64th Street: A Detective Story

Game Details:

This title carved out a niche for itself during the golden age of beat 'em ups with its unique aesthetic. The protagonist, Rick, is a seasoned and steady detective with high attack power and heavy-hitting moves, while the younger Allen excels in speed and kicking techniques. The system most fondly remembered by veteran players is its in-depth "environmental destruction" mechanic: when players use a throw to send an enemy flying, hitting a background object like a window, sign, or wall will trigger spectacular shattering effects and drop supplies. This design, which integrated side-scrolling combat with background depth, greatly enhanced both the satisfying feel and the strategic element of the gameplay at the time.

Game Guide:

• Choosing Your Character:
• Rick: A classic power-type character. His heavy punches have a very wide hitbox, and when facing groups of minions, using his Grab into a Suplex is the most efficient way to clear the screen.
• Allen: Suited for players who enjoy a fast-paced, rhythmic playstyle. His combo speed is extremely fast, and he can use agile jump attacks to create distance and control spacing, which is especially advantageous against slow-moving bosses.
• Core Technique: Use the Background to Your Advantage: The essence of this game lies in throwing. Don't just rely on standard punches and kicks. After grabbing an enemy, try to aim and throw them into background walls. This not only deals massive secondary splash damage (affecting nearby enemies) but also breaks the scenery to reveal healing items. Remember, almost every destructible background object hides resources.
• Strategy for Being Surrounded: When cornered from both sides, press "Attack + Jump" simultaneously to unleash a special move that consumes health but gets you out of trouble. Additionally, the grab detection in this game is very generous; it's recommended to proactively move in for a grab as enemies approach to use the invincibility frames to avoid attacks from other foes.
• Boss Battle Tips: Boss attacks usually have super armor. Don't try to trade blows head-on. Instead, use "vertical movement" to your advantage. Utilize the Z-axis of the 2.5D perspective to dodge the boss's frontal assaults, then move in from the side to land a quick combo before quickly creating distance again.