Streets Of Rage 3 - Sega Mega Drive/Genesis

Streets of Rage 3: A Brief History

Streets of Rage 3 is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game released in 1994 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the third and final game in the Streets of Rage series. Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Skate Hunter return, with new characters Dr. Zan and Roo joining the fight.

Development

After the success of Streets of Rage 2, development for the third installment began in 1993. Sega aimed to improve on graphics, sound, and gameplay, fully utilizing the Mega Drive's hardware. The game introduced a branching storyline and a new "Special Attack" system that enhanced combat options.

Reception

The game received mixed reviews. Critics praised its graphics and new gameplay elements but felt it was too similar to its predecessors. Some players were also disappointed with the challenging level design and changes to the character voices. Despite this, Streets of Rage 3 has garnered a strong fanbase over the years.

Legacy

The Streets of Rage series has left a lasting impact on the beat 'em up genre, known for its fast-paced gameplay and iconic soundtrack. Streets of Rage 3 continues to be a fan favorite and has been re-released on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.

Main Characters

Axel Stone

Axel is a martial artist and ex-cop. His signature move, the "Grand Upper," is a devastating uppercut that can launch enemies into the air. Axel sports a black tank top and jeans in this game.

Blaze Fielding

Blaze is another ex-cop who uses acrobatics and martial arts to fight enemies. Her special move, the "Flying Knee," lets her dash toward enemies for a powerful strike.

Eddie "Skate" Hunter

Skate is quick and agile, using his rollerblades to perform acrobatic moves. His "Rocket Skates" ability allows him to speed towards enemies and hit them with a kick.

Dr. Zan

Dr. Zan is a cyborg who fights with mechanical arms that can transform into weapons. His "Electric Shock" move damages enemies within a close range.

Special Moves and Abilities

Axel Stone: Grand Upper, Dragon Wing, Blitz Attack
Blaze Fielding: Jumping Knee, Blaze Cyclone, Vertical Jump Kick
Skate Hunter: Skateboard Attack, Skateboard Dash, Breakdance Attack
Dr. Zan: Energy Blast, Electric Shield, Electro Wave
Roo: Bite Attack, Pogo Jump, Running Attack
Shiva: Shadow Kick, Shadow Grab, Shadow Uppercut

Enemies

Barbon

A muscular thug who attacks with powerful punches and kicks. He can also throw the player across the screen.

Ruiz

Ruiz is armed with a machine gun and wears a red suit. He can be a tricky foe if not approached carefully.

Bongo

Bongo wields a baseball bat and charges at the player with brute force.

Yamato

Yamato is a ninja who wields a katana and can teleport around the screen, making him a tough opponent to defeat.

Shiva

A recurring boss with fast martial arts moves. He can teleport and attack with energy blasts.

Dr. Dahm

The final boss, Dr. Dahm is a mad scientist with energy blasts and teleportation abilities. He also controls a powerful robot that must be defeated first.

Obstacles

Besides enemies, you’ll encounter various obstacles in Streets of Rage 3:

Explosive Barrels: Dangerous when hit or thrown.
Electricity: Found on walls and floors, it damages you if touched.
Spiked Floors: Inflict significant damage, best to avoid.
Conveyor Belts: Help or hinder your movement depending on direction.
Explosive Crates: Throwable, but dangerous if mishandled.
Bottomless Pits: Instant death if you fall in.

Locations

The Streets

Players begin their journey in the city streets, battling thugs and destroying objects like phone booths and trash cans to reveal power-ups.

The Subway

The subway level features enemies on moving trains and hidden areas accessible through breakable walls.

The Construction Site

A hazardous area with falling debris and conveyor belts that both players and enemies can use.

The Skyscraper

Fight through elevators and collapsing floors at the top of a skyscraper, battling the Syndicate’s forces.

The Airplane

Players must navigate through the aisles of a hijacked plane, dodging luggage carts and battling the pilot boss.

The Syndicate Stronghold

The final level takes place in the Syndicate's high-security stronghold, culminating in battles against the game's main antagonists.

Gameplay Features

Streets of Rage 3 includes seven stages and multiple difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Hardest. It also features cooperative play, where two players can team up to defeat enemies together.

Plot

The plot picks up months after the events of Streets of Rage 2. Mr. X and the Syndicate return with a new plan, assisted by Dr. Dahm, a scientist who created "Rakushin," a substance that enhances physical abilities. The protagonists Axel, Blaze, and Skate must once again battle their way through waves of enemies to confront Mr. X and save the city.

Cheats and Tricks

Unlockable Characters

To unlock Roo, defeat him as a mini-boss without using a continue. Unlock Shiva by completing the game on Hard difficulty without using a continue.

Level Select

At the title screen, enter: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, A, B, Start to access the level select screen.

Extra Lives

Beat the first level without taking damage for an extra life.
In level 5, jump over the motorcycle gang instead of attacking them to earn a star and an extra life.

With its intense action and memorable characters, Streets of Rage 3 is still a classic beat 'em up worth playing today.