Some sequels are good. Some are not so good. Others are so lopsided in quality that they could easily fit in with both categories, or not at all. Streets of Rage 3 is one such game where I'm left not knowing what to think of it in the end, 'cause the game is one big oddity (that I really like) [ ].
1) Released in 1994 for the MegaDrive, this third and final chapter of the Streets of Rage trilogy by Sega and Ancient plays like Streets of Rage 2, but with a few added controls. You now have the freedom to run [YAY!!] by double tapping either the left or right directional button. Makes the game feel a little fast compared to SoR 2, unfortunately it was for that reason alone that I once preferred this over 2 (shallow, I know). What's cool is that you can also roll up and down by double tapping up or down in case you have to avoid certain attacks. You can decide either play with the three button scheme (which I barely do), or the six button scheme (which I always do). There's also a button in which if you hold it down and press any direction you'll unleash a powerful attack. But, if you attack a certain amount of enemies, you'll get a star (until you lose a life). That star increases the potency of your attack, so it's best to use it wisely. 2) This beat'em up I think is quite good, although I will admit that it's got a few issues. But, why don't I talk about the highlights first? The graphics look quite improved in some areas [more animation, detailed expositions, the discotheque] while in some areas it's just not as good [Shiva's character model, Axel's Western clothing]. The animation seems to have improved from the last game, giving it some fluid motion. I like how in the first stage the more you progressed the darker outside it gets. Pretty nifty, right there. The controls control well, and I like how this game has a double tap option. This game is more challenging than SoR 2, and I like how some challenge is implemented. For example: in this one stage, I'm expected to be fighting enemies while at the same time trying to avoid the oncoming obstacle(s) from either train tracks. That's a good prompt for challenge, right there. Now, for the downside; while I do appreciate the challenge SoR 3's got to offer, there were a couple of moments where I wished Sega would've given some slack (particularly during the Blaze clone fights). The plot is some of the most nonsensical I've yet experienced from a dark toned game, let alone a beat'em up. But, eh, without the plot, where's the prompt to acquire a certain amount of endings (from Normal mode and up)? The soundtrack I found quite disappointing compared to SoR 1 & 2 combined. Although, on one hand, some music sounds terrible to say the least (the first portion of the second stage comes to mind); but, on the other hand, there is some music I found worth listening to (discotheque, train stage, Yamato boss fight). It's a pretty lopsided soundtrack in a pretty lopsided game. I like Streets of Rage 3, because of how challenging it is; though I will admit I only beat it a few times on Easy mode. What keeps me coming back for me is that Normal mode and up will go past the fifth stage, no matter how challenging it gets. I also like the fact that you can play as a secret kangaroo character named Roo if you enter a certain code on the title screen (just press up and a button on the title screen, iirc). It is by no means the best beat'em up out there, but it is a good experience. 3) And now, a video for those that have not heard of SoR 3 (and I don't blame you if you haven't) showcasing probably the best part I've yet seen in the game: [youtube:j7_PGmTehwM]
i say easily 9/10 only to Mario and number 2 also sonic 2 and final fantasy well for vc
[anomalous[i know spelled wrong] member] so feenie bet you never got lucky in chat [feenie] ya [tbd] green gabe [feenie] yup i almost drowned in the shower afterwards
I'd say quite a bit worse than part 2. I couldn't care less about the story in a brawler, but the difficulty was all over the map and the stages weren't as memorable as SOR 2. Plus, Dr.Zan = lame.
"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
I'd say quite a bit worse than part 2. I couldn't care less about the story in a brawler, but the difficulty was all over the map and the stages weren't as memorable as SOR 2. Plus, Dr.Zan = lame.
I prefer the Japanese version as the story and graphics are not messed with. The music I find... mostly horrid, but I like the increase in speed over SOR 2 and the double tap-run which allows for some additional strategy amid the ass-kicking. I play it on my 'cube with a Hori Pad as the Japanese version of Sonic Gems includes all three SOR games as extras. In addition to censorship / regional changes the VC version is a another standard slow, squashed 50Hz Megadrive offering for PAL folks.
