{{Short description|2020 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox video game | title = Streets of Rage 4 | image = Streets of Rage 4.png | caption = Promotional art | developer = {{ubl|[[Dotemu]]|Lizardcube|Guard Crush Games}} | publisher = Dotemu<br />Playdigious <small>(Android, iOS)</small> | producer = Cyrille Imbert<!--Dotemu--> | designer = Jordi Asensio<!--Dotemu--> | programmer = {{ubl|Cyrille Lagarigue<!--Guard Crush Games-->|Bo Samson<!--Guard Crush Games-->}} | artist = {{ubl|Ben Fiquet<!--Lizardcube-->|Julian Nguyen You<!--Lizardcube-->}} | composer = {{ubl|[[Olivier Deriviere]]|[[Yuzo Koshiro]]|[[Motohiro Kawashima]]|[[Tee Lopes]]}} | series = ''[[Streets of Rage]]'' | platforms = {{ubl|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Linux]]|[[macOS]]|[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]}} | released = {{ubl|'''Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One'''|April 30, 2020|'''Linux, macOS'''|November 12, 2020|'''Stadia'''|July 15, 2021|'''Android, iOS'''|May 24, 2022}} | genre = [[Beat 'em up]] | modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] }} '''''Streets of Rage 4'''''{{efn|Known in Asia as {{Nihongo|'''''Bare Knuckle IV'''''|ベア・ナックルIV}}}} is a 2020 [[beat 'em up]] game developed by [[Dotemu]], Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games and published by Dotemu. The game is a continuation of [[Sega]]'s ''[[Streets of Rage]]'' trilogy, originally released for the [[Sega Genesis]] during the 1990s. It was released for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], [[Linux]], and [[macOS]], in 2020, for [[Google Stadia|Stadia]] in 2021, and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] in 2022. ''Streets of Rage 4'' received generally positive reviews and sold over {{nowrap|2.5 million}} copies by April 2021. An expansion, ''Mr. X Nightmare'', was released in July 2021.
==Gameplay== Carrying on the style of gameplay from previous entries in the ''[[Streets of Rage]]'' series from the early 1990s, ''Streets of Rage 4'' is a side-scrolling [[beat 'em up]] in which up to four players locally or two players online fight against waves of enemies, aided by disposable weapons and [[item (game terminology)|item]] pickups. Alongside standard attacks, throws, and Blitz Moves, each [[player character]] has a set of special attacks that can be performed at the cost of some [[health (game terminology)|health]]. In this game, however, players can restore health spent on a special attack by performing successive follow-up attacks without getting hit. Each player character also has unique [[combo (video games)|super combo]], "Star Moves", which can be performed by collecting Stars in each [[level (video games)|level]]. A new combo system is introduced, along with the ability to juggle opponents against walls and other players, allowing players to earn extra points by stringing together long combos without getting hit.<ref name="gamespot">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-is-a-nostalgic-trip-back-to-a-cl/1100-6461643/|title=Streets Of Rage 4 Is A Nostalgic Trip Back To A Classic Series|last=Fillari|first=Alessandro|date=September 11, 2018|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=April 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425072555/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-is-a-nostalgic-trip-back-to-a-cl/1100-6461643/|url-status=live}}</ref> Each character has unique traits, such as Max's wall jump and grappling jump, Shiva's weapon parry mechanics and aerial rave/air combo, and Floyd's long-range grapple.
