Part 20

Master Streets of Rage 4's challenging Part 20! Learn Max Thunder's weaknesses and strategies for navigating the tough rooftop battles of Stage 10.

Alright, let's dive into Part 20 of our Streets of Rage 4 journey. We're going to face some tough opponents and a familiar, yet more dangerous, face.

STAGE 9-3: BOSS - Max Thunder

First up is a boss fight against Max Thunder. He's got permanent armor, meaning your regular attacks won't stagger him easily, and you can't grab or throw him. He's still got his signature grapple and throw, which does a ton of damage, but you can mash the attack button to escape if he catches you. His spinning knuckle attack and drop kick are also back, but thankfully, they're telegraphed, so keep an eye out for his wind-ups.

Max Thunder's Attacks & Strategies

• Drop Kick: This move has armor, so it'll power through most of your attacks. SOR1, SOR2, and SOR4 Blaze should evade it. SOR3 Blaze's Blitzes can work, either stopping the kick or at least preventing Blaze from getting hit and dealing damage. Don't use Rekkaken against it. Hishousouzan can work if timed perfectly as he's mid-air, striking from underneath.
• Grab/Throw: When Max flashes red and walks towards you, he's going for a grapple. Any Blaze can use a Jump Kick to avoid it. SOR3 Blaze's Chou Reppa Dan works too, both escaping and punishing. SOR4 Blaze's Air Combo is also effective.
• Thunder Tackle: Again, any Blaze can use a Jump Kick to dodge this. SOR2 Blaze's Elbow Strike can sometimes protect you if you're very close and timed right, but Hishousouzan is generally more reliable. Both of SOR3 Blaze's Blitzes can ward off and punish the tackle, with Chou Reppa Dan being particularly effective due to its speed and range. Neither of SOR4 Blaze's Blitzes work; you'll need to jump to dodge them.
• Spinning Knuckle Hammer (S.K.H.): SOR1, SOR2, and SOR4 Blaze should stay clear, as attacking during this is risky. SOR3 Blaze's Chou Reppa Dan has the range to punish this safely.
• General Offense:
• SOR1 Blaze: Stick to her Basic Combo to chip away at Max. Her punch reach should let you hit him more often than he hits you.
• SOR2 Blaze: You can use either a Basic Combo or Jump Kick into Haymaker. Both can be linked to a Star Move.
• SOR3 Blaze: She's got options! Her strongest Combo Chain (Basic Combo-to-Blitz-to-Special, potentially to Star Move) is great. Her Blitzes are good against his drop kick. Chou Reppa Dan can be used to slowly whittle him down safely.
• SOR4 Blaze: Try a Basic Combo into Hishousouzan (into Special), or link into a Star Move. Basic Combo-to-Rekkaken (into Special) also works.
• Lower Difficulties: Any post-SOR1 Blaze can use Embukyaku to avoid the Thunder Tackle.

Stage 10 - To The Concert

This stage is a bit of a pain, honestly. We're dealing with a mix of enemies that can really overwhelm you if you're not careful.

STAGE 10-1: Rooftop Rumble

We start on a single rooftop. Watch out for the Gudden (Donnie) with the Nail Bat – he'll throw it at you! If you can grab it, great! More bat-wielding Guddens will show up alongside Garam (Garcia) with knives. The Guddens will try to throw their weapons while you're busy with the Garam charging at you. Jump kicks are your friend here, as they'll keep you safe from the Donnies' uppercuts.

Pro-Tip: If you're playing as SOR3 Blaze with Chou Reppa Dan, this is a great time to use it. The invincibility frames will let you ignore thrown weapons, and the Blitz itself can take out the other enemies before they become a problem.

STAGE 10-2: Double Rooftops

This area is split across two rooftops and is arguably the worst part of the stage. Rooftop #1 has some Kickboxers to deal with. Rooftop #2 is where things get really hairy, with Riders, Margarets throwing grenades from above, and a clawhammer-wielding Gudden (Donnie) in a tight space. The Riders will charge, and the Margarets will make it incredibly difficult to avoid them by littering the area with grenades.

Pro-Tip: Again, SOR3 Blaze with Chou Reppa Dan can be a lifesaver here. It neutralizes the threat of the thrown clawhammer while hitting the Donnie, and the I-frames can help you avoid the grenades.