Worthy of the Streets of Rage name.

Streets of Rage 4 is a triumphant revival of one of Sega’s most beloved beat-’em-up franchises, successfully blending nostalgic charm with modern design sensibilities. Developed by Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, and Dotemu, the game respects its 16-bit roots while boldly pushing the series forward. Released nearly 26 years after Streets of Rage 3, this installment feels like a continuation of a lost era that refuses to age, offering a well-balanced mix of classic side-scrolling action, slick animation, and tight, rewarding gameplay that caters to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

At its core, the game remains true to the genre’s traditions: you walk from left to right, pummeling waves of enemies using a combination of punches, throws, and special moves. What Streets of Rage 4 does so well is evolve that simplicity into something deeper without compromising its arcade roots. The combat system is fluid, responsive, and filled with satisfying impact. Each of the playable characters — both new and returning — has a distinct feel, from Axel’s heavy-hitting brawler style to Blaze’s elegant versatility. Cherry brings in speed and agility, while Floyd offers devastating power with slower movement. The addition of character-specific combos, juggle mechanics, and a risk-reward special move system that can be replenished by follow-up hits introduces a surprising level of tactical depth.

Visually, the game is a stunner. The hand-drawn art style is a bold departure from the pixel art of the original trilogy, but it pays off beautifully. Environments are richly detailed and vibrant, with stages that evoke everything from neon-drenched city streets to industrial zones and underground fight clubs. The character animations are smooth and full of personality, and even minor enemies have unique designs and behaviors. There’s a sense of rhythm to the way combat and visuals blend together — a dance of violence that’s both stylish and brutal. Fans of the original games will also appreciate the option to unlock retro character sprites and soundtracks, which serve as both a loving tribute and a clever bit of fan service.

The soundtrack deserves special praise, as music has always been a defining feature of the Streets of Rage experience. Series composer Yuzo Koshiro returns, joined by a lineup of guest artists like Motohiro Kawashima, Yoko Shimomura, and Olivier Derivière. The result is an eclectic, pulsing mix of electronic, synthwave, and funky house beats that fuel the action with a relentless energy. The music doesn’t just play in the background — it drives the experience forward, making every punch, kick, and screen-clearing combo feel more powerful. It's a modern take that retains the rhythmic soul of its predecessors while bringing the audio into the 21st century.

In terms of content, Streets of Rage 4 offers a robust package. The story mode spans 12 levels, each with its own aesthetic and enemy variety, telling a simple yet effective narrative involving the children of the original villains attempting to reclaim their family’s criminal empire. While the plot won’t win awards for complexity, it provides enough context and momentum to keep the player engaged. What really gives the game longevity, however, are the additional modes: Arcade Mode for purists who want to beat the game in one sitting with limited lives, Boss Rush Mode for challenge-seekers, and a solid multiplayer system that allows for both local and online co-op play. Playing with friends amplifies the fun dramatically and creates opportunities for creative team combos and strategic play.

The game also rewards replayability through its grading system, character unlocks, and difficulty scaling. Higher difficulties introduce tougher enemy patterns and AI behaviors, encouraging mastery of mechanics rather than simple button-mashing. As players progress, they unlock classic characters from previous entries, complete with their original move sets and sound effects, which adds a layer of nostalgia-fueled fun and gameplay variety. These retro characters don’t feel tacked on — they’re integrated into the experience thoughtfully, with balancing tweaks that ensure they fit into the game’s faster, tighter modern pacing.

If there’s one area where Streets of Rage 4 might fall short for some, it’s in its relatively conservative approach to innovation. While it modernizes the series in terms of visuals and mechanics, it doesn’t fundamentally reinvent the genre. That said, this is clearly a design choice rather than a flaw — the game aims to refine rather than redefine, and it does so with skill and reverence. Some might also find the online matchmaking a bit limited or inconsistent, depending on connection quality, and a more robust lobby or matchmaking system would have improved the experience for those without local co-op partners.

Overall, Streets of Rage 4 is not just a return to form — it’s a benchmark for how to revive a dormant franchise with integrity and style. It captures the raw energy and tight gameplay of the originals, then enhances them with refined mechanics, gorgeous visuals, and a killer soundtrack. Whether you’re a veteran of the 16-bit era or someone discovering the series for the first time, this is a game that punches far above its nostalgic weight, standing tall as one of the best beat-’em-ups of the modern era.

Rating: 9/10

Probably my favourite game in recent years. I grew up playing SoR1/2, and 4 captures the spirit perfectly in a fresh coat of paint that looks incredible. All the modern offerings, characters and moves to unlock, customisation options, and the Survival mode DLC is especially addictive for couch co-op. I put probably about 150 hours into this game on Xbox too.