Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Sega Ages 2500 Vol.24 – Last Bronx lies in its tight, weapon‐based one‐on‐one combat. Each fighter wields a distinctive weapon – from katanas and nunchaku to chainsaws – and the reach and speed of those weapons give each character a strong sense of identity. The controls remain simple and intuitive, encouraging both button‐mashing novices and seasoned combo‐chasers to experiment with longer juggle strings and crowd‐control tactics. Whether you’re ducking under a horizontal slash or launching your opponent skyward with a well‐timed uppercut, the feedback is immediate and satisfying.

The PS2 emulation faithfully recreates the original arcade’s responsiveness, offering selectable framerates of 60fps for a rock‐solid experience or 57.5fps for an authentic Model 2 arcade feel. These options let purists chase the quirks of the original hardware or simply enjoy the smoothest possible battles. Under the hood, collisions register cleanly and movement inputs rarely miss, which is essential for high‐level competition and survival‐style endurance runs alike.

Multiple modes extend the gameplay beyond standard Arcade fights. You can face a gauntlet of CPU foes in Survival mode, race the clock in Time Attack, or capture the thrill of an arcade cabinet in Vs mode with a friend. Replay mode also allows you to review your past bouts from any camera angle, teaching you how to refine your tactics or simply relive epic comebacks. Together, these modes deliver hours of single‐player challenge and local multiplayer brawling.

Graphics

On first glance, Last Bronx’s polygon counts and texture resolutions may betray its mid‐’90s arcade origins. However, the emulation under the SEGA AGES banner brings subtle enhancements that sharpen character models and backgrounds without losing the gritty graffiti‐laden Tokyo streets aesthetic. Play it on a modern TV and you’ll notice cleaner edges, reduced texture warping, and a steadier framerate than most vintage ports can boast.

Character animations remain fluid, especially when fighters unleash their signature moves. The crisp motion blur and impact sparks pop against the night-time urban environments, immersing you in each rooftop showdown. You’ll also appreciate the configurable zoom settings, which let you dial in a closer perspective for tight duels or a wider view for better situational awareness.

Beyond the battles themselves, the included gallery mode is a treasure trove for fans of classic concept art and promotional illustrations. These high‐resolution stills chronicle Last Bronx’s development, showcasing early character sketches, poster designs, and neon-soaked key art that never made it into the arcade cabinets. It’s a small but welcome museum piece that adds historical context to the pixelated pugilism.

Story

While Last Bronx isn’t a narrative juggernaut, it crafts a simple yet effective backdrop for its street brawls. Set in a near‐futuristic Tokyo teetering on the edge of gang warfare, the game’s cast comprises colorful rebels, exiled yakuza, and underground fighters battling for supremacy in the titular borough. Each character has a brief but evocative biography that sets up personal motivations for entering the deadly tournaments.

Between fights, short prebattle quotes and end‐stage monologues hint at rivalries and loyalties, giving your win–loss tally a narrative thread. Though the dialogue is minimal, it’s peppered with enough attitude to make each victory feel like a chapter closed, if only temporarily. Fans of arcade fighters will recognize the formula, but it remains effective for motivating progression through the ladder.

Special cutscenes punctuate key milestones in Arcade mode, employing low‐res FMV clips that feel authentically ’90s. These interludes don’t aim for cinematic depth, but they do reward you with glimpses of the underground Tokyo underbelly – neon signs flickering, rain-slicked alleys, and rival gangs sizing up your next opponent. They serve as a fun reminder of why these arcade classics captured imaginations two decades ago.

Overall Experience

Sega Ages 2500 Vol.24 – Last Bronx is a labor of love for fans of retro fighting games. It strikes a fine balance between authenticity and modern convenience, preserving the chaotic joy of the arcade original while smoothing out performance quirks. Whether you’re chasing frame‐perfect combos or simply want to relive a cult favorite, the package delivers in spades.

The variety of modes ensures that this isn’t just a museum piece: Survivor and Time Attack will challenge your endurance and speed, while Replay offers a learning tool for refining your technique. Local Vs mode remains the highlight for couch multiplayer, where head-to-head clashes feel every bit as intense as they did on the arcade floor, complete with trophy screens and leaderboard bragging rights.

For newcomers, Last Bronx may initially feel rough around the edges compared to modern fighting games, but its raw energy, distinctive weapon‐based combat, and flavorful Tokyo setting more than compensate. As a standalone purchase or part of a broader SEGA AGES collection, this reissue stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic arcade fighters and a great starting point for anyone keen to explore the genre’s heritage.

Retro Replay Score

null/10