SOR 3 is a really good game but still not as good as SOR 2. The music takes a little getting used to but I like it. Hidden playable characters are a great addition.
SOR 3 is a really good game but still not as good as SOR 2. The music takes a little getting used to but I like it. Hidden playable characters are a great addition.
Agreed. I also like how after every certain period of time, you can use your special attack without losing health.
Ash: Professor Oak, how's your Bulbasaur?
Prof. Oak: Oh, it only hurts when I sit.
...
Prof. Oak: It's only Chansey if Krabby won't let go. Bye, now.
Ash: I don't think I'm going to call him anymore.
@edhe - Yeah, I know, those Blaze clones are annoying! @everyone - Yes, I concur that this game is not as good as Streets of Rage 2. But I still like SoR 3 somewhat, even if it was localized quite poorly. I only talked about the Western version I had played on VC, as I had not experienced the Japanese version. @Ristar - Speaking of which, I looked up that the Japanese version of this game is supposedly easier than the Western version. I also looked up that there was this ............... one enemy that was completely removed from the NTSC and PAL regions (I still can't believe my eyes!). [Maybe someday, when I acquire a MegaDrive console, the Japanese Bare Knuckle III will be one of my first games I get for it]
Still can't believe they replaced the character Max with that rubbish Dr Zahn character, not as good as 2 but still a great game all the same, hope the series gets a wiiware revival someday.
In my opinion, quite simply the greatest walking beat em up ever made. They fixed all of the bad points of 2 which werent many.
faster paced
choose path
bonus stages
secrets
harder difficulty
better length (not too long)
I think yuzo really went for it in this one as the soundtrack is really progressive. This could be seen as a bad point tbh as some of it is almost not suitable for a video game. The music for the first stage is excellent and him at his best. Especially when you go outside for the first time.
Underrated and people dont appreciate this game properly.
Streets of Rage 2 is probably the easiest beat'em up I've yet played, even easier than Turtles in Time. The thing I like about SoR 3 more than SoR 2 is not only do you have the option to run, but it's at it's hardest difficulty even on Easy mode. Truly, underrated (the Western version), it is. Though I might be one of the few people on the face of the planet that doesn't regard Streets of Rage 1 as highly as others (which is why I don't feel like talking about that). I did say before that some of the music was worth listening to, so why don't I post some of the good music for your listening pleasures?
Personally, I think the difficulty in SoR2 is just right. I was barely able to beat the game on easy on my first try. SoR3 is a little too hard in my opinion, especially since you have to play on normal or higher difficulty in order to play all the levels. At least being able to use your super attack (Bare Knuckle, etc.) every so often without losing health helps with the difficulty in SoR3.
Ash: Professor Oak, how's your Bulbasaur?
Prof. Oak: Oh, it only hurts when I sit.
...
Prof. Oak: It's only Chansey if Krabby won't let go. Bye, now.
Ash: I don't think I'm going to call him anymore.
You can also play as Ash in the Japanese version, and although I can see why he may have been removed for western versions, the adding of extra clothes to the female characters is silly. SNES Final Fight all over again...
I guess I just got so accustomed to 2 & 3 so fast that I never looked at 1 the same way again. Funny how I never noticed how Axel was wearing Adam's clothing the first time I had played this. "Retzupaa!!" or rather "Bare Knuckle!!"
Yeah StarBoy, its was 1992 or something when I played the first game - that impression lasted. I never played the follow up until much later, even though Mean Machines SEGA were raving about it at the time... A classic trilogy though, no doubt!
Why Sega made the female enemies wear "modest" clothing in Streets of Rage 3, when the Electras from Streets of Rage 2 clearly wore scantily clad clothing, I'll never know. >_>
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