Streets of Rage 4

From start to finish, Streets of Rage 4 is a modern celebration of one of the best beat 'em up series of all time.

89%Game Brain Score

music, gameplay

grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 14,520 reviews

Critic Score 86%Based on 69 reviews

Platforms

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About

In "Streets of Rage 4," players battle through levels of side-scrolling combat, combating an evil crime syndicate. With Classic and New characters, players can utilize unique moves and combos to defeat enemies, while the soundtrack provides a nostalgic beat 'em up experience. The game features local and online co-op, providing a modern take on the well-received series.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 14,520 reviews

music2.3k positive mentions

grinding91 negative mentions

The hand-drawn art style and vibrant graphics successfully blend nostalgia with modern aesthetics, creating a visually stunning experience.
The soundtrack is dynamic and engaging, featuring a mix of nostalgic and modern elements that enhance the gameplay.
The game offers high replayability with a variety of characters, modes, and unlockable content, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and long-time fans.

Some players find the gameplay mechanics slow and less dynamic due to the removal of certain features from previous titles.
The story is considered simple and lacking depth, often leaving players wanting more content and complexity.
There are notable stability issues, with frequent crashes and performance problems reported, particularly during longer sessions.

music
4,434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
The music in "Streets of Rage 4" has received widespread acclaim for its vibrant and dynamic soundtrack, which blends nostalgic elements from the original games with modern influences. Composed by a talented team including series veterans Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima, the soundtrack features a mix of electronic, funk, and dance tracks that enhance the gameplay experience. While some players appreciate the option to switch to retro soundtracks from previous installments, others feel that the new music lacks the memorable quality of the originals, leading to a mixed reception overall.
- “The music, like all other street games, is fantastic, catchy and memorable and you'll no doubt find yourself humming it to yourself during the day.”
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal, streets of rage 4 feels like a playable album and that is tight.”
- “The music is fantastic, the game has a lot of content and is very replayable.”
- “The music is repetitive and not very interesting.”
- “The new music is very forgettable and has none of the energy the originals had.”
- “The retro soundtrack features game gear tracks in a move no one could have possibly wanted.”
gameplay
3,068 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
59%
4%
The gameplay of "Streets of Rage 4" has been widely praised for its nostalgic feel, effectively blending classic mechanics with modern enhancements such as a combo system and juggling mechanics. While many players appreciate the fluid controls and engaging combat, some criticize the removal of certain features from previous titles, like running and dodging, which can make the gameplay feel slower and less dynamic. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience for both newcomers and long-time fans, though opinions vary on its depth and balance, particularly regarding enemy mechanics and difficulty.
- “Rage 4 is the opposite of that - in terms of the basic gameplay loop, you could believe this side-scrolling co-op beat-em-up with simple combos was released a few years after the originals, with sharper pixels but the same punky street art style.”
- “The nostalgic feel of the classic beat 'em up gameplay is perfectly paired with stunning modern visuals and an amazing soundtrack.”
- “The gameplay is unmistakably faithful to the originals, but the addictive combo-heavy mechanics, gorgeous presentation and robust multiplayer options add a whole new layer of complexity, resulting in a game that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy no end.”
- “It felt janky to me, I wish I liked this as it's a well-made game but the gameplay felt weird to me.”
- “The gameplay is pretty boring.”
- “The gameplay is the worst aspect of this awful game; it literally plays like a very, very bad open bor game, it is disjointed, no flow to it and is very slow and sluggish with bad controls.”
graphics
2,566 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
44%
2%
The graphics of "Streets of Rage 4" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning hand-drawn art style, vibrant colors, and fluid animations that successfully blend nostalgia with modern aesthetics. Many players appreciate the game's ability to maintain the gritty charm of the original series while introducing a fresh, comic-book-inspired look, making it visually appealing to both new and returning fans. However, some critics express mixed feelings about the art style, noting that it may not resonate with all long-time fans of the franchise, particularly those who prefer the classic pixel art.
- “Visually, Streets of Rage 4 is a stunning tribute to the classic games, with beautifully hand-drawn graphics and vibrant, detailed environments.”
- “The hand-drawn art style is a feast for the eyes, bursting with vibrant colors and dynamic animations that breathe life into every corner of the screen.”
- “The graphics capture the gritty atmosphere of the urban landscape, immersing players in a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.”
- “The graphics are awful with a garish color palette with animation that is very stiff, and the characters look fat especially Blaze and Axel.”
- “The art style lacks the detail and charm of the originals, the music feels lacking (at least you can play with the classic OST) and worse is that if you want to utilize all the new moves the game has to offer you're forced to use its new control scheme (there's no reason they couldn't have made it work with the classic control scheme) which is just so unintuitive it totally breaks the flow of the gameplay.”
