Police officers need to be prepared to block every alley and protect their leader. However, they don’t need to venture into the street in order to stop criminals. As a hero, you can help your colleagues battle villains by playing as one of them. Use combo attacks before the enemy's very next action to make them unable to resist. With a single-handed blow, unleash the strengths of each law enforcement officer and knock all enemies down. Afterward, perform a final blow that causes the defeated enemy to stop fighting. By defeating criminals in the game's 12 main levels, you can unlock two more playable characters. You can learn all the game's hidden secrets by facing off with these foes.

Criminals and law enforcement face off in a one-sided battle. With the help of fellow law enforcement agents, you can track down the criminal ringleader. During this fight, you don't have to worry about multiple enemies attacking you at once. An initial rivalry is always in progress. Literally one-on-one, it’s a draw until one side falls. Then, the victor ends the bout with a sore loser satisfaction. Injured royals summon their cohorts for a second round, where both sides battle to inflict more pain. During war, your attacks deal significant damage and momentarily stun enemies. Ending the fight victoriously enables you to deliver a decisive blow that helps your team.

The police have to check the streets continuously while protecting the criminal leader. Immediately engage and fight the enemy that appears when this occurs. Weapons can be found in the town; use this to your advantage when facing off against your opponent. Continuous hits from law enforcement defeat criminals. Unlock the city's playing fields so you can arrest more criminals. Each fighter can increase their martial prowess by grabbing weapons like knives, wood or steel. Complete the game and defeat foes to unlock each character.

Gangs rule the criminal world. They pose a serious threat to any city. They hide in plain sight, infiltrating your city and terrorizing its people. You can show them how dangerous you are by facing them in street confrontations alone. Criminals disregard laws and defy any attempt at property theft. New challenges develop your fighting styles as you challenge yourself through multiple game modes. Defeating the leader of the criminal organization allows you to face off against five iconic characters of the city's security. Unlocking these characters unlocks places to visit in the city. The next step in your quest requires you to join forces with the police and fight against criminal regulations. You need to defeat your opponents and pacify them as you play as a city cop. During this time, use your skills as a cop to defeat your foes without relying on weapons or other tools. When fighting the final boss, you need to use weapons to overpower them. Even unarmed, the minions below the final boss are hard to beat. To fight back against street criminals, you can pick up knives, bats or firearms in the streets. Download the Streets of Rage Classic modification to become a law enforcement agent and use your hands to duel your opponents.