The main gameplay mode, Story Mode, sees players going through each level as the story is told, with a stage select [[unlockable (video games)|unlocked]] after clearing Story Mode. Set ten years after the events of ''[[Streets of Rage 3]]'', the story features the playable characters fighting to free Wood Oak City from the control of the Y Twins, the children of previous series antagonist Mr. X. Players have a limited number of lives depending on the difficulty setting, but can earn more by earning a certain number of points. If all players lose all of their lives, they will have to retry the level from the beginning, with the option to use assists that add extra lives and Star Moves at the cost of a reduced [[score (game)|score]]. Upon clearing a level, players receive a rank based on how many points they scored. Points earned goes towards a lifetime score, which goes towards unlocking bonus player characters from past games, presented in pseudo [[16-bit]] style. The game also features Arcade Mode, which tasks players with clearing the entire game with limited lives, a Boss Rush Mode and a competitive Battle Mode, which lets two players fight against each other. The game also features a retro audio option, featuring music tracks from both the Mega Drive/Genesis and [[Master System]]/[[Game Gear]] versions of the first two games.<ref name="Cherry">{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=Streets of Rage 4's new character is a guitar-playing badass |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/19/20812053/streets-of-rage-4-platforms-new-character-cherry |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=December 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202182955/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/19/20812053/streets-of-rage-4-platforms-new-character-cherry |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Multiplayer">{{cite magazine |last=Maher |first=Cian |title=Streets of Rage 4 gets a new character and four-player co-op |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/streets-of-rage-4-gets-a-new-character-and-four-player-co-op/ |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=February 24, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=Lizardcube #SOR4 |user=lizardcube |number=1247907332912295941 |date=April 8, 2020 |title=Streets of Rage 4: retro Max, Zan, Skate & more are back! Dozen playable fighters from previous episodes and retro music tracks are joining the brawl! #SOR4 will be released soon on PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One for $24.99. @Lizardcube + @Guard_Crush + @dotemu + @SEGA https://t.co/XGtvRxG3px |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922003455/https://twitter.com/lizardcube/status/1247907332912295941 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The base game features five main playable characters; series veterans Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding; Adam Hunter, who originally appeared in the first ''Streets of Rage'' game and is unlocked through playing the story; and new characters Cherry Hunter, Adam's daughter, and Floyd Iraia, a part-cybernetic apprentice of Dr. Zan. 16-bit versions of characters from the original trilogy, including Max Thunder, Skate, Dr. Zan, and Shiva, can be unlocked by raising the lifetime score. These characters feature move sets based on the games they came from (e.g., ''SOR3'' Axel can run, unlike the ''SOR1'' and ''SOR2'' versions of the same character). The Mr. X's Nightmare DLC adds three additional characters who appear as bosses in the main story; Max Thunder and Shiva, who were originally playable in ''Streets of Rage 2'' and ''Streets of Rage 3'' respectively, and brand-new character Estel Aguirre. The ''SOR3'' version of Roo can also be unlocked through a cheat code.
==Plot== Ten years after Mr. X's death, Wood Oak City faces the rise of a new Syndicate, led by Mr. X's children, the twins Mr. and Ms. Y. Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding, along with Adam Hunter's daughter Cherry Hunter and Dr. Zan's apprentice, Floyd Iraia, fight the Syndicate around the streets until they are arrested under false accusations. As they break out from their cell, they are approached by Mr. Y, who reveals that the police force is working for him and offers them a deal to join his side, but they refuse. The heroes are chased and surrounded by police officer Estel Aguirre, but Adam appears and helps them escape.
Following a hint to Chinatown, the heroes meet Shiva and learn from him that the Syndicate has a plan to control the entire city using a hypnotic signal they developed. Confronting the twins in their hideout, the heroes fight and defeat a brainwashed Max, making him come to his senses. Ms. Y attempts to brainwash them as well but Estel, realizing that the heroes are telling the truth, help them escape. The heroes then stop a music show arranged by the Syndicate to spread their signal across the city and chase after their enemies to their main base in an island, where they fight and defeat the Y twins. The twins are arrested and the heroes part ways, returning to their ordinary lives.
