Streets of Rage 4 - Xbox One - Hand-Drawn Retro Beat 'Em Up

In this review of Streets of Rage 4 for Xbox One, the bottom line is simple: fans of classic side-scrolling beat 'em ups who want modern presentation should pay attention. The game pairs familiar, button-mashing combat with fully hand-drawn animation and a pumping soundtrack, delivering the single biggest reason to buy - a faithful return to the trilogy that looks and sounds fresh. It is an arcade-style romp that works equally well for short co-op sessions and longer solo runs through a story mode that reintroduces Axel, Blaze and a new roster of brawlers.

Key Features

• Hand-drawn animation: Beautiful graphics animated by the studio behind Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap give each stage and character a detailed, vibrant look that stands out among modern retro revivals.
• Local and online co-op: Up to four players locally and two players online co-op let friends team up to clear stages or settle scores in classic, screen-clearing fights.
• Multiple modes: Story mode, arcade mode and battle mode provide varied gameplay loops, from narrative runs to pick-up-and-play competitive sessions.
• Playable roster: Five main playable characters plus unlockable retro characters expand combat options and reward exploration and replay.
• Soundtrack: A wide line-up of world-class musicians supplies a thumping soundtrack that raises the intensity of each fight and stage.

Who It's For

Streets of Rage 4 is ideal for players who remember the original trilogy or for anyone who enjoys cooperative, arcade-style beat 'em ups with modern visuals. It appeals to those who value polished presentation and a strong soundtrack as much as tight combat, especially when playing with a friend locally or online with a partner.

Players seeking deep RPG systems, long single-player campaigns with extensive customization, or competitive online ecosystems with ranked ladders should look elsewhere; Streets of Rage 4 focuses on pick-up-and-play action, character variety through unlocks, and stage-to-stage momentum rather than long-form progression mechanics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Visually striking hand-drawn art provides vibrant, detailed stages and characters that elevate each level.
• Flexible multiplayer with up to four local players and two-player online co-op encourages shared play sessions.
• A varied soundtrack by notable musicians amplifies the arcade energy and makes stages more memorable.

Cons

• Focused arcade gameplay means limited long-term progression for players seeking deep customization or RPG-style systems.

Specifications

Title	Streets of Rage 4 - Xbox One
Developer / Partners	Guard Crush Games and Dotemu (art by the studio behind Wonder Boy)
Playable Characters	5 main characters plus unlockable retro characters
Multiplayer	Up to 4 players locally, 2 players online co-op
Game Modes	Story mode, arcade mode, battle mode
Soundtrack	Music by a wide line-up of world-class musicians

Our Verdict

Streets of Rage 4 on Xbox One is a faithful and stylish revival of a classic beat 'em up series that delivers great value for players who want immediate, satisfying co-op action and eye-catching hand-drawn visuals. It shines in short sessions and cooperative play, making it a strong buy for fans of arcade-style combat and bold soundtrack-driven presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Streets of Rage 4 with friends?
Yes, the game supports up to four players locally and two players online co-op for cooperative runs.

How many characters are available?
There are five main playable characters and several unlockable retro characters to expand variety.

Does the game include a story mode?
Yes, Streets of Rage 4 includes a story mode in addition to arcade and battle modes.