I play streets of rage 2 now and then and I have played many BOR games. This goes not hit the mark for me.
The lack of forward forward for run I think really lets down the momentum of the game which I believe is going backwards because SOR3 had it.
FIGHT N' RAGE I think has a better feel, such as the pace and power of the hits.
I want to like this game coz its SOR but im being honest and doesnt not feel like a classic beat em up to me.
If you love proper oldschool beat em ups you might want to skip this.
Its a modern SOR just keep that in mind. this is not the old old classic and lacks the charm of a retro beat em up.

If you dont care about the above and you like modern beat em ups, not comparing it to anything then I guess its ok.

State of the art game

It's a really good beat'em up. You don't need to be a fan of Streets of Rage in particular to enjoy it. The gameplay is just solid. I appreciate we can now recover the HP we lose for using special moves, I am no longer afraid to use them and they make the fights that much more enjoyable, and impressive. The graphics and the animations are really good too. It's colourful, the power moves and the expositions look impressive, it's reminiscent of a comic book in some ways.

The game may have been a bit expensive when it came up, but now it is definitely a must buy for fans of the genre. Especially if you can get it on rebate. It's one of the best Beat'em made during the last couple of years, up there with titles such as Double Dragon Gaiden and Shredder's Revenge.