View source for River City Ransom

{{Short description|1989 video game}}
{{redirect|Street Gangs|street gangs|Gang}}{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = River City Ransom
| image = River City Ransom-front.jpg
| caption = North American NES box art
| developer = [[Technōs Japan]]{{efn|X68000 version developed by SPS; PC-Engine Super CD-ROM² version developed by [[KID]]; Game Boy Advance version developed by Million.}}
| publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Technōs Japan}}|'''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|Technōs Japan|NA|[[Technōs Japan#U.S. subsidiary|American Technōs Inc.]]|EU|[[Atari SA|Infogrames]]}} '''X68000'''<br>[[Sharp Corporation]]<br>'''Super CD-ROM²'''<br>[[Kaga Create|Naxat Soft]]<br>'''Game Boy Advance'''<br>[[Atlus]]}}
| director = Mitsuhiro Yoshida<br>Hiroyuki Sekimoto
| composer = [[Kazuo Sawa]]
| series = ''[[Kunio-kun]]''
| platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[X68000]], [[PC Engine Super CD-ROM²|PC-Engine Super CD-ROM²]], [[Game Boy Advance]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|April 25, 1989}}|'''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|April 25, 1989<ref>{{cite web|title=VC ダウンタウン熱血物語|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_dtn/vc_dtn_01.html|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|language=ja|access-date=2011-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402082537/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_dtn/vc_dtn_01.html|archive-date=2011-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref>|NA|January 1990<ref>{{cite web | author=Nintendo staff | title=NES Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/nes_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221005931/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/nes_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | archive-date=December 21, 2010 | access-date=September 24, 2011}}</ref>|EU|1992|DE|August 1993<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Eggebrecht, Julian|journal=[[Total!]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|date=August 1993|title=Street Gangs|page=69|language=de}}</ref>}}'''X68000'''{{vgrelease|JP|April 1990<ref name="sps">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807140628/http://www.sps.co.jp/05_03_other02.htm|archive-date=August 7, 2007|url=http://www.sps.co.jp/05_03_other02.htm|title=株式会社 エス・ピー・エス～博物館―Window|language=ja|publisher=SPS|access-date=2011-04-02}}</ref>}}'''Super CD-ROM²'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 24, 1993}}'''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 5, 2004<ref name="jpgbarelease">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff|date=March 8, 2004|title=Now Playing in Japan|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/497/497224p1.html|website=IGN|access-date=2011-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205160221/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/497/497224p1.html|archive-date=December 5, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>|NA|May 26, 2004<ref name="nagbarelease">{{cite web|author=Castro, Juan|date=May 26, 2004|title=River City Ransom EX Ships|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/519/519189p1.html|website=IGN|access-date=2011-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124153052/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/519/519189p1.html|archive-date=January 24, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
}}
| genre = [[Beat 'em up]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'''''|ダウンタウン熱血物語|Dauntaun Nekketsu Monogatari|lit. ''Downtown Hot-Blooded Story''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, released as '''''River City Ransom''''' in North America and '''''Street Gangs''''' in PAL regions, is a 1989 [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[beat 'em up]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Technōs Japan]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. It is the third installment of the ''[[Kunio-kun]]'' series released for the NES, preceded by ''[[Renegade (video game)|Renegade]]'' and ''[[Super Dodge Ball]]'', and the first to be developed specifically for the system.

Gameplay is similar to that of ''Renegade'', but set in a non-linear [[open world]], a first for the series. It was the first console game published by the developer's North American subsidiary American Technos, without input from previous series publisher [[Taito]].

Outside Japan, ''River City Ransom'' was not highly successful when initially released. However, it received positive reviews from critics for its innovative gameplay and humor, retaining a dedicated [[cult following]] to this day, while also making the ''Kunio-kun'' series prominent in the beat 'em up space.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-09 |title=River City Ransom: A NES classic is back 20 years |url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/river-city-ransom-a-nes-classic-is-back-20-years |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Red Bull |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=2024-04-25 |title=35 Years Ago, River City Ransom Invented The Modern Action Game |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/river-city-ransom-invented-modern-action-game/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Video game remake|Remakes]] have been released for the [[X68000]], [[PC Engine Super CD-ROM²|PC-Engine Super CD-ROM²]], and [[Game Boy Advance]].

