Streets of Rage 4 - Nintendo Switch - Hand-Drawn Beat 'Em Up

In this review of Streets of Rage 4 for Nintendo Switch, the bottom line is simple: players who love classic side-scrolling beat 'em ups and modern indie polish will find a satisfying package here. The biggest reason to buy is the game's distinctive hand-drawn animation, which elevates familiar combat into something visually memorable while preserving the arcade-style action of the original trilogy. Its mix of local and online multiplayer, varied modes, and a standout soundtrack make it an easy recommendation for both nostalgic fans and newcomers seeking tight, button-mashing fun.

Key Features

• Hand-drawn visuals: Fully hand-drawn animation provides a rich, modern look that refreshes the classic Streets of Rage style and highlights character movement during fights.
• Multiplayer flexibility: Play with a friend online in 2-player co-op or up to 4 players locally for chaotic couch sessions and coordinated team tactics.
• Multiple modes: Story mode, arcade mode, and battle mode deliver different ways to enjoy the combat, from narrative progression to score-chasing skirmishes.
• Cast variety: Five main playable characters and numerous unlockable retro fighters offer varied move sets and replay value when experimenting with different playstyles.
• Curated soundtrack: A soundtrack produced by a wide line-up of world-class musicians keeps the pace intense and complements the game's street-fighting energy.

Who It's For

Streets of Rage 4 is best for players who value a faithful evolution of classic beat 'em ups: those who want tight, responsive combat paired with modern presentation will appreciate the hand-drawn art and level design. It also suits groups who enjoy local multiplayer parties or two-player online sessions where cooperative combos and juggling enemies are part of the fun.

Players seeking deep single-player RPG progression or large-scale open worlds should look elsewhere, since this title focuses on arcade-style stages and moment-to-moment combat rather than long-form character development. Fans expecting purely retro visuals should note the modern, polished remake approach rather than strict 16-bit emulation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful hand-drawn animation that brings stages and characters to life during combat.
• Flexible multiplayer with up to 4 players locally and 2-player online co-op for social play.
• Varied modes and a strong soundtrack that keeps encounters fresh and immersive.

Cons

• Online co-op is limited to 2 players, so local gatherings beyond that require multiple controllers and space.

Specifications

Platform	Nintendo Switch
Developer / Partners	Guard Crush Games and Dotemu (art by Wonder Boy remake studio)
Playable Characters	5 main characters plus many unlockable retro characters
Multiplayer	2 players online co-op; up to 4 players locally
Game Modes	Story mode, arcade mode, battle mode
Art Style	Fully hand-drawn animated visuals
Audio	Soundtrack by a wide line-up of musicians

Our Verdict

Streets of Rage 4 on Nintendo Switch is a strong revival of a classic beat 'em up formula, combining striking hand-drawn art, satisfying combat, and flexible multiplayer. It represents good value for anyone who enjoys pick-up-and-play arcade action and shared couch sessions, while the soundtrack and character variety extend replayability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play local multiplayer?
Yes; the game supports up to 4 players locally for couch co-op and competitive sessions.

Is there online multiplayer?
Yes; Streets of Rage 4 includes 2-player online co-op for teaming up with a friend remotely.

How many characters are in the roster?
There are 5 main playable characters and many unlockable retro characters to expand options and replay value.