==Development== Upon completing development on ''[[Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap]]'', a 2017 [[video game remake|remake]] of 1989's ''[[Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap]]'', Lizardcube artist Ben Fiquet wanted to make a remaster of the original ''Streets of Rage'' games using the same techniques. However, the game's programmer, Omar Cornut, had moved onto a personal project, so Fiquet and publisher [[Dotemu]] approached [[Sega]] about creating a full sequel to the series instead.<ref>{{cite tweet|last=Fiquet|first=Ben |user=BenFiquet|number=1417498177310240768|date=July 20, 2021|title=How #SOR4 came to be When finishing up Wonder Boy, I still wanted to breathe life back into one of my favorite game, Streets of Rage 2 I figured we could use the same tech as WB but @ocornut my associate and brilliant programer was already wrking on his personal project DearIMGUI|access-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> Sega agreed, licensed the franchise to Dotemu and production on the game began at the beginning of 2018, with the game publicly announced that August. The game was co-developed by Guard Crush Games, using a modified engine from their ''Streets of Fury'' game, with a core development team of five members across the three companies. Each playable ''Streets of Rage 4'' character has approximately 1,000 frames of animation, with enemies having between 300 and 400 frames each.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fiquet |first=Ben |title=How Lizardcube Redesigned the Characters of Streets of Rage 4, Out April 30 |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2020/04/23/how-lizardcube-redesigned-the-characters-of-streets-of-rage-4-out-april-30/ |website=PlayStation.Blog |date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2020 |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505131416/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2020/04/23/how-lizardcube-redesigned-the-characters-of-streets-of-rage-4-out-april-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Seaven Studio ported the game for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seaven-studio.com/streets-of-rage-4/|title=Streets of Rage 4|website=Seaven Studio|date=August 26, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729062712/https://www.seaven-studio.com/streets-of-rage-4/|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[BlitWorks]] ported it for [[Windows 10]] and Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blitworks.com/streets_of_rage_4 |title=Streets of Rage 4 |website=[[BlitWorks]] |access-date=2021-01-04 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710141746/https://www.blitworks.com/streets_of_rage_4/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Music=== {{see also|Music of the Streets of Rage series}}
The game's score was primarily composed by [[Olivier Deriviere]], with additional compositions from [[Yuzo Koshiro]], [[Motohiro Kawashima]], [[Yoko Shimomura]], [[Keiji Yamagishi]], [[Harumi Fujita]], [[XL Middleton]], Scattle, Das Mörtal, and [[Groundislava]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |title=Streets Of Rage 4's Soundtrack Has Four Legendary Artists Including Yuzo Koshiro |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4s-soundtrack-has-four-legendary-a/1100-6468474/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=July 17, 2019 |date=July 17, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322172835/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4s-soundtrack-has-four-legendary-a/1100-6468474/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="OSTCredits">{{cite web |title=Streets of Rage 4 Soundtrack |url=https://www.bravewave.net/streetsofrage4/ost |website=[[Brave Wave Productions]] |access-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430031457/http://www.bravewave.net/streetsofrage4/ost |url-status=live }}</ref> The soundtrack is structured so that Deriviere wrote the primary themes, while each [[boss (video games)|boss]] fight's theme was written by one of the guest composers.<ref name="OSTCredits" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=Streets of Rage 4 composed by Olivier Deriviere |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/streets-of-rage-4-composed-by-olivier-deriviere |website=Gematsu |date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320201249/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/streets-of-rage-4-composed-by-olivier-deriviere |url-status=live }}</ref> Koshiro was not a part of the project from the start, but joined in June 2019 after playing a [[game demo|demo]] of the game at BitSummit, an indie game showcase in Japan. He cited fan requests and how the game was coming along as reasons for joining.<ref>{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |title=Yuzo Koshiro Thinks You're Going To Love Streets Of Rage 4 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/08/yuzo_koshiro_thinks_youre_going_to_love_streets_of_rage_4 |website=Nintendo Life |date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819180942/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/08/yuzo_koshiro_thinks_youre_going_to_love_streets_of_rage_4 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hideki Naganuma]] was also originally set to contribute, but dropped out of the project due to scheduling conflicts before being replaced by Fujita.