==Gameplay==
[[Image:rcr gameplay.png|thumb|left|Gameplay of ''River City Ransom'']]
''River City Ransom'' is a [[beat 'em up]] game with [[action role-playing game|action]] [[role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements. The game is [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]],<ref name="thunderbolt">{{cite web|last=Kramer|first=Josh|title=River City Ransom|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/reviews/article/river-city-ransom-review-for-nes.html|publisher=Thunderbolt|access-date=16 October 2011|date=29 July 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026012310/http://thunderboltgames.com/reviews/article/river-city-ransom-review-for-nes.html|archive-date=26 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> allowing players to explore an [[open world]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Plante|first=Chris|title=Every Easter Egg Hidden in the Scott Pilgrim Video Game Trailer|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/river-city-ransom|publisher=[[UGO Networks]]|access-date=16 October 2011|date=June 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629025713/http://www.ugo.com/games/river-city-ransom|archive-date=29 June 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> in a sandbox manner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|title=Retronauts Carjacks Grand Theft Auto|url=http://www.1up.com/news/retronauts-carjacks-gta|website=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=23 January 2012|date=2008-04-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723234344/http://www.1up.com/news/retronauts-carjacks-gta|archive-date=23 July 2012}}</ref> The fighting style is similar to ''[[Double Dragon]]'', in that the player can move freely around the screen while pressing buttons to punch, kick, or jump. The player can also use items such as brass knuckles, steel pipes, and trash cans as melee weapons or throw them at enemies.<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web |author=Thomas, Lucas M. |date=April 21, 2008 |title=River City Ransom Review |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/868/868095p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121040726/http://wii.ign.com/articles/868/868095p1.html |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |access-date=2011-04-02 |website=IGN}}</ref>

The plot follows high school students Alex and Ryan as they cross River City in an attempt to reach River City High and rescue Ryan's girlfriend Cyndi from the clutches of a villain called "Slick".<ref name="ignreview" /> Along the way, they battle gangs of students and their gang leaders, latter of which act as [[Boss (video gaming)|bosses]]. In the original NES version there are nine gangs in total, with names such as "The Generic Dudes", "The Frat Guys", "The Jocks" or "The Squids". Gang members are distinguished by the color of their t-shirt; each gang has unique characteristics and attacking patterns.

The characters' effectiveness in battle is determined by their [[stats]] in combination with unlockable fighting techniques such as Grand Slam, Stone Hands, and Dragon Feet. These techniques are purchasable as books in shops throughout the city. Players can collect loot from defeated gang members,<ref name="ignreview" /> and these funds may be spent on various food items and spa treatments which serve to not only revitalize the player's stats, but may also permanently increase attributes like "Punch" and "Kick". The game has a [[Password (video games)|password]] system for saving and loading of the player’s character stats, skills, possessions, money, and defeated bosses.<ref name="ignreview" />

==Development==
[[Image:Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari game cover.jpg|thumb|left|The Famicom cover artwork of ''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'']]{{More citations needed|section|date=June 2023}}
''River City Ransom'' is an English [[Internationalization and localization|localization]] of ''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'', the third title starring Technōs Japan's mascot character [[Kunio-kun|Kunio]] (and the first entry in the series where Kunio teams up with his rival, Riki). In addition to anglicizing all of the names and dialogue, the characters' sprites were redrawn to replace the [[Gakuran|Japanese school uniforms]] with [[t-shirts]] and [[jeans]]. In the original, the gangs are all students from different high schools, and many of its characters would reappear in subsequent ''Kunio-kun'' games (particularly those directed by Sekimoto and Yoshida).{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The number of difficulty settings was reduced from three to two; the easiest difficulty setting was removed, and the Medium setting was changed to "Novice". An alternate version of the 2-player mode which disables [[Player versus player|player-versus-player]] damage was also removed. In addition to the password feature for keeping track of the player's progress, the Famicom version supports the [[List of Nintendo Entertainment System accessories|Turbo File]], a peripheral released only in Japan that allows the player to save and load their progress.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

