December 17th 2024.
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have been a beloved part of many childhoods, and now they're making a comeback with a new game called Rita's Rewind. This game is a tribute to the popular TV show and early 90s video games, and it's been getting a lot of attention for its stunning graphics.
It's not easy for toy companies like Hasbro to keep up with the ever-changing interests of kids, especially when adults seem just as interested in their products. Hasbro owns a variety of companies and franchises, including well-known names like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. They also have the rights to popular brands like Transformers and My Little Pony. However, after the disappointing performance of the recent Transformers movie, Hasbro announced that they will be focusing more on games and interactive media instead of funding new films.
It's unclear if this new game is a part of that shift, as it was most likely commissioned before the announcement. However, it's worth noting that Hasbro also released a new G.I. Joe game in September, which hasn't received great reviews. Both games follow a similar approach - what if these beloved franchises had gotten a high-budget arcade game in the early 90s, instead of the cheap console versions that were released at the time?
As fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and classic 90s arcade games, we were immediately drawn to the first trailer for Rita's Rewind. It seemed like a long-lost sibling to the popular scrolling beat 'em-up games of the time, with stunning pixel artwork and reminiscent of Sega's coin-op games like OutRun and After Burner.
Despite being a somewhat shallow genre, scrolling beat 'em-up games have been making a comeback in recent years with indie titles like Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. These games often have beautiful pixel art but don't do much to evolve or modernize the gameplay. Rita's Rewind, however, was released a bit later than the others, so it has less of an excuse for not adding something new to the formula.
From what we understand, the game's plot involves a robotic version of Rita Repulsa traveling back in time to help her organic self defeat the less experienced Power Rangers of 1993. The game is full of Easter eggs and references for fans of the franchise, but for those not familiar with the series, it may not have the same impact.
In terms of gameplay, the beat 'em-up sections are pretty standard - players choose their favorite Power Ranger and move from left to right on the screen, fighting off enemies with punches and kicks. Each character has a dash attack and a super move that requires collecting coins to use. However, there isn't much variation between the characters, and their attacks all have the same effect, regardless of which Ranger you choose.
One unique element is the Time Disrupter crystal, which must be destroyed within a time limit, or it will rewind a section of the level. This may sound frustrating, but it's not as bad as it seems and doesn't add much to the gameplay.
As much as we appreciate the game's beautiful graphics, the beat 'em-up sections quickly become repetitive and shallow. The game also offers up to four-player co-op, but even with different characters, the gameplay doesn't change much. The shooting gallery sections, on the other hand, offer some variety and are visually stunning, but the action can feel imprecise at times.
Every few levels, players get to control their own robot dinosaur and then combine forces to form the MegaZord, which turns the game into a Punch-Out!! style fight. This segment is visually impressive, but the novelty wears off quickly, and the lack of depth and challenge make the game feel repetitive despite its short length.
At £28.99, the game is quite expensive, especially considering the lack of replayability. It's clear that a lot of love and effort went into creating this game, but it falls short in terms of gameplay and value for money. Even die-hard fans of Power Rangers and retro graphics may want to think twice before investing in this well-meaning but shallow trip down memory lane.
In summary, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a gorgeous tribute to early 90s kids TV and video games, but the lack of depth and challenge make it difficult for even fans to fully enjoy. The stunning graphics and nods to classic arcade games are the highlights, but ultimately, it may not be worth the price tag.
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