River City Ransom

Players control Kunio or Riki through interconnected city streets, schools, and interiors in a side-view action format. Combat uses punches, kicks, throws, and weapons, while enemies drop money and items used to buy food or improve attributes such as attack, defense, power, and speed. Instead of strictly linear stages, progression comes from exploring the city, unlocking new areas, and defeating bosses. Two-player co-op makes crowd control and boss fights much easier.

Kunio

One of the playable heroes, a tough school delinquent who leads the rescue effort.

Riki

The second playable hero, a powerful brawler who fights alongside Kunio.

Kyoko

The kidnapped girl the heroes are trying to rescue.

Invest early in core stats, especially attack and defense, so normal fights become much safer. Spend money on healing food before expensive upgrades if survival is becoming an issue. Explore thoroughly, since shops and training opportunities are often hidden behind route choices. Use throws and corner pressure against stronger enemies, and in co-op, split duties between crowd control and keeping each other alive.

Tips and tricks

• Return to shops often; healing and stat growth matter more than hoarding money.
• Corner enemies to chain attacks and maintain pressure.
• Prioritize useful upgrades over single-use purchases whenever possible.