''River City Ransom'' was the first console game localized by Technōs Japan's U.S. subsidiary, American Technos, Inc. Although most of Technōs Japan's previous games were also released in North America, they were licensed out to other publishers. American Technos' second and final game would be ''Kunio-kun''<nowiki/>'s ''[[Crash 'n' the Boys: Street Challenge]]''.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In February 2020, an alternate localization called '''''Downtown Nekketsu Story''''' was released in North America. This version more closely resembles the Famicom version, being a direct translation of the original. It was released alongside other fully-translated ''Kunio-kun'' Famicom titles as part of the ''Double Dragon & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle'' for the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Nintendo Switch]].{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==Ports==
===X68000===
''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'' was ported to the [[X68000]], a Japanese computer platform, and released in April 1990. This version of the game, which was developed by SPS and published by [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]],<ref name="sps"/> features several enhancements to the Famicom original, such as displaying three enemy characters on-screen instead of just two, slightly more colorful graphics, an expanded game world, and new items and special techniques for the player (including some that were only used by certain enemy characters in the Famicom version, such as the headbutt and the whirlwind kick). The new locations includes several new shops (such as a dojo) and the schools of each enemy gang, each featuring two new bosses. In addition to the player's regular stats, the player also has individual stats for all the special techniques their character has acquired. The more frequently a special move is used to finish off enemies, the stronger that particular move becomes. Unlike the Famicom version, the X68000 does not feature adjustable difficulty settings. The player can save and load their progress in one of ten save files provided by the game itself.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

===PC Engine===
The [[TurboGrafx-16|PC Engine Super CD-ROM²]] version of ''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'', released on December 24, 1993, was published by Naxat Soft and developed by [[KID]], the same team that did the PC Engine versions of ''Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball'' (''[[Super Dodge Ball]]''), ''[[Double Dragon II: The Revenge]]'', and ''Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~mx-5/kid/kidlistpce.htm|script-title=ja:ＫＩＤゲーリスト（ＰＣエンジン）|language=ja|access-date=2008-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029105129/http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~mx-5/kid/kidlistpce.htm|archive-date=2007-10-29|url-status=live}}</ref> This version features enhanced graphics, an arranged redbook soundtrack and fully voiced characters, with the voices of Kunio and Riki performed by [[Ryō Horikawa]] and [[Nobutoshi Canna]] respectively. The player's progress is saved in this version on the PC Engine's backup memory. The rest of the game is almost identical to the Famicom version.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

===Game Boy Advance===
[[File:River City Ransom EX cover.jpg|thumb|North American cover of ''River City Ransom EX'' for the Game Boy Advance]]
A [[Game Boy Advance|GBA]] version of the game, titled {{nihongo foot|''River City Ransom EX''|ダウンタウン熱血物語ex|Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari ex|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} was released in Japan on March 5, 2004 and in North America on May 26.<ref name="jpgbarelease"/><ref name="nagbarelease"/> This remake was developed by Million and published by [[Atlus]]. The most notable change from the original version is the loss of a true cooperative mode. Instead, the game can be played with an [[AI]]-controlled partner, and players may exchange the data of their own characters to fight alongside each other. The GBA version also includes a vast number of configurable options that can adjust game play on the fly, such as changing AI behaviour, the number of enemies in one map area, and shop item reshuffling frequency. The password system is replaced by battery backup, which allows saving up to 12 characters. Character's appearances, keystrokes for learned techniques, even enemy characters can be customized and saved using secret shop items. A saved game does not store story progress or reputation, but it does store the player's statistics, techniques, current items and money, player's name, and customized appearances. The player can gain additional computer-controlled allies and form a "posse" who helps the player on his adventure. Some of these boss characters are from the original NES version, while others are taken from later ''Downtown Nekketsu'' games. The player can be accompanied by up to three AI-controlled partners.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

