Wayforward’s take on the beat ’em up takes a bit of a different approach to Streets of Rage 4, unfolding at a slightly more deliberate pace with more gradual progression and some significant RPG-style elements. If you’ve been hungry for the sort of arcade-style action we rarely see any more, you’ve got absolutely no reason not to try this out via Xbox Game Pass. And it sounds amazing, too not only is the action accompanied by meaty sound effects, but the music features contributions from the legendary Yuzo Koshiro - he who composed the awesome soundtracks to the original Streets of Rage games on Mega Drive - and sounds thoroughly authentic.Ĭlassic beat ’em ups perhaps aren’t particularly known for their longevity and wealth of content, but Streets of Rage 4 bucks the trend by providing lots of unlockables, different ways to play and plenty of reasons to run through the game again. Featuring beautifully animated artwork in a hand-animated style - plus the ability to unlock classic pixel-art versions of the characters - the game has a wonderful sense of fluidity that makes it an absolute pleasure to play. Thankfully, these concerns proved unwarranted, as Streets of Rage 4 is an astonishingly good game. While it was delightfully unexpected to see the resurrection of such a classic series, there were significant questions over whether modern developers could really do justice to a genre that had remained largely dormant for quite some time. When it was announced that Sega’s legendary beat ’em up series Streets of Rage would be making a return, people were both excited and cautious. While some argue that the different engine used in the Definitive Edition makes for inferior visuals to the original release, really it’s the gameplay that counts here - and Dragon Quest XI is absolutely one of the most rock-solid RPGs you’ll ever play. The “Definitive Edition” available through Xbox Game Pass is the enhanced version that was originally released for Nintendo Switch, featuring the ability to switch between 3D visuals and classic 2D pixel art, a fully orchestral soundtrack and a variety of new scenarios. And that’s precisely why it’s so well-loved.ĭragon Quest XI provides a huge adventure that, while standing by itself and being completely accessible to newcomers, also pays homage to the series’ history. This is perhaps due to its intent and execution diverging considerably from the Final Fantasy approach over the years while Final Fantasy has veered off in the “cinematic spectacle” direction for the most part, Dragon Quest has remained resolutely traditional. In its native Japan, it’s absolutely on an even footing with the long-running Final Fantasy, though it has remained a little more niche-interest in the west. Just be warned once you get started with this series, you might not want to stop! Cyber Shadowĭragon Quest is one of the most legendary RPG series out there. There are even some classic Sega arcade titles to play along the way. These are games that unfold in astonishingly detailed worlds where you can go about your virtual life, indulge in some distinctly Japanese pastimes and get to know a variety of beautiful women.Įach game features a solid and compelling main story that ties into the series as a whole, but for many people the real appeal of the Yakuza games is in their side-stories, optional missions and minigames. The Yakuza series, if you’re one of the few people yet to have the pleasure, is a series of modern-day role-playing games with brawler-style combat, but that description doesn’t really do it justice. That means you can enjoy six sprawling games of astonishing quality as part of Xbox Game Pass’ eminently reasonable monthly fee. Almost all of Sega’s classic Yakuza series - barring Yakuza 6, Dead Souls and Like a Dragon - is available on Xbox Game Pass.
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