If you’re a fan of the classic beat ’em up game Streets of Rage 3, you may have noticed that one of the playable characters, Ash, was removed from the game. But why was this decision made? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Ash’s removal and what impact it had on the game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or just curious about the development process of classic games, read on to find out why Ash was left on the cutting room floor.
Ash, a playable character in Streets of Rage 2, was not included in the third installment of the game. It is believed that the decision to remove Ash was made in order to focus on the three main characters of the series: Axel, Blaze, and Skate. Additionally, the development team may have wanted to shake things up and try something new by only including the three main characters in the third game. Whatever the reason, the decision to remove Ash from Streets of Rage 3 has not stopped the game from being a fan favorite and a classic in the beat ’em up genre.
Background Information
The Streets of Rage series is a trilogy of beat ’em up video games developed and published by Sega. The first two games in the series were released in 1991 and 1992, respectively, and were met with critical acclaim. The series is set in a dystopian city and follows the story of three playable characters: police officer Axel Stone, boxer Blaze Fielding, and vigilante Max Thunder.
Ash, also known as Adam, is a character who appears in the second game of the series, Streets of Rage 2. He is a computer programmer who creates a powerful computer virus that is used as a weapon against the game’s antagonist, Mr. X. Ash’s role in the game is minor, but he plays a crucial part in the story as he provides the player with access to powerful weapons and upgrades.
In Streets of Rage 3, which was released in 1994, Ash is no longer present as a playable character. Instead, the game features three new characters: Cherry, Harley, and Dr. Roo. This decision to remove Ash from the game has been a subject of debate among fans of the series, with some speculating that it was due to licensing issues and others suggesting that it was because the developers wanted to introduce new characters.
Despite Ash’s absence, Streets of Rage 3 still features a compelling story and engaging gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the series and beat ’em up games alike.
Removal of Ash from Streets of Rage 3
Circumstances leading to Ash’s removal
The circumstances leading to Ash’s removal from Streets of Rage 3 were due to a variety of factors, including development difficulties and creative differences between the developers and the original game’s director, Yuji Naka. According to reports, the game’s development was plagued by numerous delays and technical issues, which caused the team to reconsider the inclusion of Ash as a playable character. Additionally, Naka had envisioned the character as a supporting character, rather than a central protagonist, which conflicted with the desires of the game’s publisher, Sega.
Statements from developers and designers
Several developers and designers involved in the game’s creation have since spoken out about the decision to remove Ash from Streets of Rage 3. In an interview with Gamasutra, developer Michael Losier revealed that the decision to remove Ash was ultimately made by Sega, stating that “it was a business decision, not a creative one.” Meanwhile, Naka has expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that he felt Ash’s removal “hurt the game’s identity.”
Impact on the game’s storyline and gameplay
The removal of Ash from Streets of Rage 3 had a significant impact on the game’s storyline and gameplay. Without Ash as a playable character, the game’s story was rewritten to focus on the original protagonist, Axel Stone, and his journey to save the city from the evil Syndicate. This change resulted in a shift in gameplay mechanics, with Axel’s moveset and abilities being tailored to better suit the needs of the game’s story. While some fans have criticized the decision to remove Ash, others have praised the game for its improved focus and cohesion.
Alternative theories
- Possible reasons for Ash’s removal
- Lack of gameplay mechanics to support a third playable character
- Development challenges and time constraints
- Difficulty in balancing the game for three players
- Fan theories and speculations
- Ash was removed due to poor sales of Streets of Rage 2
- Ash was meant to be a secret character, but was cut due to technical issues
- Ash was removed to make way for a potential fourth character in future installments.
Reaction from Fans and Critics
The removal of Ash from Streets of Rage 3 was met with a significant amount of negative feedback from fans of the game. Many fans had grown attached to the character and felt that her removal diminished the overall experience of the game. This negative feedback was evident in online forums and social media platforms, where fans expressed their disappointment and frustration with the decision.