===Digital ports===
Many years after the original NES version was released, it was digitally ported to four more Nintendo systems: the [[Wii]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch]]. The game has also been digitally released on [[Xbox One]] and [[PlayStation 4]].{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The first digital port of ''River City Ransom'' was released on the Wii [[Virtual Console]] in Japan on October 23, 2007,<ref name="jpvcrelease">{{cite web|author=Fletcher, JC|date=October 23, 2007|title=VC Tuesday: Best week ever|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/vc-tuesday-best-week-ever/|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=2011-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019124404/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/vc-tuesday-best-week-ever/|archive-date=October 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> in PAL regions on February 21, 2008,<ref name="palvcrelease">{{cite web|author=Calvert, Darren|date=February 21, 2008|title=EU VC Releases - 22nd February - Street Gangs|url=http://vc.nintendolife.com/news/2008/02/eu_vc_releases_22nd_february_street_gangs|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=2011-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723221853/http://vc.nintendolife.com/news/2008/02/eu_vc_releases_22nd_february_street_gangs|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and in North America on April 21.<ref name="navcrelease">{{cite news|title=River City Ransom and Phantasy Star III Now Available on Wii Shop Channel!|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/5tTAdRLSK64NoFSfayQuZ9f9xfVKO1Dc|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]|date=April 21, 2008|access-date=2008-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080426160747/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/5tTAdRLSK64NoFSfayQuZ9f9xfVKO1Dc|archive-date=April 26, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The western NES titles, graphics, and storylines for the latter two releases were left intact.  ''Ransom'' was next released on the 3DS Virtual Console available through the 3DS eShop in Japan on November 28, 2012, PAL region on July 25, 2013 and North America on November 14.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000012591 |title=ダウンタウン熱血物語 &#124; ニンテンドー3Ds &#124; 任天堂 |access-date=2018-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216093853/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000012591 |archive-date=2019-02-16 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/Z7BAknbDkSyizF0zLTU0Mqj7VEdv_qhr |title=River City Ransom for Nintendo 3DS - Nintendo Game Details |access-date=2018-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401203327/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/Z7BAknbDkSyizF0zLTU0Mqj7VEdv_qhr |archive-date=2019-04-01 |url-status=live}}</ref> Like other 3DS Virtual Console games, the user is able to create a restore point in the game. It also features a two player mode via download play. Only one person needs to own a copy of the game in order to play, and restore points are disabled during two player mode. Three years later ''Ransom'' was then made available on the Wii U Virtual Console,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/23Qpx0RdHmm0UYlLaoo7EOMsiyJqsBzw |title=River City Ransom for Wii U - Nintendo Game Details |access-date=2018-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230901/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/23Qpx0RdHmm0UYlLaoo7EOMsiyJqsBzw |archive-date=2018-12-20 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000012468 |title=ダウンタウン熱血物語 &#124; Wii U &#124; 任天堂 |access-date=2018-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230824/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000012468 |archive-date=2018-12-20 |url-status=live}}</ref> and another three years later, it was also released as part of the [[Nintendo Classics]] service worldwide on September 18, 2018, complete with HD graphics and the ability to create save states, like the other NES games offered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2018-09-13 |title=Nintendo Switch Online has these 20 classic NES games |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/13/17856798/nintendo-switch-online-nes-games-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212105440/https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/13/17856798/nintendo-switch-online-nes-games-list |archive-date=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = NES: 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/nes/563453-river-city-ransom/index.html |title=River City Ransom for NES |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2021-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011329/https://www.gamerankings.com/nes/563453-river-city-ransom/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />GBA: 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/915026-river-city-ransom-ex/index.html |title=River City Ransom EX for Game Boy Advance |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2021-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011753/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/915026-river-city-ransom-ex/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EuroG = NES: 8/10<ref name="EuroG"/>
| Fam = NES: 28/40<ref name="Fam"/>
| GMaster = NES: 32%<ref name="gmaster"/>
| GSpot = GBA: 6.9<ref name=":2" />
| GSpy = GBA: 4/5<ref name=":1" />
| IGN = NES: 9/10<ref name="ign"/>
| NLife = NES: 8/10<ref name=":0" />
| rev1 = ''[[:fr:Player One|Player One]]''
| rev1Score = NES: 93%<ref name="player1"/>
| award1Pub = [[GamesRadar]]
| award1 = [[List of video games considered the best|7th Best NES Game of All Time]] (2012)<ref name="gradar12"/> <br> 11th Best NES Game of All Time (2014)<ref name="gradar14"/>
}}''River City Ransom'' initially received mixed reviews upon release. Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'' reviewed the Japanese version and gave it a generally positive review, stating that it is a fighting game which skillfully incorporates RPG elements, scoring it 28 out of 40.<ref name="Fam">{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=5657 |title=ダウンタウン熱血物語 まとめ [ファミコン&#93; / ファミ通.com |website=Famitsu.com |access-date=2016-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312070019/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=5657 |archive-date=2016-03-12 |url-status=live}}</ref> French magazine ''[[:fr:Player One|Player One]]'' reviewed the game under its European localised title of ''Street Gangs'' and gave it a highly positive review, concluding that it is not to be missed and scoring it 93%.<ref name="player1">''[[:fr:Player One|Player One]]'', issue 23 (September–October 1992), [http://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=32&num=1405&album=oui pages 86-87] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530081755/http://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=32&num=1405&album=oui |date=2015-05-30}}</ref> UK television programme ''[[GamesMaster]]'' generally panned ''Street Gangs'', with one reviewer saying he "would rather sit in a vat of horse manure than play this game, give it to your worst enemies", with an overall score of 32%.<ref name="gmaster">''[[GamesMaster]]'', Episode 14 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huo90uhLsfg#t=6m45s Series 2, Episode 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330220844/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huo90uhLsfg#t=6m45s |date=2016-03-30}}), 22/10/1992</ref>