- “The graphics are seriously underwhelming and for this reason alone it cannot be called the spiritual successor to Streets of Rage 2 and 3.”
story
1,296 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
79%
5%
The story of "Streets of Rage 4" is generally regarded as simple and straightforward, serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a focal point. While it features familiar characters and nostalgic elements, many players find the narrative to be short and lacking depth, often completing it in around 2-4 hours. Despite its predictability and occasional silliness, the story is seen as functional, providing just enough context to connect the action across various levels, though it leaves players wanting more in terms of content and complexity.
- “The story is simple but well done and connects with the gameplay!”
- “Amazing art style, high gameplay density while not being too demanding on the mechanics, an unforgettable soundtrack and an unforgettable cast of characters and story a must buy for anyone looking to just sit down and have some fun!”
- “The story does a good job of enhancing the gameplay whilst taking a back seat.”
- “I haven't picked it up again since, as I've beat the (disappointingly short, incredibly boring) story mode within a day and didn't feel interested in spending any more time on these streets of regret.”
- “The story is probably the biggest shortcoming.”
- “The only complaint would be the cliched story, which could have been more challenging and interesting.”
replayability
813 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
58%
2%
The replayability of "Streets of Rage 4" is highly praised, with many players noting the addictive nature of its survival mode and the extensive roster of characters, each offering unique playstyles. The game features a wealth of unlockable content, multiple difficulty levels, and various modes, including co-op play, which significantly enhance its replay value. While some players feel the campaign is short, the overall consensus is that the game provides ample incentives to return for more gameplay.
- “With over 20 character variations to choose from, this game is insanely replayable as well.”
- “Endlessly replayable and infinitely enjoyable.”
- “The new DLC, Mr. X Nightmare, adds 3 playable characters, 2 recreations of fan favorites, and one new character which became a fan favorite quickly after the initial launch on top of an infinitely replayable roguelite horde mode that will test even the best players.”
- “The only real thing that could be considered a flaw is that once you've cleared story mode there's not much left to do, but the DLC survival mode adds a decent amount of replayability.”
- “It's a shame it can be beaten within 3 hours, but with extra characters there's decent replayability and overall it would be worth the price if not for one critical flaw that definitely a critical reason for me not to recommend the game.”
- “After the nostalgia wears off, I didn't find much replay value in it.”
grinding
105 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
12%
87%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly when unlocking characters and abilities. While some appreciate the variety of modes available for grinding, others feel that the combat mechanics and enemy design contribute to a frustrating experience, making the grind feel like a chore rather than an engaging challenge. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding is integral to the game, it often detracts from the enjoyment due to its repetitive nature.
- “I love RPGs, but I want a beat 'em up to be fast, crafted around being able to beat it on skill, not grinding - and that it's replayable.”
- “Unfortunately, as is, it's way more tedious and annoying than entertaining.”
- “It's such a tedious slog to go through all those enemies all over again just to reach the boss, especially when you want to go straight to him so you can observe his 'pattern'.”
- “This system turns most of the game into a tedious war of attrition.”
character development
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
50%
4%
Character development in the game is highlighted by its stunning character designs, which blend nostalgia with modern aesthetics, resulting in vibrant and fluid animations. While many players appreciate the artistic direction and detail, some express mixed feelings about certain redesigns and the overall lack of a compelling narrative. Overall, the character designs are celebrated for their attractiveness and creativity, contributing significantly to the game's visual appeal and enjoyment.
- “The hand-drawn art style is a visual treat, blending nostalgia with modern techniques to create beautifully detailed environments and character designs.”
- “The character design is amazing, complete with fully hand-drawn and animated sprites that move with fluid motions.”
- “Character designs are fantastic and are a great blend of the 80s/90s aesthetic of the older games with a bit of a more modern twist.”
- “Questionable character design and balance.”
- “I'm also not a fan of the new enemy character designs and some of the old character redesigns; seeing old enemies such as Abadede, Jack, and old bikers drawn in SOR4 style in the gallery just makes me wish we got them instead of the stupid thick bikers, generic cops, karate guys, and those annoying punk girls throwing junk at you.”
- “Hated the art style and character design from the get-go; however, I wasn't going to judge the game without a playthrough and multiple plays.”
humor
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the comedic elements such as funny character designs, hilarious in-game interactions, and amusing easter eggs. Many reviews highlight the joy of playing with friends, where friendly fire and quirky mechanics lead to unexpected and funny moments. Overall, the game successfully blends nostalgia with humor, making it a delightful experience for both new and returning players.
- “A true continuation of a classic franchise, it only adds elements that complement the original - like the 2D weight physics on swinging objects that always end with hilarious results.”
- “Sor4 reaches its pop-art zenith with the hilarious gallery stage, featuring bipartisan potshots – you simultaneously thrash on corrupt cops and antifa pink-hat wannabes – and post-modern art installations that outclass their real-world counterparts.”
