Streets of Rage 4

Streets of Rage 4
Developer	Lizardcube Guard Crush Games
Publisher	Dotemu
Release Date	April 30, 2020
Platforms	Xbox One Playstation 4 Switch PC

Streets of Rage 4, known as Bare Knuckle IV in Japan (ベア・ナックル IV), is a side-scrolling beat 'em up developed by Guard Crush Games and Lizardcube, released by Dotemu in April 30th, 2020 for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PC. It is the first new installment in the series since Streets of Rage 3 released in 1994. The game takes place around 10 years after the events of Streets of Rage 3.

Story

Ten years have passed since the fall of Mr. X and his Syndicate. The city has been at peace... until now. A new crime empire has arisen, corrupting everything good in the city. It is rumored to be led by Mr. X's own children: the Y Twins.

Former detectives Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding join forces with their old friend's daughter, Cherry Hunter, along with Floyd Iraia, an apprentice of the brilliant Dr. Zan.

Together these four vigilantes stand against the Y Syndicate on the... Streets of Rage.

Gameplay

Streets of Rage 4 carries on the style of previous entries in the series. New to the gameplay formula is the ability to recover health spent using a Special Attack by performing successive follow-up attacks. Players are also able to juggle opponents against each other and walls for extended combos. Another major addition are the Star Moves; these are limited use moves which consume the star icons below the player's life gauge and cause massive damage to multiple enemies at once. Hidden around the stages are Star icons, which add a Star Move stock when collected.

The game can be played locally with up to four players, while online play allows up to two players simultaneously. After each stage players are graded on their performance, with points being added to a meter which serves to unlock the retro characters. In addition to the main Story Mode, the player can also unlock a Stage Select, as well as Arcade Mode and Battle Mode.

Mr. X's Nightmare DLC

Launching in 15 July, 2021, the DLC pack titled Mr. X's Nightmare adds in three new playable characters, one new secret character, while the previous characters received new moves, along with new weapon pickups, new enemies and exclusive brand new tracks by Tee Lopes. This DLC also added a new gameplay mode:

• Survival mode allows the player to face off against enemy waves of ever increasing difficulty. In between waves the player can pick up random buffs to aid against the upcoming challenges. This mode is set up as a simulated virtual reality training created by Dr. Zan using the data from Mr. X's brain.

It came along with a free update which adds a new difficulty level: Mania+, new color palettes per character, and balance changes. This update also adds a new gameplay mode:

• Training mode allows the player to practice against dummy opponents or to play various lessons to learn combos.

Pickups

Items

• Apple, Onigiri*, Croissant*, Onion Rings*, Pizza Slice*, Tofu*, Caviar*, Sliced Pineapple*, Breakfast Plate*, Spring Rolls*: Small health refill, +300 Points at full health
• Chicken, Bowl Of Ramen*, Ham*, Loaded French Fries*, Cheeseburger*, Salad*, Lobster*, Fruit Basket*, Durian*, Fried Chicken*, Stir Fry*, Cake*: Full health refill, +1000 Points at full health. These food * pick-ups can be swapped out for other foods, if you prefer. Go to Options > Food.
• Power Star: Special Star move
• Money Bag: +200 Points
• Money Case: +500 Points

Weapons

• Knife: Knocks enemies down, can be thrown.
• Metal Pipe: Swings above the player and to the front, knocking enemies
• Taser: Electrifies enemies, causing damage. Only can be used once, except on electric shields.
• Nightstick: Stuns enemies for 3 hits.
• Bottle:
• Broken Bottle:
• Baseball Bat: Swings in front of the player, knocks multiple enemies
• Toxic Bottle: Depletes HP of friend and foe. Can recover lost hp from acid damage.
• Pool Cue: Breaks upon first swing and then takes on spear like damage/attack.
• 8-Ball: Can only be used once; heavy damage.
• Fire Bottle: Explosive damage; does knock back.
• Motor Bike:
• Boomerang: When thrown, it returns towards thrower. Can only hit enemies once in one thrown cycle.
• Katana: Pops enemies slightly into the air, enough for follow up/air juggle with others.
• Sai:
• No Entry Sign: Long reach, low durability (3x), can break through guards/armor.
• Cleaver: Better off thrown, pierces through enemies.
• Naginata Spear: Long reach, good durability, can break through guards/armor with elemental bonus (survival mode) and using blitz with weapon.
• Grenade: Detonates upon impact or after a while, it's explosion can hit multiple enemies and the player
• Golden Chicken: Heavy one time use damage. Take it to the boss room at the end of the stage to receive achievement.
• Floor Squeegee: Long reach, great for stuns (think upgraded nightstick), decent durability.
• Nail Bat:
• Hammer:
• Mallet: Pops enemy into air allowing multiple hits with weapon (until it breaks)
• Brick:
• Lightning Bottle:
• Sword:
• Morning Star Mace: Significant damage. Doesn't seem to lose durability when used against Last Boss's 2nd form. (Please confirm)
• Shuriken: One time use, good for stunning.