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |title=Hideki Naganuma No Longer Composing Streets of Rage 4 Soundtrack Due to Scheduling Complications |url=https://www.siliconera.com/hideki-naganuma-no-longer-composing-for-streets-of-rage-4-due-to-scheduling-complications/ |website=Siliconera |date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320201251/https://www.siliconera.com/hideki-naganuma-no-longer-composing-for-streets-of-rage-4-due-to-scheduling-complications/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game includes the ability to switch the soundtrack to that of ''Streets of Rage'' and ''Streets of Rage 2''.<ref name="IGNDate">{{cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ryan |title=Streets of Rage 4 Gets April Release Date |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-release-date |website=[[IGN]] |date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421034427/https://www.ign.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref>
The game's soundtrack was released digitally by Mutant Ninja Records and physically by [[Brave Wave Productions]] alongside the game on April 30, 2020, with a limited vinyl release produced by [[Limited Run Games]].<ref name="OSTCredits" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://limitedrungames.com/products/streets-of-rage-4-signed-soundtrack-vinyl|title=Streets of Rage 4 Signed Soundtrack Vinyl|website=Limited Run Games|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624124611/https://limitedrungames.com/products/streets-of-rage-4-signed-soundtrack-vinyl|url-status=live}}</ref> A CD soundtrack is included with certain physical releases of the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bartholomé |first=Clément |title=Streets of Rage 4 : DotEmu s'excuse pour la confusion concernant les éditions physiques |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1223799/streets-of-rage-4-dotemu-s-excuse-pour-la-confusion-concernant-les-editions-physiques.htm |website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |date=May 12, 2020 |access-date=May 12, 2020 |language=fr |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430190257/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1223799/streets-of-rage-4-dotemu-s-excuse-pour-la-confusion-concernant-les-editions-physiques.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tee Lopes]] composed the soundtrack for the ''Mr. X Nightmare'' expansion.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Lopes |first=Tee |author-link=Tee Lopes |user=teelopesmusic |number=1415710942395052039 |date=July 15, 2021 |title='Streets of Rage 4 DLC Mr. X Nightmare' IS OUT!!! 🥊😵 and so is the Soundtrack!!! 💿✨ I can't wait for you to hear it! Stream: https://t.co/TSVVLm7jGJ Bandcamp: https://t.co/xVqCiLyd2d YouTube full OST video : https://t.co/uPOFskV90D |access-date=July 20, 2021}}</ref>
==Release== The game was released for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] on April 30, 2020.<ref name="IGNDate" /> A limited physical release for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions by [[Limited Run Games]] was made available as both a standard edition with reversible [[Video game packaging|box art]] and a classic edition with a steelbook case and a Genesis-style clam-shell case.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=Streets of Rage 4 PS4 and Switch limited print physical editions announced |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/streets-of-rage-4-ps4-and-switch-limited-print-physical-editions-announced |website=Gematsu |date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317173018/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/streets-of-rage-4-ps4-and-switch-limited-print-physical-editions-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> A limited-edition version including a CD soundtrack, a 7-inch statue, a chicken stress ball, and an artbook has also been offered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://limitedrungames.com/products/limited-run-332-streets-of-rage-4-limited-edition-ps4|title=Limited Run #332: Streets of Rage 4 Limited Edition (PS4)|website=Limited Run Games|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725191123/https://limitedrungames.com/products/limited-run-332-streets-of-rage-4-limited-edition-ps4|url-status=live}}</ref> Another physical release for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One was being planned by Signature Edition, releasing the game in both a standard version include keyrings and an art booklet and a signature edition with a CD soundtrack, enamel pins, and a bandana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/streets-of-rage-4-signature-edition-ps4|title=Streets of Rage 4 - Signature Edition (PS4)|website=Signature Edition Games|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927103507/https://signatureeditiongames.com/products/streets-of-rage-4-signature-edition-ps4|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the announcement of other physical editions, Dotemu and Limited Run Games announced that all orders of their physical editions would include a complimentary soundtrack CD, as well as free [[Steam (service)|Steam]] keys for those who ordered the limited edition.