Retrospective reviews have been very positive. [[IGN]] said that the fighting mechanics are exceptionally achieved, and that the RPG-esque elements give the game a depth and replayability, ultimately scoring it 9 out of 10.<ref name="ign">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/04/21/river-city-ransom-review |title=River City Ransom Review |website=IGN |date=2008-04-21 |access-date=2016-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312090457/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/21/river-city-ransom-review |archive-date=2016-03-12 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, ''Play'' contributing editor Eric Patterson listed the game's cover art, along with ''[[Groove on Fight]]'', as his favorite game covers of all time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=July 2006|title=Play: Staff roundup|magazine=Play (USA)|location=United States of America|publisher=Fusion Publishing|issue=55|page=68}}</ref> In 2008, Nintendo Life gave it 8 out of 10.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nes/river_city_ransom|title=Review: River City Ransom (NES)|date=2008-02-23|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503204026/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nes/river_city_ransom|archive-date=2019-05-03|url-status=live}}</ref> EuroGamer gave it an 8 out of 10.<ref name="EuroG">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/vcroundup_230208_wii?page=2 |title=Virtual Console Roundup • Page 2 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=2019-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231233139/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/vcroundup_230208_wii?page=2 |archive-date=2014-12-31 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, [[IGN]] ranked it the 15th best NES game in their Top 100 NES Games list.<ref>{{cite web |title=15. River City Ransom |url=http://www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/15.html |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019060913/http://www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/15.html |archive-date=19 October 2009}}</ref> In 2012, [[GamesRadar]] ranked it the seventh best NES game ever made. The staff felt that it was more memorable than ''[[Ghosts 'n Goblins]]'', ''[[Legend of Kage]]'', and ''[[Double Dragon]]'', and is still influential.<ref name="gradar12">{{cite web |title=Best NES Games of All Time |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |work=[[GamesRadar]] |date=2012-04-16 |access-date=2013-12-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026090808/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |archive-date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> In 2014, GamesRadar ranked it the eleventh best NES game of all time.<ref name="gradar14">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |title=Best NES Games of all time &#124; GamesRadar |access-date=2016-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202205842/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |archive-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref> In 2017, [[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] ranked it 16th in their 100 Best NES Games list.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Garrett |title=The 100 Best NES Games |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/nes/the-100-best-nes-games/ |website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |publisher=Paste Media Group |access-date=6 September 2022 |date=13 July 2017}}</ref> Also in 2017, [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] ranked it 461st in their 500 best games of all time list.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 500 best games of all time: 500-401 |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=6 September 2022 |date=27 November 2017}}</ref> In 2021, [[Retro Gamer]] included the game in their Top Ten NES Games list.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Ten NES Games |url=https://www.retrogamer.net/top_10/top-ten-nes-games/ |website=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=6 September 2022 |date=19 August 2021}}</ref>

''[[GameSpy]]'' gave the GBA version a score of 4/5,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/river-city-ransom-ex/520203p1.html|title=GameSpy: River City Ransom EX Review|last=Leeper|first=Justin|date=June 2, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210144450/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/river-city-ransom-ex/520203p1.html|archive-date=2009-02-10|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-05-20}}</ref> while ''[[GameSpot]]'' gave it 6.9.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/river-city-ransom-ex-review/1900-6099482/|title=River City Ransom EX Review|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=2004-05-28|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430233743/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/river-city-ransom-ex-review/1900-6099482/|archive-date=2019-04-30|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Legacy==
The Japanese version, ''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari'', was considered highly successful and would be followed by several spin-offs (including seven subsequent Famicom installments) until Technos Japan's closure in 1996. Of these seven games, ''Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki dayo Zen'in Shugo'' features the same gameplay system as ''Monogatari'', with the main difference being that the characters are re-enacting a [[jidaigeki]] play.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

In 1994, a prequel was released for the [[Super NES]] titled ''[[River City Girls Zero|Shin Nekketsu Kōha: Kunio-tachi no Banka]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.grouvee.com/games/5152-river-city-girls-zero/ | title=River City Girls Zero (1994) (Video game) }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.giantbomb.com/river-city-girls-zero/3030-5471/ | title=River City Girls Zero (Game) }}</ref>

