A long time ago, in a century not too far away… We’ll call this the 90s.

Ninjas were still a viable risk to national security, having kidnapped the President. At the same time a vicious crime wave swept over the nation. A city, that was once peaceful, was now under the control of The Syndicate, Mr.X or Mr. Brown (depending on the eyewitness accounts and police reports) swiftly dispatched jobbers and his lieutenants to gentrify seven key areas of the city, taxing anyone who passed through. Politicians and city officials soon found themselves on the Syndicate’s payroll (ironically). The police commissioner and chiefs slowly turned a blind eye and the police department was dirtier than my apartment.

But, three, idealistic and not so dirty, 20-something cops felt that the city was worth saving  and turned in their badges. (Goodbye, pension.). Adam Hunter, Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding gathered the only good cop left on the force and they set off with a fiery ambition in their hearts do undone what the Syndicate had done to their beloved city. If no one was going to help save their city, they would have to do it by themselves. They’re willing to risk everything on the Streets of Rage with nothing more than a Bare Knuckle.

As Adam, Axel and Blaze, you’ll have to battle your way through eight jobber infested levels starting from the flashy lights of a downtown metropolitan area ending at the Syndicate’s lavish headquarters. Pro tip: Punching oil cans and telephone booths will reward you with a succulent plate of turkey or a candied apple.

With the exception of Level 8, you have E-Swat to back you up with his powerful napalm launcher or Gatling gun (depending on which player you are). You’re then greeted at the end of the level by a boss or bosses who, back then, made quick work of you if you didn’t have their attack pattern memorized. (See: The Twins.)

Once at the final level, you’ll have to run the unforgiving boss rush before you encounter the sinister, Mr.X. Here, he will offer you an opportunity to join his criminal organization. There is potential to unlock the “Bad Ending,” but you will need two players to do this. (One to say yes, one to say no.) But if you stick to the good cop route and defeat Mr.X, you’ll be rewarded with some cool cut scenes of the team and the E-Swat guy celebrating their victory.

Happy 25th, Streets of Rage!

Twenty-five years ago, Streets of Rage shaped the 2D side scrolling beat em’ up genre for the years following and spawned two sequels. Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3 moved into to fantasy and sci-fi direction with their plots and gameplay but were still good in their own way.

Personally, the first will be my favorite out of the trilogy. The kick ass soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro (VG MUSIC GOD) and button mashing kept me raging and dancing for hours upon hours.

Sega recently announced that they are releasing a mini Genesis that will come preloaded with some of the great titles that the 80’s babies and 90’s kids who gamed grew up with. Unfortunately, Streets of Rage was not listed on here. Hopefully this list is incomplete because this game is truly a gem that has stood the test of time. So take note, Sega!!

Once again happy 25th to Adam, Axel, and Blaze, and I guess the Syndicate as well.