In the early 90's, I was introduced to Streets of Rage 2, and this game quickly became one of my favourite games of all time and made me a hardcore gamer (I'd always loved games, but games like this and Golden axe fuelled my pixellated passion).
A couple of years later, I played Streets of Rage 3, it was also an awesome game.
After playing these two games, I wondered what the first one would be like. Well, later on in 96' (I think), I got a compilation cart for Christmas (Mega Games 6)
This cart featured some of the best Mega Drive games, including Revenge of Shinobi and Golden Axe one of these games was also Streets of Rage.
When I played this game, what I played was a game that was a little different then it's sequels, so I was in for a change. But what I also saw from this game like it's sequels is that it was a wonderful masterpiece.
Graphics 8
This game looked really nice for it's time (1991).
I liked how the backgrounds and look gave a dark feel to the city. The neon lights really help too to express the city feel. While the graphics were good for it's time and even though this game was made early in the Sega Mega Drive' lifetime, I feel that the graphics could've been a little bit better, I feel that the game still has a little bit of that 8-bit feel to it. The game looks a little muddy to me in some places, and so does some of the characters. But overall, it's still pretty good.
Gameplay 9
It all comes together in the gameplay section.
Pummel your way through 8 levels packed to the brim with all sorts of bad guys, until you reach Mr. X himself. The levels themselves are fairly well designed, but are mostly a 'left to right' affair.
There are more than enough enemies to beat the stuffing out of. The single player game can begin to feel a little tiring, but having a friend to play with can add a lot to the game. There are a few bonus moves thrown in when you play the two player mode, and they are fairly effective. Although it may sound similar to many other beat 'em ups from the past, there is something that sets it apart: The special weapon.
In trouble? Getting your booty booted? Press the A button to call in your police friends. The button will wipe out normal enemies, and deal hefty damage to bosses.
Sound 9
The music is superb in every way.
Each track has a good beat, and has a nice pace. Too bad the game doesn't have a good pace.
Although not as good as the music from Streets of Rage 2, it still is much better than ninety
percent of the stuff your likely to hear out there. The boss music is especially well done, when
the bass kicks in, you know your in for one hell of a fight.
The sound effects are also superb! There is no way I can fault it. Glass shatters when you wrap a bottle around someone's head, the back-up cars tires squeal as the pull up beside you to eliminate your foes who scream in pain when defeated.
The sound, for the time is very visceral and brings the world to life.
Story 6
Here is the story from the manual. ''What was once a happy, peaceful, productive city full of life and activity, has fallen into the hands of a secret criminal syndicate. The leader of the syndicate has somehow managed to keep his identity a secret. The organization soon absorbed the city government (anyone can be had if the price is right). They even have the metropolitan police force in their back pocket. Looting, random violence and destruction are rampant. No one is safe walking the streets, day or night...
As the chaos continued at full strength, three young police officers tried to establish a special attack unit. They were repeatedly refused by their superiors, most of whom had either been bought by the organization or were too afraid to make a stand. One day, when they could no longer stand by and watch their city being demolished, they quit the force!
Adam Hunter, Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding decided to forego their careers in legal law enforcement and put their lives on the line. They are without weapons, but each possesses
great hand-to-hand combat abilities. Take them into the heart of the city and battle the most
dangerous wave of bad dudes and chicks ever assembled. Make the city a place where people no longer have to walk the Streets of Rage!''
Not too bad as far as video game stories go, but it's no Phantasy Star. The evil criminal organisation angle has been done to death in video games, so points were deducted.
Overall 8
While being a classic Mega Drive game, it was still too easy back then, and still is now. While it's sequel showed everyone how a scrolling beat 'em up should be done, it would not have been if it were not for this piece of work. If you haven't heard of the game (there are a few of you out there), go search for it (it's now available as DLC on newer consoles or within the ultimate Mega Drive collection), and pick it up for a few weeks of gaming goodness.
This was a great game! It was a very good way to start up an absolutely fantastic series! I would recommend this game to anyone, and I also recommend the entire series to anyone, all three are great games. Thank you Sega for making such a great game. Now stop ignoring this series and show some respect to your fans.
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