In addition to fan backlash, the game also received criticism from some gaming critics. They argued that the removal of Ash was a step backward for the franchise and detracted from the overall quality of the game. Some critics even went so far as to say that the removal of Ash was a “mistake” that negatively impacted the game’s reception and legacy.
Overall, the reaction from fans and critics was largely negative, with many feeling that the removal of Ash was a misstep that ultimately hurt the game’s success. Despite this, the game still received positive reviews and was well-received by many gamers.
The Future of Streets of Rage
After the release of Streets of Rage 3, the series remained dormant for several years. However, in recent times, there has been renewed interest in the franchise, with many fans calling for a new installment. While there have been no official announcements, the possibility of a new Streets of Rage game is certainly a topic of discussion in the gaming community.
One of the key factors that could influence the future of the series is the absence of Ash. As the protagonist of the first two games, Ash was a beloved character among fans, and his removal from Streets of Rage 3 was met with disappointment. However, if a new game were to be released, it’s possible that Ash could make a return.
Another factor to consider is the changing landscape of the gaming industry. With the rise of mobile gaming and the popularity of retro-style games, there may be new opportunities for a Streets of Rage revival. Additionally, the success of recent beat ’em up games like Shovel Knight and Cadence of Hyrule has shown that there is still a strong appetite for the genre.
If a new Streets of Rage game were to be released, it’s likely that it would feature updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. However, it’s important to maintain the core elements that made the original games so beloved, such as the fast-paced combat and iconic soundtrack.
Overall, the future of Streets of Rage is uncertain, but with the right combination of nostalgia and innovation, it’s possible that the series could make a comeback. Whether or not Ash will return remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the world of gaming is always evolving, and there’s always room for a little bit of skullduggery.
Lessons Learned
- The importance of character development and consistency: In the gaming industry, consistent character development is crucial to building a franchise’s identity. When Ash was removed from Streets of Rage 3, it not only upset fans but also highlighted the significance of maintaining character consistency. This lesson underscores the need for developers to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on a franchise’s narrative and the importance of adhering to established character traits and arcs.
- Balancing creative vision with fan expectations: The removal of Ash from Streets of Rage 3 showcases the challenges developers face when balancing their creative vision with fan expectations. While the decision to replace Ash may have been driven by technical limitations or artistic direction, it ultimately sparked intense backlash from fans. This teaches developers the importance of considering fan feedback and expectations, as well as the potential consequences of veering too far from established franchise elements.
- The impact of controversial decisions on a franchise’s legacy: The controversy surrounding Ash’s removal from Streets of Rage 3 demonstrates the lasting impact that controversial decisions can have on a franchise’s legacy. Fans often form strong emotional connections to characters and storylines, and changes to these elements can evoke passionate responses. Developers must carefully weigh the potential consequences of their choices, as they can shape the perception of a franchise for years to come.
FAQs
1. Why was Ash removed from Streets of Rage 3?
Answer:
Ash was removed from Streets of Rage 3 due to legal issues. The character was designed to resemble the lead character from the film “The Terminator,” which led to a lawsuit from the film’s creators. In order to avoid further legal complications, the developers decided to remove Ash from the game.
2. Who replaced Ash in Streets of Rage 3?
After Ash was removed from Streets of Rage 3, the character Blaze was introduced as the new playable character. Blaze was designed to be a replacement for Ash and had similar abilities and gameplay mechanics.
3. Is there any way to play Streets of Rage 3 with Ash as a playable character?
Due to the legal issues surrounding Ash, it is not possible to play Streets of Rage 3 with Ash as a playable character. The game was released without Ash, and all subsequent releases and re-releases have kept him removed. However, there are fan-made mods and hacks that allow players to add Ash as a playable character in some cases, but these are not officially supported or endorsed by the game’s developers.
4. Is Streets of Rage 3 still worth playing without Ash?
Yes, Streets of Rage 3 is still worth playing without Ash. The game features excellent gameplay, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. Although Ash’s removal was unfortunate, the game’s developers have since gone on to create other successful games, including the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Players can still enjoy the game’s cooperative multiplayer mode with Blaze or other characters, making it a fun and enjoyable experience.