Summary

Release Year: 1992
Genres: Arcade, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
Platforms: Android, Arcade, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Ancient, H.I.C., MNM Software, Shout! Designworks
Publishers: Sega Corporation, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega Games, Tec Toy

Streets of Rage 2: A Classic Beat ‘Em Up That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, Streets of Rage 2 is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that quickly became a classic. The game’s fast-paced action, catchy music, and beautiful graphics made it a standout title in the genre.

Gameplay

Streets of Rage 2 can be played with up to four players simultaneously. Players take control of one of four characters: Axel, Blaze, Skate, or Max. Each character has their own unique fighting style and special moves.

The game is set in the fictional city of Wood Oak City, which has been overrun by crime and corruption. Players must fight their way through eight stages, battling hordes of enemies and facing off against powerful bosses.

Streets of Rage 2 introduced several new features to the beat ’em up genre, including the ability to pick up weapons and use them against enemies. Players can also perform special moves by pressing certain button combinations.

Graphics and Sound

Streets of Rage 2 is one of the most visually impressive games on the Sega Genesis. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and vibrant, and the character sprites are large and well-animated.

The game’s music is also top-notch. The soundtrack is composed of catchy electronic dance tracks that perfectly complement the fast-paced action.

Legacy

Streets of Rage 2 was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best beat ’em up games ever made. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with fans of the genre.

The game’s success spawned two sequels, Streets of Rage 3 and Streets of Rage 4. Streets of Rage 4 was released in 2020 and was met with critical acclaim.

Conclusion

Streets of Rage 2 is a classic beat ’em up game that still packs a punch. The game’s fast-paced action, catchy music, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing Streets of Rage 2

Learn the different fighting styles of each character.
Use the environment to your advantage. You can throw enemies into objects or use them as shields.
Don’t be afraid to use weapons. Weapons can be very effective against enemies, especially bosses.
Team up with other players. Streets of Rage 2 is more fun when played with friends.

Additional Information

Streets of Rage 2 was developed by Sega and Ancient.
The game was released in arcades in 1992 and on the Sega Genesis in 1993.
The game was ported to the Game Gear, Master System, and Game Boy Advance.
Streets of Rage 2 was included in the Sega Genesis Mini console.

Review

Streets of Rage 2 is a classic beat ’em up game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced action, catchy music, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Gameplay

Both games in this compilation are on-rails shooters, meaning that the player’s movement is restricted to a predetermined path. The player uses the Wii Zapper to aim and shoot at the undead hordes that attack from all sides.

The House of the Dead 2 is a fairly straightforward shooter, with the player progressing through a series of levels, each with its own unique boss. The game features a variety of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and grenade launchers.

The House of the Dead III is a more complex game, with a branching storyline and multiple endings. The player can choose to play as one of two characters, each with their own unique abilities. The game also features a new melee attack, which can be used to block incoming attacks or to stagger enemies.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return are faithful to the original arcade games. The character models are blocky and the textures are low-resolution, but this is all part of the charm. The games’ soundtracks are also excellent, with a mix of cheesy voice acting and pulse-pounding music.

New Features

In addition to the original arcade games, The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return also includes a new Extreme mode for The House of the Dead III. This mode features faster enemy attacks and smaller bullet blast radii, making the game more challenging.

The compilation also includes a new melee attack for The House of the Dead III. This attack can be used to block incoming attacks or to stagger enemies. It is a powerful move, but it requires a “reload” time.

Overall

The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return is a great compilation of two classic arcade light gun shooters. The games are faithful to the originals, and the Wii Zapper support makes them even more fun to play. If you’re a fan of light gun shooters, or if you’re just looking for a nostalgic trip to the arcade, then I highly recommend checking out The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return.