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Dotemu |author-link=Dotemu |user=Dotemu |number=1260124403658043395 |date=May 12, 2020 |title=Important information regarding Streets of Rage 4 physical editions by @LimitedRunGames. ⬇️ https://t.co/m6CN8NlyNT |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628203413/https://twitter.com/Dotemu/status/1260124403658043395 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Downloadable content]] (DLC) titled ''Mr. X Nightmare'' was released on July 15, 2021. The DLC adds three additional player characters who are also bosses in the game's main storyline; the current incarnations of ''Streets of Rage 2'' characters Max Thunder and Shiva, and a newcomer Estel Aguirre, and a [[survival mode]] in which players fight through waves of enemies to unlock new moves and weapons, as well as the ''[[Streets of Rage 3]]'' incarnation of Roo. The DLC features additional music tracks composed by [[Tee Lopes]]. A free update adding additional color pallets, a training mode, and a "New Mania+" difficulty was released alongside the DLC, along with a version of the game for [[Google Stadia]].<ref name="2.5 million">{{Cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/streets-of-rage-4-dlc-mr-x-nightmare-and-free-update-announced-downloads-top-2-5-million|title=Streets of Rage 4 DLC 'Mr. X Nightmare' and free update announced; downloads top 2.5 million|website=Gematsu|date=April 8, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=September 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919210254/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/streets-of-rage-4-dlc-mr-x-nightmare-and-free-update-announced-downloads-top-2-5-million|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/Next-up-on-Stadia-Streets-of-Rage-4-on-July-15-and-Darkwood/ba-p/63629|title=Next up on Stadia: Streets of Rage 4 on July 15 and Darkwood arriving this summer|website=Stadia Community Blog|date=July 1, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725165500/https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/Next-up-on-Stadia-Streets-of-Rage-4-on-July-15-and-Darkwood/ba-p/63629|url-status=live}}</ref> Another free update released on March 10, 2023, added co-op moves and a custom survival mode for the DLC.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/lizardcube/status/1634207480124153862 |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312001628/https://twitter.com/lizardcube/status/1634207480124153862 |url-status=live }}</ref> Retail releases of the Nintendo Switch and PS4 versions were released by Merge Games Ltd. on September 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lada|first=Jenni|url=https://www.siliconera.com/streets-of-rage-4-anniversary-edition-includes-dlc/|title=Streets of Rage 4 Anniversary Edition Includes DLC|website=Siliconera|date=July 14, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726202225/https://www.siliconera.com/streets-of-rage-4-anniversary-edition-includes-dlc/|url-status=live}}</ref> A mobile port for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]], developed by Playdigious, was released on May 24, 2022.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1508795584567816198|user=Dotemu|title=Seems like @Playdigious did it again. 👀#SOR4 is coming to mobile on May 24th! 👊🔥(𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴, 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭…|date=March 29, 2022}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = NS: 87/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web | title = Streets of Rage 4 for Switch Reviews | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/streets-of-rage-4/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = June 2, 2020 | archive-date = May 1, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200501233252/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/streets-of-rage-4 | url-status = live }}</ref><br/>PC: 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web | title = Streets of Rage 4 for PC Reviews | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/streets-of-rage-4/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = April 30, 2020 | archive-date = April 29, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200429201414/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/streets-of-rage-4 | url-status = live }}</ref><br/>PS4: 82/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web | title = Streets of Rage 4 for PlayStation 4 Reviews | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/streets-of-rage-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = May 8, 2020 | archive-date = May 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200509143158/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/streets-of-rage-4 | url-status = live }}</ref><br/>XONE: 82/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web | title = Streets of Rage 4 for Xbox One Reviews | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/streets-of-rage-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = May 8, 2020 | archive-date = May 31, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200531191008/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/streets-of-rage-4 | url-status = live }}</ref><br />IOS: 86/100<ref name="MCIOS">{{cite web | title = Streets of Rage 4 for iPhone/iPad Reviews | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/streets-of-rage-4/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = July 18, 2022 | archive-date = June 3, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220603225045/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/streets-of-rage-4 | url-status = live }}</ref> | Destruct = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last = Moyse |first = Chris |title = Review: Streets of Rage 4 |url = https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-streets-of-rage-4/ |website = [[Destructoid]] |date = May 3, 2020 |access-date = July 27, 2021 |archive-date = May 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200504115629/https://www.destructoid.com/review-streets-of-rage-4-587786.phtml |url-status = live }}</ref> | EZA = 8.5/10<ref name="EZA">{{cite web |last = Huber |first = Michael |title = Review: Streets of Rage 4 |url = https://easyallies.com/#!