Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind Review

The ’90s are alive and well, with nostalgia-fueled beat ’em-ups making a triumphant return to gaming. From Streets of Rage 4 to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, developers have tapped into the retro arcade magic that defined a generation. Now, Digital Eclipse has joined the fray with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, a co-op beat-’em-up that channels Saturday morning TV vibes and brings fans back to Angel Grove in style.

A Retro Formula That Works

Rita’s Rewind stays true to the classic beat-’em-up formula, delivering side-scrolling action, rail-shooter segments, and the iconic Megazord battles fans would expect. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up with friends, the game provides a fun and accessible experience with modern conveniences like online play and a training mode.

The story feels ripped straight from a 1993 episode, complete with colourful villains, campy dialogue, and nostalgic CRT-style effects. It’s a seamless blend of homage and innovation that captures the spirit of the original show while offering a fresh gaming experience.

Gameplay: Fun and Familiar

The gameplay is straightforward: players can jump, attack, and unleash a chargeable power move that clears the screen of enemies. The simplicity works in its favour, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. Highlights include:

• Battle Motorcycles: Rail-gun sections where players face enemies on the move, adding variety to the stages.
• Megazord Battles: Couch co-op chaos as players dodge, punch, and charge up the Megazord’s sword to deliver a satisfying final blow.

Unfortunately, the Power Rangers themselves lack diversity in playstyle. Unlike Shredder’s Revenge, where each character feels distinct, the Rangers in Rita’s Rewind handle similarly, with only minor differences during Zord rushes. For example, the Pink Ranger’s ability to fly provides a unique advantage in dodging pitfalls, but it’s not enough to set her apart significantly.

A Visual and Audio Throwback

Digital Eclipse nailed the aesthetic with 16-bit graphics that would feel right at home in 1993. The game’s flash-style animation cutscenes add charm, bridging the gap between levels and reinforcing the Saturday morning cartoon vibe.

The music, though limited in quantity, is catchy and complements the action perfectly. It doesn’t quite reach the iconic level of the Power Rangers theme song, but it still adds to the game’s nostalgic appeal.

Co-Op Fun with a Classic Arcade Feel

Co-op play is where Rita’s Rewind shines, though it doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking mechanics. The lack of character-specific skills or abilities means the gameplay leans heavily on its arcade roots, focusing on simple fun rather than depth. It’s a game best enjoyed with friends, whether on the couch or online.

Nostalgia Done Right

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind doesn’t reinvent the beat-up genre, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a straightforward, nostalgic romp that captures the heart of the ’90s while delivering solid gameplay and a polished presentation. The lack of character differentiation and limited music variety are minor setbacks in an otherwise fun experience.

For fans of the original show and retro gaming, Rita’s Rewind is a morphinominal trip down memory lane for fans of the original show and retro gamingShredder’s Revenge, is a worthy addition to the beat-up revival.

Whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering the Rangers for the first time, this game is a morphing good time.