If you’re new to the classic beat ’em up series, Streets of Rage 4 might seem a bit daunting at first. But fear not, for with a few key tips and strategies under your belt, you’ll be cleaning up the streets like a seasoned pro in no time. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of mastering the game’s mechanics, from basic controls to advanced techniques.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of combat, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the game’s controls. Streets of Rage 4 offers two control schemes:
- Modern Controls:
- Move: Left stick / D-pad
- Jump: X
- Attack: Square
- Special: Triangle
- Pick up/Throw weapon: Circle
- Back attack: R2 / Left stick back + Square
- Star move: R1 / Circle + Triangle
- Retro Controls:
- Move: Left stick / D-pad
- Jump: X
- Attack: Square
- Special: Triangle
- Pick up: Square
- Throw weapon: X + Square
- Back attack: X + Square
- Star move: Square + Triangle
You can customise these controls in the Input Setup menu to find a layout that works best for you.
Mastering Combat Techniques
Streets of Rage 4 is all about strategic fighting, not just button-mashing. Here are some essential combat tips to keep in mind:
Basic Combos
Repeatedly pressing the Square button will execute your character’s basic combo, which is your bread and butter for most situations. Holding Square charges up a strong attack, indicated by your character flashing yellow.
Crowd Control
Learning to throw opponents is key to managing crowds. Throwing enemies can temporarily disable them and reposition them for favourable attacks. You can even toss foes into bottomless pits to remove them from the fight entirely.
Grab and Throw
Getting up close to an enemy allows you to grab them. From this position, you can perform throws or land a few hits. Grabs have invincibility frames, meaning you can’t be interrupted during the animation.
Weapon Mastery
Various weapons like knives and pipes can be picked up throughout levels using the Circle button. Weapons increase your range and deal solid damage, but have limited durability. You can also catch weapons mid-air by pressing Circle for quicker rearming.
Health Management
Consuming health items like apples and chickens boosts your stamina, making you more powerful and enabling more strategic fighting. Keep an eye out for these precious pickups.
Knowing Your Enemies
Observing enemy attack patterns is crucial to avoiding damage. Pay attention to when and where foes enter the stage, as they are vulnerable upon entry. Some key things to watch for:
- Weapon-wielding enemies pose a greater threat due to their increased range. Focus on dispatching them first.
- Stronger foes with larger health bars should be prioritised to thin the herd.
- Enemies entering from the sides or background often catch players off guard. Stay vigilant!
Navigating the Stages
Streets of Rage 4 features 12 main stages, each with their own challenges and secrets:
- The Streets
- Police Precinct
- Cargo Ship
- Old Pier
- Underground
- Chinatown
- Skytrain
- Art Gallery
- Y Tower
- To The Concert
- Airplane
- Y Island
As you progress, keep an eye out for environmental hazards that can harm both you and your foes. Luring enemies into traps or obstacles can give you a strategic edge.
There are also four hidden retro levels accessible by finding old-school Bare Knuckle arcade cabinets throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for these nostalgic easter eggs!
Practice Makes Perfect
Ultimately, the key to cleaning up the streets in Streets of Rage 4 is practice. Experiment with different characters to find one that suits your playstyle, as each has unique moves and combos. Mastering a single character before moving on to others can greatly enhance your overall skills.
Streets of Rage 4 features a diverse cast of playable fighters to unlock as you level up, as well as single-player, co-op, and multiplayer modes to enjoy. A standard playthrough takes around 4 hours, but completionists can expect up to 22 hours of content.
With these beginner tips in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming a Streets of Rage 4 champion. So go forth, clean up those streets, and don’t forget to have a blast while doing so!
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