/review/streets-of-rage-4 |website = [[Easy Allies]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 29, 2020 |archive-date = September 2, 2017 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20170902041336/https://easyallies.com/%23!/review/resident-evil-7-biohazard#!/review/streets-of-rage-4 |url-status = live }}</ref> | EuroG = Essential<ref>{{cite web |last = Robinson |first = Martin |title = Streets of Rage 4 review - beloved beat 'em-up gets the Sonic Mania treatment |url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-04-29-streets-of-rage-4-review-beloved-beat-em-up-gets-the-sonic-mania-treatment |website = [[Eurogamer]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-date = April 29, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200429220839/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-04-29-streets-of-rage-4-review-beloved-beat-em-up-gets-the-sonic-mania-treatment |url-status = live }}</ref> | Fam = 34/40<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite web |last = Sal |first = Romano |title = Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1642 |url = https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1642 |website = Gematsu |date = May 20, 2020 |access-date = May 20, 2020 |archive-date = May 27, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200527203410/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1642 |url-status = live }}</ref> | GI = 7/10<ref name="GI"> {{cite magazine | last = Juba | first = Joe | title = Streets of Rage 4 Review — Return To The Old-School Neighborhood | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/review/streets-of-rage-4/streets-of-rage-4-review-return-to-the-old-school-neighborhood | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200429210342/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/streets-of-rage-4/streets-of-rage-4-review-return-to-the-old-school-neighborhood | url-status = live | archive-date = April 29, 2020 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | date = April 29, 2020 | access-date = April 29, 2020 }}</ref> | GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last = Kemps |first = Heidi |title = Streets Of Rage 4 Review - The Beat-'Em-Up Boys Are Back In Town |url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-4-review-the-beat-em-up-boys-are-b/1900-6417460/ |website = [[GameSpot]] |date = 4 May 2020 |access-date = 5 May 2020 |archive-date = November 3, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201103034650/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-4-review-the-beat-em-up-boys-are-b/1900-6417460/ |url-status = live }}</ref> | IGN = 7/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last = Driver |first = Dale |title = Streets of Rage 4 Review |url = https://www.ign.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-review |website = [[IGN]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 29, 2020 |archive-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200430081054/https://www.ign.com/articles/streets-of-rage-4-review |url-status = live }}</ref> | PCGUS = 76/100<ref> {{cite magazine | last = Fenlon | first = Wes | title = Streets of Rage 4 review | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/streets-of-rage-4-review/ | magazine = [[PC Gamer]] | date = 29 April 2020 | access-date = 3 May 2020 }}</ref> | PG = 4.5/5<ref name="PG">{{Cite web|last=Dellosa|first=Catherine Ng|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/streets-of-rage-4/mobile-review/|title=Streets of Rage 4 mobile review - "Worth the twenty-seven-year wait"|website=[[Pocket Gamer]]|publisher=Steel Media Ltd.|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=July 18, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719042824/https://www.pocketgamer.com/streets-of-rage-4/mobile-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> | PSQ = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last = Tailby |first = Stephen |title = Streets of Rage 4 Review (PS4) |url = https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/streets_of_rage_4 |website = [[Push Square]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-date = November 7, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201107032222/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/streets_of_rage_4 |url-status = live }}</ref> | TA = 5/5<ref name="TA">{{cite web |last = Madnani |first = Mikhail |title = 'Streets of Rage 4' iOS Review – The Best Mobile Beat Em Up Ever? |url = https://toucharcade.com/2022/05/24/streets-of-rage-4-mobile-review-mr-x-nightmare-dlc-price-worth-it-iphone-ipad-pro-performance-controller-support-graphics-online-multiplayer/ |website = [[TouchArcade]] |date = May 24, 2022 |access-date = June 3, 2022 |archive-date = June 3, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220603004940/https://toucharcade.com/2022/05/24/streets-of-rage-4-mobile-review-mr-x-nightmare-dlc-price-worth-it-iphone-ipad-pro-performance-controller-support-graphics-online-multiplayer/ |url-status = live }}</ref> | USG = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last = Allen |first = Eric Van |title = Streets of Rage 4 Review: Streets Ahead |url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/streets-of-rage-4-review |website = [[USgamer]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200430005508/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/streets-of-rage-4-review |url-status = live }}</ref> | VB = 88/100<ref>{{cite web |last = Grubb |first = Jeff |title = Streets of Rage 4 review — A brawl down memory lane |url = https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/29/streets-of-rage-4-review-a-brawl-down-memory-lane/ |website = [[VentureBeat]] |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-date = April 30, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200430233820/https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/29/streets-of-rage-4-review-a-brawl-down-memory-lane/ |url-status = live }}</ref> | VG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last = Wise |first = Josh |title = Streets of Rage 4 review |url = https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-4-review |website = VideoGamer.com |date = April 29, 2020 |access-date = April 29, 2020 |archive-date = July 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200723062427/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-4-review |url-status = live }}</ref> | rev1 = ''[[Pure Xbox]]'' | rev1Score = 9/10<ref name="PXB">{{cite web |last = McFerran |first = Damien |title = Streets Of Rage 4 - The Best Entry In A Legendary Franchise |url = https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-one/streets-of-rage-4 |website = [[Pure Xbox]] |date = April 18, 2022 |access-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-date = May 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220510113720/https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-one/streets-of-rage-4 |url-status = live }}</ref> | NLife = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/streets_of_rage_4 | title=Review: Streets of Rage 4 - A Perfect Modernisation of a Beloved Franchise | date=April 29, 2020 | access-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-date=April 30, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430030126/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/streets_of_rage_4 | url-status=live }}</ref> }}
''Streets of Rage 4'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCNS"/><ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS4"/><ref name="MCXONE"/><ref name="MCIOS"/> Leo Faierman of ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' wrote that "the visuals, sounds and mechanics aren't as envelope-pushing in 2020 as the originals were in the early '90s, but the balance between embracing nostalgia and reformulating the brawler for the current decade is struck wonderfully".<ref name="SMH">{{cite news |last=Biggs |first=Tim |title=Iconic brawler hits the streets again after 26 years |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/video-games/iconic-brawler-hits-the-streets-again-after-26-years-20200428-p54nve.html |access-date=3 May 2020 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=29 April 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103235553/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/video-games/iconic-brawler-hits-the-streets-again-after-26-years-20200428-p54nve.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Heidi Kemps of ''[[GameSpot]]'' opined the game "looks great, sounds great, and plays very well" and that even "if the experience is relatively short, it's the sort of game you and your buddies can easily enjoy playing and re-playing".<ref name="GSpot" />
Michael Huber of ''[[Easy Allies]]'' stated that ''Streets of Rage 4'' masterfully revitalized the series, describing the combat and soundtrack as high points, but criticized the online components at launch.<ref name="EZA" /> Dale Driver of ''[[IGN]]'' wrote that "it's still a very conservative update to the quarter-century-old format that feels like a slave to the past".<ref name="IGN" /> Joe Juba of ''[[Game Informer]]'' agrees that it "feels like an homage to the '90s, but it's also stuck in that era".<ref name="GI" />
===Sales=== The game reached number 14 in the UK sales charts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/03/ghost-tsushima-uk-number-one-third-week-games-charts-1-august-13076125/|title=Ghost Of Tsushima is UK number one for third week – Games charts 1 August|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915130644/https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/03/ghost-tsushima-uk-number-one-third-week-games-charts-1-august-13076125/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also reached 20th on the US downloads chart.