Streets of Rage 4 Retro Stage Guide: How To Find Them All

Streets of Rage 4 is a fantastic return to the classic era of side-scrolling fighters. While this visit to one of the most iconic Sega Genesis franchises features a whole new look and revamped gameplay, its roots are firmly planted in the retro era, making it a faithful sequel. SOR4 also includes some hidden Easter Eggs that take references to classic games. These include the original soundtracks and the entire cast of unlockable characters from the first three games, but there’s also another set of secrets that take the retro element even further.

Throughout the game, you’ll encounter arcade cabinets for Bare Knuckle, the international title for the Streets of Rage series. While you may be inclined to open these cabinets to receive valuable cash to earn extra points, these are the gateway to the hidden challenge stages that take you back to familiar places in Streets of Rage 2. To access These stages, you will need to collect a Taser weapon and hit the arcade cabinet, taking you to a special battle that you will have to eliminate with only one life. However, for many reasons, this can be difficult to accomplish, which is why we’ve broken down how to find each cabinet and what kind of challenge you’ll face in every retro fight.

Stage 2: Police Precinct

Shortly after your release from prison, you will meet a police officer in a black suit named Barney. While you have defeated other cops, this is the strongest. He’ll quickly use a grip to hit you with his Taser, so keep your distance and hit him when he’s vulnerable to let go. Drop the Taser on the ground and take out additional enemies before moving on.

Once the fight is over, grab the Taser pistol and advance until you see an open door, leading to an arcade cabinet. Use the Taser on it to be transported to the first hidden stage. This encounter pits you against Jack, one of the first SOR4 mini bosses. After defeating him, destroy nearby objects for additional collection, including a star move. Go through the door to be transported back to the police compound.

Stage 4: old pier

The next retro challenge is in the center section of the Old Pier stage. You’ll come across a game room with a Bare Knuckle cabinet inside. However, you will have to eliminate numerous enemies, including elite police officers and average fighters, to gain entry. This fight can be tough, even without trying to break into the game room, as you’ll have to deal with multiple shield cops along with the return of Barney, who still loves to grab you for a quick Taser hit. Remember, keep your distance and go for quick shots. Dodging attacks in this fight is especially important, which you can do by moving up and down the field away from the same plane the attacks are coming from.

Once the fight is over, you will receive the message to continue the level by jumping from the dock. Instead of doing that, grab the gun and head through the open door to the game room. Walk to the cabinet and use the Taser pistol to start the next challenge. This fight will pit you against Zamza, the claw-wielding mini boss on the SOR2 amusement park stage. The fight can be difficult given his speed, along with his ability to attack in recovery, so stay alert and make quick attacks to take him down.

Stage 5: underground

The next arcade cabinet in the underground stage is in sight, unfortunately it’s also one of the hardest stages to unlock. Once you reach the bar after exiting the sewer, you will meet street fighters and cyclists inside. As you move through the room, you will see a Y. Point to the enemy in the cabinet. But before you can head straight for the machine, you’ll immediately launch into a fight with a swarm of thugs alongside elite biker Caramel, who will destroy a table by revealing the Taser upon arrival. The challenge here is to complete the fight without the cabinet taking any damage. A hit from you or enemies will destroy it, and you will have to restart the scenario to try again. Once this fight begins, back off to the left and keep the battle away from the cabinet. Once the enemies are cleared, locate the Taser and use it in the cabinet to start the hidden stage.

This hidden battle will make you face Abadede, the outsized SOR2 fighter who challenges you to a fight in a fighting pit. Confronting this boss can be difficult as he is the most aggressive enemy you have encountered up to now. His charge attack is especially damaging, so remember to dodge his attacks by moving away from his attack line. Keep hitting it with your quick punches, and you’ll eventually knock it down.

Stage 8: Art Gallery

The final hidden stage is the least stressful to find, but it also leads to the most difficult retro challenge you’ll face. In the back room of the Art Gallery, just before you take on the twin bosses Beyo and Riha, you will find the arcade cabinet right in front of you. However, the Taser to activate it is well hidden. To find it, look towards the bottom of the screen to see a faint flash of an object. Walk over to it and pick it up to reveal the Taser. Use it in the cabinet to begin the final stage of the challenge.

Taking place in the final level of SOR2, ​​this multi-stage fight pits you against common enemies, the martial arts master Shiva and the head of the Syndicate: Mr. X. While previous battles made you fight individual enemies, You will face common enemies alongside elite bosses, making it an especially difficult fight. With only one life, you should show restraint and not be greedy with your attacks, as both Mr. X and Shiva can attack by recovering and using counterattacks if you get too close. The best way to defeat enemies is to dodge attacks and attack when their combo-strings are over. Maintain a constant flow and rhythm with your punches, and you will eventually eliminate enemies to gain another star power.

That makes it for the retro stages. For more information on Streets of Rage 4, including our full review when it’s released, check with us on GameSpot.