the test of time. Its simple but effective gameplay mechanics, great music, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, there's no denying the impact that Streets of Rage has had on gaming history.

Mega Drive

I think it was my first game on Sega, and truly a massive beautiful game.