Urban Reign, developed and published by Namco, takes players on a gritty journey through a city plagued by gang corruption. As a hired street brawler, your mission is to protect the leader of a dominant gang. The game throws you into a full-blown turf war that spans across the neighborhood block and even reaches the upper levels of city government.
What sets Urban Reign apart is its non-stop, inner-city brawling action that allows players to engage in fast-paced combat with no time restrictions or referees. From back alleys to junkyards to bars, the various battlegrounds provide a thrilling backdrop for over 60 different fighters. Each fighter has their own unique set of fighting styles, including boxing, wrestling, and street fighting, adding depth to the gameplay.
One of the nostalgic elements in Urban Reign is the inclusion of destructible arenas and a wide array of weapons. With over 30 weapons to choose from, such as bottles, bats, and 2x4's, players can add to the mayhem and make use of their surroundings. It harkens back to classic games where the environment played a crucial role in combat.
The urban-brawler style of street fighting is where Urban Reign truly shines. Players can team up with an AI-controlled character to unleash devastating combo maneuvers on multiple enemies. These dynamic and destructive moves inject excitement and strategy into the gameplay. With 100 missions to complete, the game offers a good amount of content for players to sink their teeth into.
However, despite these strengths, Urban Reign falls short in some areas. The lackluster graphics and dated visuals fail to meet the standards set by other games of its time. The gameplay can become repetitive after a while, with missions feeling similar and lacking variety.
Additionally, the lack of a compelling story or character development leaves players wanting more depth and engagement. The multiplayer aspect, supporting up to four players with multi-tap, adds a competitive twist, but it does little to salvage the overall experience.
With a rating of 3.5/10, Urban Reign is a mixed bag. While it delivers on its promise of non-stop brawling action and offers a glimpse into the classic urban-brawler genre, its outdated graphics and lack of depth prevent it from standing out amongst other games of its time. However, for retro gaming enthusiasts looking for a dose of nostalgia and a chance to relive the era of street fighting games, Urban Reign may still hold some appeal.