All weapons below must be unlocked in survival mode first.

• Golf Club: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC) Found in Stage 2 boss room
• Electric Eel: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC) Randomly produced on stage 6's boiling pot (hold up until something drops from the pot)
• Swordfish: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Light Saber: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Umbrella: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC) Found on stage 3 explosive barrel.
• Pugil Stick: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Trident: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Tuna Fish: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Durian (That weird tree thing): (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Buster Sword: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Bowling Ball: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)
• Puffer BlowFish: (Mr.X Nightmare DLC)

The weapons displayed above are listed in order of appearance in-game.

Playable Characters

Returning

• Axel Stone - "Back in the fight!" "Axel Stone."
• Blaze Fielding - "Bring it on!" "Blaze Fielding!"
• Adam Hunter - "I'm hunter and you're the prey!" "Daddy's gotta go to work!" "I'm gonna put the cherry on top!" "Let's call you a time traveler... cause I'm slapping you to the middle of next week!" "Adam Hunter!"
• Max Thunder (Mr. X Nightmare DLC) - "I will break you!" "Whatcha gonna do, brother?! When Maximania runs wild on you!" "Max Thunder!"
• Shiva (Mr. X Nightmare DLC) - "I don’t need weapons, I am the weapon." "I live to fight!" "Shiva."

New

• Cherry Hunter - "I'm no daddy's girl!" "Cherry Hunter."
• Floyd Iraia - "I got bombs on these arms!" "These guns are ready, are you?" "Floyd Iraia."
• Estel Aguirre - "You have the right to remain silent!" "You are under arrest!" "Estel Aguirre." (Mr. X Nightmare DLC)

Classic

As well as the new characters, the classic, sprite-based versions of the cast from the previous games can be unlocked.

• Axel (SOR1)
• Blaze (SOR1)
• Adam (SOR1)
• Axel (SOR2)
• Blaze (SOR2)
• Skate (SOR2)
• Max (SOR2)
• Axel (SOR3)
• Blaze (SOR3)
• Skate (SOR3)
• Zan (SOR3)
• Shiva (SOR3)
• Roo (SOR3) (DLC)

Enemies

• Galsia (B.T., Galsiaaaaa, Jonathan, Joseph, Garam, Brash, Surger)
• Donovan (Altet, Gudden, Z)
• Signal (Y. Signal, G. Signal, R. Signal, D. Signal)
• Dylan (Kevin, Francis, Brandon)
• Garnet (Ruby, Diamond, Pyrop, Saphyr)
• Goro (Dokuja, Tatsu) (Tora) (DLC)
• Raven (Condor, Pheasant, Sparrow)
• Assassin Agent (Silver, Gold, Iron, Bronze)
• Feroccio (Dick, Barney, Lou) (Barnaby) (DLC)
• Sugar (Honey, Caramel, Candy)
• Victoria (Elizabeth, Margaret, Anne)
• Koobo (Baabo, Fuubo, (Zeebo) (DLC)
• Big Ben (Gourmand, Anry, Heart)
• Murphy (Dunphy, Sand) (Ralphy) (DLC)
• Shadow
• Diva (Boss), (Beyo, Riha) (Weetnee) (DLC)
• Commissioner (Boss), (Deputy, Lieutenant) (DLC)
• Nora (Boss), (Queen, Belle, Stiletto)
• Estel (Boss)
• Barbon (Boss), (Vulure, Wayne) (DLC)
• Max (Boss)
• DJ K-Washi (Boss), (DJ K Zushi, DJ K Nashi) (DLC)
• Mr. Y (Boss), (Mr What, Mr Whatever) (DLC)
• Ms. Y (Boss), (Ms What, Ms Whatever) (DLC)
• Jack
• Zamza
• Abadede
• Shiva
• Mr. X
• Electra (DLC)
• Hakuyo (DLC)
• Robo X (DLC)
• Goldie (DLC)
• Fog (DLC)
• Zack (DLC)
• Tiger (DLC)
• Mona and Lisa (DLC)
• Kusanagi (DLC)
• Bruce (DLC)
• Adam (Boss) (DLC)
• Break (Boss) (DLC)
• Blaze (Boss) (DLC)
• Cherry (Boss) (DLC)
• Floyd (Boss) (DLC)
• Antonio (Boss) (DLC)
• Souther (Boss) (DLC)
• Bongo (Boss) (DLC)
• R. Bear (Boss) (DLC)
• Yamato (Boss) (DLC)

