Streets of Rage 2 exploded onto the Genesis / Megadrive in late 1992 and was quickly hailed as an absolute classic. The game used Segas’ new 16-meg cartridge (double the size of the original game) and was intended to be their answer to the SNES version of Final Fight.

Anyone who played the game quickly saw where that extra memory went. Gone were the tiny sprites and grainy backdrops of the original. Now the graphics were huge, highly detailed, well-animated and easily of arcade quality. This showcased what the Genesis/Megadrive was capable of and showed that it was still a serious rival to the technologically superior SNES.

The character roster expanded to 4, with 2 new characters; Max and Skate. All the characters had a large selection of individual moves and were now quite different to play. New special moves replaced the old rocket special attack and led to much smoother gameplay as players could now fight their way out of a situation without wasting a special attack. Wisely, the new special attacks cost energy, so players could not just walk through the game using them.

As well as more characters to choose from the number of enemies pitted against the heroes increased also. New, more interesting enemies with special attacks of their own were added alongside the old ones to create some formidable opposition. New weaponry was introduced to liven things up further. The 8 levels were much longer, more ambitious and with multiple scenes.

A 2-player Duel feature was also introduced, which allowed players to just fight each other one-on-one in a Streetfighter-style best of 3 battle. This was a feature that Sega had included with similar Genesis/Megadrive side-scrolling games such as Golden Axe and Alien Storm. Although it wasn’t particularly fun to play, it was an interesting addition none the less.

Streets of Rage 2 is a perfect sequel. Usually videogame sequels, like with movie sequels, are rehashes of the original. Not so with Streets of Rage 2. Everything from the original is improved and expanded to create one of the best games of the 16-bit era.

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Streets of Rage 2 Cheats

Round Select, Extra Lives & New Difficulty Settings
Highlight Options on the menu screen. Hold A+B on Controller 2 and press Start on Controller 1. The Options screen now includes round select, the ability to start with up to 9 lives, and access to the secret Very Easy and Mania difficulty settings. Very Easy is pointless, as you will walk through the game in 5 minutes. Mania however, is great. The number of enemies jumps up, and they are now very intelligent and strong. It is almost impossible to complete the game from the start on this setting but it is very fun for anyone who finds the game too easy.

Note: This cheat is displayed during the ending when you beat the game on Hardest.

Unstoppable Combo
Punch once at a punk, wait a second, punch again and repeat, making sure not to punch fast enough to start a flurry attack. Most enemies are unable to break free, allowing you to take them out without a hit (providing of course that they are alone).

Hidden Items
Round 1 Extra Life
At the very start of Round 1 there is an extra life hidden behind the scenery at the bottom left of the screen.

Round 2 Extra Life
After you exit the moving truck in Round 2 walk back behind it to find another hidden extra life.

Round 3 Extra Life
Hidden in the mist at the bottom of the screen, directly below Vehelits in the Alien House.

Streets of Rage 2 Level Guide

Round 1: Downtown
Start your search where knife-wielding punks rule the streets. Trail them into a seedy downtown dive, and clean house! In a back alley, you’ll meet Barbon, a bartender who lifts barbells more than bottles – and who isn’t happy about your trashing his clientele! (Boss is called Barbon)

Round 2: Bridge Under Construction
There’s a toll on this bridge, and the bomb-tossing bikers plan to take it out of your hide! In the back of a moving supply truck, you’ll challenge one of their best warriors. At the far end of the bridge, an airborne attacker threatens to ruin your day! (Boss is called Jet)

Round 3: Amusement Park
Let the local slime know that the party’s over as you stroll through the park grounds. Score a few hits in the local arcade, and enter the “Pirates” attraction where blade-wielding ninja types make for a rough ride! Try out the Alien House, where the props explode, and real danger lurks in the fake fog, You might even have to take on the attraction itself… (Boss is called Zamza)

Round 4: Stadium
On the diamond you’ll beat Big Ben, a baseball fan who looks like he’s had far too many chilli dogs. Clean his clock, and watch that fiery breath! A secret elevator takes you to an underground arena where winner takes all! (Boss is called Abadede)

Round 5: The Ship
Check out the cargo holds for valuables and gangsters, and take on Raven, a vicious kickboxer! Swab the upper decks with a couple of undesirables,but be on the lookout for some really bad news… (Boss is called R. Bear)

Round 6: Island
There’s no time to stop and admire the scenery – you’ll be too busy with Raven’s kick-boxing buddies! Knock through sandbags and grab Items while you can. You’ll need all the stamina you can get for the battle ahead! (Bosses are called Souther & Mach)

Round 7: Munitions Plant
Take on waves of attackers on moving conveyor belts. Then grab a cargo elevator up to the roof, where you’ll take on two very solid foes! (Bosses are called Molecule & Particle)

Round 8: Syndicate Stronghold
You’re on your own here. Just be aware that Mr. X has been expecting you, and he has some surprises in store… (Bosses are called Shiva & Mr. X)

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