It is one year after Axel, Blaze, and Adam smashed the syndicate. However, Mr. X is down but not out. The team let their guard down. Axel Stone is working as a bodyguard, Blaze Fielding is now a dance instructor, and Adam Hunter rejoins the police while taking care of his younger brother Skate. Slowly, but surely, the tendrils of Mr. X's organization retake the city, and Adam is kidnapped. The gang find a photograph of Adam in chains and set out to rescue them, unaware that Mr. X is baiting them into a trap. They are joined by professional wrestler Max Thunder and once more storm through the streets wasting everyone in their path across the slums, an amusement park, a ship, a desert island, a factory, and finally confronting Mr. X in his new headquarters.
Everything about the first game is improved. Sprites are larger, gameplay is more dynamic, animation is less choppy, environments are more colorful and flamboyant, and the music...is awesome. Streets of Rage 2 frequently makes the number 1 spot of any "Best Video Game Music" lists. Yuzo Koshiro may have been inspired by the early 90s club scene but this stuff is not dated in the slightest. You simply must go out and purchase the soundtrack.
The first game was a fun beat-em-up, but SOR2 is an epic. 23 years on and this game still holds up. Revolutionary, bone-smashing, head- banging, ball-breaking action from beginning to end. What a game!