Stages and Bosses

Stage	Name	Boss	Background music (BGM)
1	The Streets	Diva	They're Back The Streets Chill or Don't Overflow
2	Police Precinct	Commissioner	Call The Cops Funky HQ The Commissione
3	Cargo Ship	Nora	The Storm Boat Nora
4	Old Pier	Estel Aguirre	Ghost Fair Down the Beatch Estel: Round 1
5	Underground	Barbon	The Undergrounds On Fire Barbon
6	Chinatown	Shiva	Chow Time Do Joe Shiva
7	Skytrain	Estel Aguirre and Commissioner(s)	Aphex Train Estel: Round 2
8	Art Gallery	Beyo and Riha	An Exhibition Double Divas
9	Y Tower	Max Thunder	Rising Up Maximum
10	To The Concert	DJ K-Washi	25 Years Ago DJ K-wash
11	Airplane	Mr. Y	A-Ki-Ra Lift The Ground Mr Y
12	Y Island	Ms. Y, Mr. Y and Y Mecha	Ti Un Fou Mrs Y Next of a Kin Showdown

Retro levels

During the game, the player can find hidden levels by hitting the breakable Arcade machines with a taser gun. These levels consist only of short fights against bosses from Streets of Rage 2.

• The first level is found on the second stage, leading to a fight against Jack.
• The second level is found on the fourth stage, leading to a fight against Zamza.
• The third level is found on the fifth stage, leading to a fight against Abadede.
• The fourth level is found on the eighth stage, leading to a fight against Shiva and Mr. X.

Achievements and Trophies

There are 37 available achievements, with an additional trophy available on PlayStation 4.

Icon	Name	Description	Trophy
	100 Yen	Clear the Arcade mode on Hard difficulty or higher.	Gold
	All Clear: Adam	Clear all stages in single-player mode as Adam.	Silver
	All Clear: Axel	Clear all stages in single-player mode as Axel.	Silver
	All Clear: Blaze	Clear all stages in single-player mode as Blaze.	Silver
	All Clear: Cherry	Clear all stages in single-player mode as Cherry.	Silver
	All Clear: Floyd	Clear all stages in single-player mode as Floyd.	Silver
	All Clear: SOR1	Clear all stages in single-player mode with a "SOR1" character.	Silver
	All Clear: SOR2	Clear all stages in single-player mode with a "SOR2" character.	Silver
	All Clear SOR3	Clear all stages in single-player mode with a "SOR3" character.	Silver
	All Too Easy	Complete a stage on Mania difficulty.	Silver
	An Elegant Death	Use a chandelier to kill an enemy.	Bronze
	Birth of the Cool	Catch a weapon in the air.	Bronze
	Bleeding Knuckles	Reach a lifetime score of 5,000,000.	Gold
	Broke My Toy	Break a spear.	Bronze
	Collateral Damage	Use a barrel or a grenade explosion to kill 3 enemies at the same time.	Bronze
	Combo Expert	Achieve an "Amazing!!" combo.	Bronze
	Combo Master	Achieve an "Out of this world!!!" combo.	Silver
	Combo Pro	Achieve a "Super!" combo.	Bronze
	Demolition Man	Use a wrecking ball to kill an enemy.	Bronze
	Dojo Master	Beat Shiva.	Bronze
	Dude, My Car!	Break the car in The Streets.	Bronze
	Eating off the Ground	Consume a healing item.	Bronze
	Family Reunion	Get the Golden Chicken from the art gallery to the stock room.	Silver
	It's Chilly in Here	Break both elevator window panes.	Bronze
	Life's a Struggle	Free yourself from a grab.	Bronze
	Maniac	Get an S-Rank on all stages on Hard difficulty or higher.	Gold
	Miss Me?	Meet Adam.	Bronze
	My Work Here is Done	Obtain all trophies.	Platinum
	Old-Schooled	Beat Mr. and Ms. Y.	Silver
	Oops	Hit an ally.	Bronze
	Perfect	Complete a stage without taking damage.	Silver
	Snap Out of It	Beat possessed Max.	Silver
	Somebody Call the Cops!	Call the police with a Streets of Rage 1 character.	Bronze
	Stage Mastery	Get an S-Rank on any stage.	Silver
	THIS IS WOOD OAK CITY!!!	Kill an enemy by tossing them in a hole.	Bronze
	Throwback	Discover a retro level.	Bronze
	Walk on Foot	Destroy all motorcycles.	Bronze
	Wasted Wine	Break a wine bottle.	Bronze

Development

Rumors of a fourth entry in the series being in development have circulated since the mid-1990s. Following the success of Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, a 2017 remake of 1989's Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap, publisher Dotemu and developer Lizardcube approached Sega about creating a sequel in the Streets of Rage series. Sega agreed and production on the game began in the beginning of 2018, with the game publicly announced on August 27, 2018. The game is co-developed by Guard Crush Games, using a modified engine from their Streets of Fury game. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in April 2020.