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Massongill|first=Justin|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2020/06/10/playstation-store-mays-top-downloads-3/|title=PlayStation Store: May's top downloads|website=PlayStation.Blog|date=June 10, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427102254/https://blog.playstation.com/2020/06/10/playstation-store-mays-top-downloads-3/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |title=The Game Awards 2020 Nominees Have Been Announced |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-2020-game-awards-nominees-have-been-announced/1100-6484580/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=November 18, 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118192457/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-2020-game-awards-nominees-have-been-announced/1100-6484580/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By September 2020, the game had sold over {{nowrap|1.5 million}} digital copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Birch |first1=Nathan |title=Streets of Rage 4 Sells Over 1.5 Million, Update Includes Tons of Fixes and Balance Tweaks |url=https://wccftech.com/streets-of-rage-4-1-5-million-update/ |access-date=25 December 2020 |work=Wccftech |date=7 September 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125023046/https://wccftech.com/streets-of-rage-4-1-5-million-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Zarmena |title=Big Streets of Rage 4 Update Celebrates 1.5 Million Downloads |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2020/09/08/streets-of-rage-4-update/ |access-date=25 December 2020 |work=[[PlayStation LifeStyle]] |publisher=[[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]] |date=8 September 2020 |archive-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331225935/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2020/09/08/streets-of-rage-4-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2021|4}}, the game has sold over {{nowrap|2.5 million}} copies worldwide.<ref name="2.5 million"/>
===Awards=== It received a "Gold" award from ''[[Famitsu]]''.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Lizardcube #SOR4 |user=lizardcube |number=1275773341668909058 |date=June 24, 2020 |title=Streets of Rage 4 (ベア・ナックルIV / Bare Knuckle IV) received its gold award from @famitsu 🥇🙇🏻 and @3goo1 will publish the game in Japanese stores from July 30! 🇯🇵 https://t.co/npsv8M6pm3 |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430181235/https://twitter.com/lizardcube/status/1275773341668909058 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' listed ''Streets of Rage 4'' among the 22 best games on the Switch.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Frushtick|first1=Russ|last2=Kuchera|first2=Ben|url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2018/9/4/17549714/best-nintendo-switch-games|title=The 22 best Nintendo Switch games|date=September 4, 2018|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=July 27, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706020142/https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2018/9/4/17549714/best-nintendo-switch-games|url-status=live}}</ref> It was nominated for Best Action Game at [[The Game Awards 2020]], but lost to ''[[Hades (video game)|Hades]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/12/11/heres-the-game-awards-2020-winner-list-with-a-near-total-last-of-us-sweep/ |title=Here's The Game Awards 2020 Winners List With A Near-Total 'Last Of Us' Sweep |magazine=[[Forbes]] |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=December 11, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> It received a Pegase Award in the 2021 edition for best music.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Édition 2021 {{!}} Académie des Arts et Techniques du Jeu Vidéo |url=https://academiejeuvideo.org/edition-2021 |access-date=2022-12-07 |language=fr-FR |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207230239/https://academiejeuvideo.org/edition-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, Time Extension included the game on their top 25 "Best Beat 'Em Ups of All Time" list. They called it the best game in the series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Banks |first1=George |title=Best Beat 'Em Ups Of All Time |url=https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-beat-em-ups-of-all-time |website=Time Extension |publisher=Hookshot Media |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=14 February 2023 |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218151935/https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-beat-em-ups-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website}} * {{MobyGames|/streets-of-rage-4}} {{Streets of Rage series}}
[[Category:2020 video games]] [[Category:Cooperative video games]] [[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:Organized crime video games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:Stadia games]] [[Category:Sega beat 'em ups]] [[Category:Side-scrolling beat 'em ups]] [[Category:Streets of Rage games]] [[Category:Video games developed in France]] [[Category:Video games featuring black protagonists]] [[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]] [[Category:Video games scored by Motohiro Kawashima]] [[Category:Video games scored by Olivier Deriviere]] [[Category:Video games scored by Tee Lopes]] [[Category:Video games scored by Yoko Shimomura]] [[Category:Video games scored by Yuzo Koshiro]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]] [[Category:Xbox Play Anywhere games]] [[Category:BlitWorks games]] [[Category:Playdigious games]] [[Category:Seaven Studio games]] [[Category:Dotemu games]] [[Category:Lizardcube games]] [[Category:Merge Games games]] [[Category:Guard Crush Games games]]