In my opinion, the value of a spiritual successor can often be measured by this question: "If the inspiration was made when a series/genre was alive, would this be considered plagiarism?" A lot of games I've played are trying to copy a series instead of being truly inspired. What's interesting about Fight'N Rage is that not long after its release, the beat em up genre recieved a bit of a renaissance with some modern revivals, with one of the releases being a Streets of Rage game, a series Fight'N Rage was certainly inspired by. So, can Fight'N Rage hold its own among these newer and bigger releases?
For the most part, yes. Although, Streets of Rage 4 is still the best.
Simply put, this game is fast-paced, short and sweet, and well made all around. By far, the best thing this game has above many modern beat em ups is the replayability. In my review of Streets of Rage 4, I said the game would've been a bit better if there were multiple shorter paths instead of one longer route. That's exactly what Fight'N Rage did, with multiple different paths and endings depending on your actions and where you decide to go, meaning this game has a ton of replay value.
Of course, that would only matter if the game was worth replaying, and it absolutely is. You only have 3 playable characters, and they stick to their archetypes for sure, but they're distinct enough to make a difference, and each takes skill to use efficiently. However, the game generally makes you feel extremely powerful, in between the ease of crowd control, flashy moves and mobility, and how enemies who have been excessively combo'ed burst into a skeleton.
This doesn't stop the game from being difficult though; The difficulty goes up steadily, and you won't be able to mash your way through each encounter. For one, the special system is basically lifted from SoR 3 (One of the few ways the game does 'plagiarize' the series), and just like in that one, you need to pay attention to your meter, make sacrifices, and are allowed to take risks if you're confident in your skill. Many enemies will also counter and dodge in different ways, so you need to be mindful of which you're fighting.
There are a few issues. For some reason, you have to unlock the training mode. Sometimes enemies will go offscreen and you can't hit them. As short as any playthrough of this game is, the ability to save several different runs would've been nice. The game can also throw a bit too many enemies at you occasionally. However, when the visuals and music are on point and you're on your last sliver of health, fighting desperately to keep going against all odds, none of that matters. This one's a new classic, guys. It honestly may be a 9/10.
For the most part, yes. Although, Streets of Rage 4 is still the best.
Simply put, this game is fast-paced, short and sweet, and well made all around. By far, the best thing this game has above many modern beat em ups is the replayability. In my review of Streets of Rage 4, I said the game would've been a bit better if there were multiple shorter paths instead of one longer route. That's exactly what Fight'N Rage did, with multiple different paths and endings depending on your actions and where you decide to go, meaning this game has a ton of replay value.
Of course, that would only matter if the game was worth replaying, and it absolutely is. You only have 3 playable characters, and they stick to their archetypes for sure, but they're distinct enough to make a difference, and each takes skill to use efficiently. However, the game generally makes you feel extremely powerful, in between the ease of crowd control, flashy moves and mobility, and how enemies who have been excessively combo'ed burst into a skeleton.
This doesn't stop the game from being difficult though; The difficulty goes up steadily, and you won't be able to mash your way through each encounter. For one, the special system is basically lifted from SoR 3 (One of the few ways the game does 'plagiarize' the series), and just like in that one, you need to pay attention to your meter, make sacrifices, and are allowed to take risks if you're confident in your skill. Many enemies will also counter and dodge in different ways, so you need to be mindful of which you're fighting.
There are a few issues. For some reason, you have to unlock the training mode. Sometimes enemies will go offscreen and you can't hit them. As short as any playthrough of this game is, the ability to save several different runs would've been nice. The game can also throw a bit too many enemies at you occasionally. However, when the visuals and music are on point and you're on your last sliver of health, fighting desperately to keep going against all odds, none of that matters. This one's a new classic, guys. It honestly may be a 9/10.
SlasherMcGirk
1 year ago