Riot City (Japan)

Step into the gritty world of Riot City, a side-scrolling action game released in 1991 by Sega and Westone. Players choose between Paul and Bobby, skilled fighters tasked with dismantling the MID drug syndicate that has taken over Riot Island. This island slum, comprised of abandoned buildings like apartments, factories, and even a casino, serves as the backdrop for your mission to rescue Paul’s girlfriend and bring down the criminal organization. Gameplay puts you in direct control of your chosen character as you battle through hordes of enemies across diverse environments. While Riot City shares similarities with other beat-'em-ups of its era—particularly Capcom's Final Fight—it distinguishes itself by focusing purely on hand-to-hand combat, foregoing the ability to pick up and use weapons found in some games. Scattered throughout the levels are bonus items that can provide a temporary advantage against the encroaching threat. The game supports cooperative play for two players, allowing you to team up with a friend as you progress through Riot Island’s increasingly dangerous districts. Riot City utilizes Sega System 16B hardware and features music composed by Jin Watabe, bringing this action-packed experience to life.