![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125520389/278437202.jpg)
When 3D Streets of Rage 2 arrived on the Nintendo 3DS eShop last week, I made it a point to buy it. Not too many brawlers still hold up today, but Sega's classic action game is one of them.It all came rushing back as I booted it up over the weekend - that amazing soundtrack, the distinctive crash of the punches and kicks, the digitized yells as a foe went down. It still looks great today, but its faded colors and harsh '80s anime art also gives it that distinctive Sega Genesis 'look.' On the 3DS, it sparkles.Originally released on the Sega Genesis back in 1992, Streets of Rage II quickly became one of the console's most popular games. Its predecessor had made a name for itself with its arcade-quality graphics and solid action the previous year, but Streets of Rage II was when the series came into its own. Though superficially similar to the first game, Streets of Rage 2 brought with it new special moves, more sophisticated enemies, and a bigger roster that dispensed with Adam Hunter but introduced Max Thunder and Skate (Sammy in the original game).
Consequently, it's remembered as the best game in the series.That's not the only reason it still stands out, though. As most people are aware, the brawlers that we used to love have not fared well over the years. Graphical showcases back in the day, many of them have little to offer beyond their pretty looks. Even a beloved brawler like The Simpsons hasn't held up all that well, eventually devolving into a repetitive slog that overcomes its attractive graphics (sorry, Bob).Some of it is structural. By their very nature, brawlers are about beating up waves of enemies, which can get tiresome after a while. But they also suffer from the fact that many of them got their start in arcades, which means that they are by definition unbalanced and exploitive. Take them out of their natural environment, and their true nature as quarter munchers becomes painfully obvious.
![Streets Streets](http://squallsnake.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/streets-of-rage-2-trailer.jpg)
![Streets of rage 2 download Streets of rage 2 download](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125520389/563930424.jpg)
The SNES port of Turtles in Time is one of the very few arcade brawler ports I can think of that has managed to shake off its roots and become a legitimately great game in its own right.Streets of Rage 2, on the other hand, was never in the arcades. It was designed from start to finish to be a compelling console experience, and it shows in the way that most attacks are avoidable, life and weapons are plentiful, and the movesets are comparatively deep.
3D Streets of Rage 2 (3DS) Review: Skip the coffee and hit the Streets.
Nowhere is that more obvious than the boss battles, which can be frustrating at time (hello, Jet!), but can be mastered with the right attention to detail. Particularly important is the ease with which most of them can be knocked down, leveling the playing field and making the fights less frustrating.
In a genre where unbalanced boss battles generally serve as chokepoints, this difference is key.Beyond that, of course, Streets of Rage 2 is just really fun to play. I already mentioned Yuzo Koshiro's thumping synth soundtrack, which features a mix of early trance and dirty electronic funk that meshes perfectly with Streets of Rage 2's gritty anime art. Aside from the usual bars, parks, and elevators, Streets of Rage 2 takes the opportunity to include distinctive levels like a Xenomorph-like hive that comes by way of an amusment park. And most important of all, it offers players the tools to succe0ed via knockdown attacks, powerful special moves that have the side-effect of chipping away at your health, and strong weapons that can be used to clear crowds.M2 has done their customarily outstanding job of translating all of this to the Nintendo 3DS, featuring both the original Japanese version and the international version with added 3D effects and the clever Rage Relay, which makes it possible to use all four characters in a single playthrough. Streets of Rage 2 has appeared in many different collections over the years, but it's fair to say that this is the definitive port.These days, brawlers are quite rare, with most of them injecting RPG elements to add some semblance of depth.
The days of the pure arcade brawler are long gone. In that, Streets of Rage 2 is a throwback in more ways than one. Its merits go well beyond pure nostalgia, though. M2's port is proof that even an old-fashioned genre like the brawler can still sing in the modern era.
The SEGA Genesis had some great games back in the day. While it barely stood up against the Super Nintendo, it was the console of choice for the kids who thought they were too cool to play a little kids’ video game system. Either way, there are a few games considered too violent for Nintendo’s taste which is why folks checked out Streets of Rage 2 for the Genesis. Luckily, times have changed and we’re able to enjoy the same game nowadays on the Nintendo 3DS.
It’s introducing a new generation to a classic title and keeps the genre alive.If you haven’t played Streets of Rage 2, the gameplay is simply: go through each level inflicting pain on enemies as you progress. It’s simple to understand and fun if you have a bit of rage to let out. This remains the same for 3D Streets of Rage 2 as you’re still traveling through the game to defeat Mr. X and his syndicate in order to rescue an old pal, Adam Hunter.
You can choose one of four characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.If you grew up playing Streets of Rage 2 for the Genesis, you’ll notice not much has changed in 3D Streets of Rage 2. The overall control and gameplay remains largely unchanged but players will enjoy some upgraded graphics and new modes. From the start, you can switch around with different features to make for a unique visual playthrough.
There are options of switching between the English and Japanese versions as well as giving the screen that old school fuzzy appearance found on retro color televisions; like the ones you played the original Streets of Rage 2 on growing up. Not only that, but the 3D aspect appears to be one of the best for any 3DS game. With two options to pick for third dimension pleasure, neither of them would lead to any disorientation or dizziness like some games can. Switching between 3D and 2D is relatively flawless with no discrepancies from either mode. Whichever style you choose to play will look as clean and crisp as the other.The whole Syndicate Gang is back and can’t wait to get their hands on you after over 20 years of bumming around alleyways, baseball fields and thick jungles. Duking it out on the streets is still enjoyable and has held up nicely through the years.
Enemies can be predictable on easier settings but you’ll still find yourself getting knocked around when it comes to the bigger bad guys. Upping the difficulty will be a challenge for even the most skilled players; enemies come in swarms, they’re much faster and have more health. All this hasn’t changed since the Genesis days but what is new are the added modes of play: Casual and Fists of Death. With Casual Mode, some of your attacks will do more damage to opponents which can be helpful in your fight. If you’re looking for the easy way out, then you’ll want Fists of Death mode which allows you to knock enemies out in one hit.
It’s the perfect way to play if you’re going for some kind of speed record as well. The game itself is short especially if you’re on easy settings; the entire experience can be completed in less than an hour given the right circumstances.
3D Streets of Rage 2 could benefit from added stages and new enemies, but since this is basically a port, it won’t happen. There’s also a mode called Rage Relay allowing you to play as all four characters. Once one of their health meters is empty you’ll automatically come back as the next fighter you chose. It’s a good mode to check out if you don’t have a character preference or just want to try and master each one.One of the downsides is the co-op mode. The only way to play with another person is if they also have the game.
It makes sense since it’s for 3DS with no way of have true multiplayer; if the game was available for Wii U it could have made a big difference. That was a great feature back on the Genesis and would have been fantastic to try out today. Local play is fun but just doesn’t give the same feeling of bashing bad guys side by side with a friend.Closing Comments:Back in the day, Streets of Rage 2 was considered one of the best video games of all time and much of that proclamation still rings true. 3D Streets of Rage 2 is as fun as it used to be in the ’90s and stands out in the genre.
In addition to new games modes, the ability to save a game at any point in time makes a great game even better. It’s been perfected upon and an overall better experience since you can play on the go. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will have fun playing this remake.
![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125520389/278437202.jpg)