The TakeOver

The obvious question when reviewing The TakeOver is how it compares to Streets of Rage 4, and we're pleased to report that it's just as worthy of your time as money, even if it lacks online play and some of the extra polish that DotEmu, Lizardcube and Guard Crush Games' title possesses. Some players will no doubt take issue with the CG-style sprites, but every other aspect of this package feels spot-on and we especially appreciate the two bonus stages, which feel like love letters to other Sega classics. The TakeOver offers an engaging and addictive alternative to Streets of Rage 4, and any self-respecting fan of the side-scrolling fighting genre shouldn't hesitate to pick up both.

The TakeOver is an absolutely solid beat-'em-up experience. Get past some of the shortcomings, like constant load times and bad cut scene art, and you have a title that uses a solid base with additions that feel just right for the genre without going overboard. It's fun either solo or with a friend, and while online play would've been nice, fans of the genre will enjoy every minute with the game.

It doesn’t matter if it’s for nostalgia’s sake or just because you want a game to wind up and relax, The Takeover is worth your while.

The TakeOver has everything you'd expect from a good beat ‘em up, with a different look and simple and impeccable gameplay. Despite some occasional technical problems, it is a great recommendation for being fun and enjoyable to play, especially for beat'em up fans.

The TakeOver is a thoroughly enjoyable beat ‘em up romp that’s slick, stylish, and full of variety across its levels. It doesn’t do too much to re-invent the genre (outside of the fun mini-games) and some of its mechanics can be easily exploited, but that won’t stop players from having a good time clearing the mean streets of Steel Haven.

A gorgeously framed love letter to the Streets of Rage series, The Takeover is a surprisingly robust and attractive side-scrolling brawler that finds itself let down by poor AI, repetitive enemy types and completely unneeded non-fighting stages. Sadly, the upshot of such devoted love for Sega's series is that the developers behind The Takeover seemingly were concerned more with making the next Streets of Rage, rather than focusing on making the first Takeover.

Despite some drawbacks, The Takeover offers entertaining beat 'em up gameplay with an '80s action movie vibe.

The TakeOver offers classic beat 'em up action that you can enjoy with a pal yet it doesn't do much unique with its gameplay.

If you're a fan of side-scrolling beat 'em ups then look no further than The Takeover.

The TakeOver is a really great salute to the old school beat ’em up genre, and if you enjoyed Streets of Rage 4, then I totally recommend you picking this one up. It’s easy to overlook its handful of shortcomings due to its excellent moment-to-moment gameplay.