Urban Reign (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Urban Reign: A Return to Classic Brawling

Urban Reign is a 3D brawler developed by Namco and released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The game is a spiritual successor to the classic arcade brawlers Double Dragon and Final Fight, and it features similar gameplay and over-the-top violence.

Players control one of eight characters, each with their own unique fighting style and abilities. The game’s story mode follows the characters as they fight their way through the criminal underworld of Green Harbor, a fictional city plagued by violence and corruption.

Urban Reign’s combat is fast-paced and brutal, with a focus on close-quarters brawling. Players can use a variety of punches, kicks, throws, and weapons to defeat their opponents. The game also features a unique “rage” system, which allows players to power up their attacks and abilities by taking damage.

In addition to the story mode, Urban Reign also features a number of other modes, including a versus mode, a survival mode, and a challenge mode. The game also has a robust online multiplayer mode, which allows players to compete against each other from around the world.

Urban Reign was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best brawlers of its generation. The game’s fast-paced combat, over-the-top violence, and diverse cast of characters have made it a fan favorite.

Gameplay

Urban Reign’s gameplay is similar to that of other 3D brawlers, such as Double Dragon and Final Fight. Players control one of eight characters and must fight their way through hordes of enemies in order to progress through the game.

The game’s combat system is fast-paced and brutal, with a focus on close-quarters brawling. Players can use a variety of punches, kicks, throws, and weapons to defeat their opponents. The game also features a unique “rage” system, which allows players to power up their attacks and abilities by taking damage.

In addition to the basic combat system, Urban Reign also features a number of unique gameplay mechanics. For example, players can use the environment to their advantage, such as by throwing objects at enemies or using walls to block attacks. The game also features a variety of different weapons, which can be used to deal more damage or to stun enemies.

Characters

Urban Reign features a diverse cast of eight playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and abilities. The characters include:

  • Brad Hawk: A former police officer who is seeking revenge for the murder of his partner.
  • Claire Andrews: A reporter who is investigating the corruption in Green Harbor.
  • Dan Hibiki: A martial artist who is seeking to prove his worth.
  • Eddie Jackson: A former boxer who is now a bodyguard.
  • Ivan the Terrible: A Russian mobster who is trying to take over Green Harbor.
  • Keith Valentine: A member of a street gang who is trying to protect his neighborhood.
  • Max Caldwell: A professional wrestler who is looking for a new challenge.
  • Suzy Park: A schoolgirl who is trying to find her missing brother.

Story

Urban Reign’s story mode follows the eight playable characters as they fight their way through the criminal underworld of Green Harbor. The story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue, and it features a number of twists and turns.

The story begins with Brad Hawk, a former police officer who is seeking revenge for the murder of his partner. Hawk teams up with Claire Andrews, a reporter who is investigating the corruption in Green Harbor. Together, they uncover a plot by Ivan the Terrible, a Russian mobster, to take over the city.

As the story progresses, Hawk and Andrews are joined by a number of other characters, including Dan Hibiki, a martial artist who is seeking to prove his worth; Eddie Jackson, a former boxer who is now a bodyguard; Keith Valentine, a member of a street gang who is trying to protect his neighborhood; Max Caldwell, a professional wrestler who is looking for a new challenge; and Suzy Park, a schoolgirl who is trying to find her missing brother.

Together, these characters must fight their way through hordes of enemies and overcome a number of obstacles in order to stop Ivan the Terrible and restore order to Green Harbor.

Reception

Urban Reign was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best brawlers of its generation. The game’s fast-paced combat, over-the-top violence, and diverse cast of characters have made it a fan favorite.

Urban Reign received a score of 7.5 out of 10 from IGN, which praised the game’s “fast-paced and brutal combat” and “diverse cast of characters.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, saying that it is “a solid brawler with a lot to offer fans of the genre.”

Urban Reign was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game was particularly popular in Japan, where it sold over 500,000 copies.

Legacy

Urban Reign is considered to be one of the best brawlers of its generation, and it has had a lasting impact on the genre. The game’s fast-paced combat, over-the-top violence, and diverse cast of characters have influenced a number of other brawlers, including the Yakuza series and the Streets of Rage series.

Urban Reign is also notable for its online multiplayer

Review Score

7.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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