26 years after the last part, developer DotEmu brings Sega's beat 'em up cult series back to the screens. This time you don't have to deal with Mr. X's syndicate in Wood Oak City, but with his offspring, the Y-twins and their henchmen. To clean up among them, you have a variety of solid combos and weapons at your disposal.
Character Selection and Gameplay Mechanics
At the beginning of the game, you can choose from 4 characters. In addition to the all-rounders Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding, the delicate Cherry Hunter and the tank Floyd Iraia are also available. In the course of the game you unlock more figures. The choice of the fighter determines the gameplay. The muscular Floyd is very strong and can dish out accordingly. However, he is much slower than the nimble Cherry, who does not hit as hard, but can put together combos more easily due to her agility. Axel and Blaze are balanced characters with slightly different values for strength, speed and combos.
The combo system has been improved and the gameplay has been significantly expanded. Now it is possible to connect the standard combos with each other and to catapult the opponents into the air with a final kick in order to then work on them with well-timed additional attacks. Enemies can also rebound from obstacles. However, this juggling remains within limits and requires practice. The range of weapons of the predecessors was also increased. The range extends from baseball bats to street signs that can now be thrown more accurately. If you hit an opponent, it bounces back and can be caught again with a button press. Each character
also has an individual special attack that can help you out of a tight spot with a button press. Combined with a direction key, this results in a particularly strong attack. This can be helpful especially against final bosses. However, these attacks consume life energy and should therefore be used with caution. Over time, you will chain these attacks together better and better, resulting in longer combos that are reflected in higher ratings at the end of the level. If you also collect money bundles on your way, you will even earn an extra life.
Design and Story
The 12 levels are kept in hand-drawn comic graphics and are very varied. Some stations are, for example, a freighter and a police station. Connoisseurs of the series should keep their eyes open. There are some references to the predecessors to be discovered in the background. The game characters and opponents are just as lovingly drawn and have fluid animations. The background story is told through static images. It is pleasing that the story does not take itself too seriously and quickly lets the player back into the action.
Number of players and target group
Coop is locally possible with up to 4 players. Online coop can only play two. The game is equally aimed at nostalgics and gamers who are looking for a beat 'em up with a motivating and challenging combat system to drive through hordes of enemies to pumping electro beats alone or with up to 3 players.
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