In 2002, an aspiring game designer, tester for [[Atari]], and longtime fan of the game obtained the title's trademark and began work on a sequel aptly titled ''River City Ransom 2''. The project was halted when it was announced at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] in 2003 that ''River City Ransom EX'' was to be released the following year.<ref>{{cite web | first=Frank | last=Cifaldi | year=2004 | title=Realize Games' River City Ransom 2 | url=http://www.lostlevels.org/200402/200402-rcr.shtml | work=Lostlevels.org | access-date=June 21, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615120020/http://www.lostlevels.org/200402/200402-rcr.shtml | archive-date=June 15, 2006 | url-status=live}}</ref> A true sequel to the game, {{nihongo|''Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari 2''|ダウンタウン熱血物語2}}, was developed by Miracle Kidz for a Japanese release on [[WiiWare]] in 2011. An online [[personal computer|PC]] version was due out in 2012,<ref>{{cite web | author=Anoop Gantayat | title=River City Ransom Sequel Set for WiiWare
| url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/115/1157652p1.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125233319/http://wii.ign.com/articles/115/1157652p1.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 25, 2013 | website=IGN | access-date=March 25, 2011}}</ref> but was put on hold due to an announcement that the developers were freezing development to focus on making completely original games.<ref>{{cite web | title=River City Ransom 2 On Hold, Developer Now Working On Original Games | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/22/river-city-ransom-2-on-hold-developer-now-working-on-original-games/ | publisher=Siliconera | access-date=November 22, 2012 | date=October 22, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029153307/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/22/river-city-ransom-2-on-hold-developer-now-working-on-original-games/ | archive-date=October 29, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, the Canadian independent developer, Conatus Creative, began development on an officially licensed follow-up game, named ''River City Ransom: Underground'', originally scheduled for Windows in August 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title=River City Ransom Underground announced | url=http://conatuscreative.com/2013/04/river-city-ransom-announced/ | publisher=Conatus Creative | access-date=April 22, 2012 | date=April 22, 2012}}</ref> In September, Conatus Creative launched a campaign on the [[crowdfunding]] site, [[Kickstarter]], seeking [[Canadian dollar|CA$]]180,000 in funding for the game. They successfully reached their funding goal, ending it on October 9, having collected $217,643, approximately 120% of the original goal. After years of development and negotiations with [[Arc System Works]] (which, as Technōs Japan's parent company, currently own the rights for the ''Kunio-kun'' franchise), the game was released on Steam for Windows, OS X and Linux on February 27, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | title=River City Ransom Underground launch date announced | url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/combitstudios/river-city-ransom-underground/posts/1797492/ | publisher=Conatus Creative | access-date=February 2, 2017 | date=February 2, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203162059/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/combitstudios/river-city-ransom-underground/posts/1797492/ | archive-date=February 3, 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[River City: Tokyo Rumble]]'' was released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] on August 8, 2013 in Japan, December 29, 2015 in Korea, and September 27, 2016 in the United States. ''[[River City Girls]]'', which was being developed by [[WayForward]], was released on [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Xbox One]], and PC on September 5, 2019.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1146468827678437376|user=WayForward|title=The gloves are off! We're excited to...|date=3 July 2019}}</ref>

The NES version was re-released for the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] in 2007, the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2013 and the [[Wii U]] in October 2015. It was released again with the launch of the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on September 18, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=September 13, 2018 |title=Nintendo Switch Online has these 20 classic NES games |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/13/17856798/nintendo-switch-online-nes-games-list |access-date=January 10, 2019 |website=Polygon}}</ref>

Kunio, Riki, Gouda, and the Hattori Brothers make an appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as fighting spirits.<ref>{{cite web | title=Super Smash Bros Ultimate Kunio-kun Spirit Board Event Adds Kunio, Riki, and The Dragon Twins | url=https://www.siliconera.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-kunio-kun-spirit-board-event-adds-kunio-riki-and-the-dragon-twins/ | publisher=Siliconera | access-date=January 22, 2020 | date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.atlus.com/rcr/ Official ''River City Ransom EX'' webpage] {{Webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124062528/http://www.atlus.com/rcr/ | date=2012-01-24}}

{{Kunio-kun series}}
{{Arc System Works}}

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