10 Genius Shortcuts To Beat Video Games Early

1. Just Play Easy Mode - Streets Of Rage 3

The cut-to-the-chase ending in classic beat 'em up Streets of Rage 3 doesn't require any specific screwing around or playing the game badly on purpose - it's as simple as deciding to play the game on Easy difficulty.

Easy mode instantly chops the last two levels from the game, ending instead on the fifth level boss, Robot X.

Beat Robot X and a closing sequence will confirm that you only defeated antagonist Mr. X's robotic stand-in, while the Chief of Police remains missing and Axel is still framed for the kidnapping of General Petrov.

Worse still, Robot X lambasts the player for playing the game "like a beginner" and implores them to "try harder", before a "The End?" title card appears.

Given how hard-as-nails the game is on Normal difficulty, that's a pretty damn cheeky put-down, but nevertheless the price paid for not having to slog through two more levels and get the "real" ending.