The soundtrack is mainly composed by Olivier Derivière, with participation of original series composers Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima, along with Yoko Shimomura, Harumi Fujita, Keiji Yamagishi, Scattle, Das Mörtal, XL Middleton and Groundislava. Koshiro was not a part of the project from the start, but joined after playing a demo of the game at BitSummit, an indie game showcase in Kyoto, in June 2019. He cited fan requests and how the game was coming along as reasons for joining. Initially Hideki Naganuma was supposed to be taking place of Fujita, but in March 2020 Dotemu announced that he would no longer be composing for the game due to scheduling complications.

According to Jordi Asensio, a game designer at Guard Crush Games, Joe Musashi from the Shinobi series was proposed as a playable character, along with other Sega characters outside of the Streets of Rage series, but the idea was turned down by Sega of Japan.

Reception

Streets of Rage 4 received "generally favorable" reviews on Metacritic getting a metascore of 84/100 on PC and 82/100 on PS4 & Xbox One.

The game reached number 14 in the UK sales charts. It also reached 20th on the US downloads chart. As of September 2020, the game has sold over 1.5 million digital copies worldwide.

Gallery

Key art

Key art

Key art

Soundtrack art

Axel's Bio

Blaze's Bio

Cherry's Bio

Floyd's Bio

Adam's Bio

Shiva's Bio

Skate's Bio

Max's Bio

Dr. Zan's Bio

PS4 loading screen.

Title Screen

Ending Screen

Concept art of a unused female playable character.

Concept art of a unused male playable character.

Concept art of a unused female enemy.

Concept art of a unused male enemy.

Videos

Streets of Rage 4 - Reveal Trailer-0

Streets of Rage 4 PC Gameplay Multiplayer

Streets of Rage 4 - Gameplay Teaser Trailer

Streets of Rage 4 - Behind the Tracks

Streets of Rage 4 - Cherry Hunter (Gamescom 2019)

Streets of Rage 4 - Behind The Gameplay

Streets of Rage 4 - Adam Hunter

Streets of Rage 4 - Behind the Art

Streets of Rage 4 - Floyd Iraia & Multiplayer

Streets of Rage 4 - Behind the Music

Streets of Rage 4 - Retro Reveal

Streets of Rage 4 - Battle Mode & Release Date

Streets of Rage 4 - Official Launch Trailer

Streets of Rage 4 - Mr. X Nightmare DLC reveal

Streets of Rage 4 - Max Thunder reveal (Mr. X Nightmare DLC)

Streets of Rage 4 - Shiva reveal (Mr. X Nightmare DLC)

Streets of Rage 4 - Shiva, Max & Estel Gameplay (Mr. X Nightmare DLC)

Streets of Rage 4 Mr. X Nightmare - Official Launch Trailer

Trivia

• This game follows Bare Knuckle 3's storyline instead of the censored Streets of Rage 3 version (the Rakushin element is mentioned on both Floyd and Zan's profiles, together with the city being referenced as Wood Oak).
• This is the first game in the series not developed nor published by Sega.
• This is the first game, since the original, to not feature robotic enemies (the Koobo's don't count as they're cyborgs).
• This and Streets of Rage 2 are the only games where Big Ben (and any other heavyset enemies) are throwable (though, they have a slower throw/slam animation).
• A motorcycle segment (which is set after Stage 5) was supposed to be implemented once again (as it includes an unused motorcycle segment in SOR3's screenshot), however due to the amount of work needed to include it, it was scrapped.
• This game uses the original names for both Galsia and Garnet (whom they are called Garcia and Soozie in the US/EU version of SOR3).
• Some of the enemies (Galsia, Donovan, Signal, Dylan, Murphy, Garnet and Goro) had an unused final palette swap (2 in Goro's case) as seen in their respective galleries. As these are unused, they have no names.
• Due to the first three DLC characters are also bosses in base game, if one of them is selected, they will only face their hologram counterparts at some designated stage(s): Estel at Stages 4 and 7,Max at Stage 9, and Shiva at Stage 6.

External Links

• Official Site
• GOG store page
• Steam store page
• Limited Run Games store
• Wikipedia article