- “Not sure if it was intentional to have old school 90s people beating up what looked like a couple of YouTubers for the final bosses, but I thought it was hilarious.”
optimization
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
65%
9%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with smooth performance on older hardware and good stability on platforms like the Steam Deck. However, there are notable issues with online co-op play, which suffers from stuttering and input lag, particularly for non-host players. Some graphical settings, such as shadows, can significantly impact frame rates, indicating room for improvement in optimization.
- “The game runs smoothly, even on older hardware and I haven't noticed any bugs.”
- “Great performance on Steam Deck in desktop mode with a wired controller.”
- “Performance is pristine, of course; I wouldn't expect any less from a game like this.”
- “I had noticeable input lag if I wasn't the host, and there was frame stuttering most of the time too.”
- “It has optimization issues; if you turn on the shadow setting in the game, the frame rate starts tanking.”
- “But the game's best feature - co-op - is crippled by terrible, stuttery performance despite the FPS counter reading 60 constantly.”
stability
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
3%
67%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting smooth performance on various platforms like Raspberry Pi and Steam Deck, while others experience frequent crashes and freezes, particularly during longer sessions or specific scenes. Some players noted minor bugs and glitches, but overall, the game is playable without major issues for most. However, persistent crashing and freezing problems have led to frustration for several users, indicating that stability could be improved.
- “Runs great on Raspberry Pi 5.”
- “Amazing in every respect and runs great on my laptop!”
- “I am happy that this game runs great on my platform of choice 'Linux'.”
- “Game freezes and then crashes randomly every 15-45 minutes, which is very annoying especially when you're on a boss fight and the boss is almost dead.”
- “Whenever you play the game in long sessions, you'll run into an issue that freezes your game and closes the game entirely.”
- “I boot it up and it freezes on the intro cinematic for 30 seconds then crashes.”
atmosphere
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
54%
6%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its vibrant, gritty urban landscapes, enhanced by a nostalgic 80s-inspired soundtrack and hand-drawn art style that immerses players in a lively, retro environment. Reviewers highlight the effective use of music to complement the mood and transitions between stages, creating a dynamic experience that feels both familiar and fresh. While the overall atmosphere is considered nearly perfect, some players noted that the gameplay mechanics could detract from the immersive experience.
- “From neon-lit city streets to seedy back alleys, the graphics capture the gritty atmosphere of the urban landscape, immersing players in a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.”
- “The music and atmosphere are incomparable, great 80s vibe!”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely breathtaking and I love the tracks from not only Koshiro-san, but everyone else involved as it captures the essence and atmosphere of the series.”
- “Didn't know about or play the sequels until years later (personal opinion: I sort of understand why 2 gets so much praise, the original tops it in atmosphere alone).”
- “Then again, the atmosphere at the start of the rain sequence, from the stage 1 level boss in sor2, when you exit the bar, is still unmatched in my opinion.”
- “The scenes in different stages diversify a lot in color and atmosphere, from background lights that beam and reflect over the characters' heads and shoulders to beachside ruins clouded in dust and debris from all the civil conflict going on nearby.”
monetization
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
19%
75%
The monetization aspect of "Streets of Rage 4" has received mixed feedback, with many praising the absence of microtransactions and the inclusion of unlockable content through gameplay rather than additional purchases. While some players initially feared it would be a cash grab, they were pleasantly surprised by the game's quality and depth, although a few still criticized it as a shallow nostalgia-driven release. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing departure from typical monetization practices in the industry, focusing instead on delivering a genuine experience for fans.
- “No microtransactions at all.”
- “No additional greedy monetization at launch, actual unlockable extras for play time and hidden bits here and there.”
- “Also, there are unlockable characters as well (not DLC, or locked away with microtransactions... proper unlockable characters!).”
- “If this game were $5 or even $10 this would be a positive review, but it just kinda feels like a really shallow game going for a cash grab, feeding on people's nostalgia.”
- “This game is cash grab garbage... even at the price of free it's garbage.”
- “Just sad, thanks, now my last memory of this great game series is a bitter taste, of another empty nostalgia cash grab.”
emotional
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Streets of Rage 4" resonates deeply with players, evoking nostalgia and a sense of childhood joy through its homage to classic beat 'em ups. Many reviewers express that the game successfully captures the essence of the original trilogy, making them feel like kids again, despite some gameplay criticisms. Overall, it is celebrated as a heartfelt tribute that blends memory with modern reinvention, delivering a satisfying experience that transcends mere gameplay.
- “The design, the gameplay, the soundtrack, all of it comes together to deliver a heartfelt homage to everything this franchise has strived to be.”
- “Streets of Rage 4 transcends the boundaries of a mere game, emerging instead as a heartfelt tribute to a cherished era, a resplendent fusion of memory and reinvention.”
- “This game made me feel like I was ten years old again.”