3DS eShop Sega Double Header: 3D Streets of Rage and 3D Outrun

Game: 3D Streets Of Rage
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: M2
Release Date: 19th December 2013

This is the first in a series of reviews exploring M2's series of 3DS ports, of classic Mega Drive games. Some games have simply been ported over to the handheld console with few changes, but there are others which have received important improvements and upgrades on the original games. 3D Streets of Rage hasn't had much added to it from the original game, save for a "Fists of Death" mode, allowing players to defeat enemies in a single punch.

My thoughts on the original Streets Of Rage can be found here, and are still applicable to this game as a whole. The addition of 3D is nice, and compliments the game's style and overall aesthetic. While the 3DS's 4 button scheme doesn't allow for a perfect translation of the Mega Drive's 3 button layout, the Y, B, and A buttons make do. The fact that gameplay is as enjoyable as ever is mostly thanks to the timelessness of the concept, but this port allows those who weren't previously able to enjoy Streets of Rage to discover the first game in the trilogy.

Since the game isn't markedly different to its Mega Drive counterpart, I won't be adding a rating into my all time rankings, or grading it any differently to the original Streets of Rage review, but I'd definitely recommend giving it a go whether you have or haven't played a game from the series!

Rating: 92/100
Grade: A

Game: 3D Outrun
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: M2
Release Date: 12th March 2015

A far newer game in M2's series of ports to the 3DS, 3D Outrun features far more changes from its original game than 3D Streets of Rage. In special mode, players can choose to upgrade their vehicle through reaching each goal stage in any run. There are four vehicle upgrades available which make a noticeable difference to the vehicle's speed, handling, recovery time and off road ability. Reaching all 5 goal stages unlocks arcade mode which runs the game at 30fps (instead of its regular 60fps) with minimal pop-in to emulate the original arcade cabinets of the game.

Players can set their time and difficulty options according to their skill, and choose between new and old course modes for a total of 30 differing stages across the entire game. There's also two brand new tracks alongside the three classic tunes offered by the original Outrun, and all 5 choices are excellent and fit wonderfully with the gameplay. While 3D Streets of Rage was merely ported to the 3DS in all its glory, 3D Outrun keeps the excellence of its original game, but piles new features on top, to keep experienced players interested. If only all ports of classic games were this good!

Rating: 87/100
Grade: B