The Power Rangers franchise has seen its fair share of video game adaptations, but Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind by Digital Eclipse takes the series to a new level. This latest entry in the belt-scrolling beat-’em-up renaissance blends the classic action-packed energy of the 1990s show with modern gaming polish. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers or a newcomer drawn to the retro aesthetic, this game delivers a thrilling mix of fast-paced combat, nostalgic storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals.
But does it morph into the ultimate gaming experience? Let’s dive into the story, controls, and graphics to see how Rita’s Rewind stacks up.
Story
Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind catapults players into a nostalgia-filled journey that feels like a direct continuation of the classic 1990s TV show. The narrative opens with Rita Repulsa building a time module to wreak havoc across timelines, creating a paradox where two versions of Rita run amok in 1993. The original Rangers—Jason, Kimberly, Billy, Trini, and Zack—must unite to stop her, navigating a storyline brimming with callbacks, humor, and camaraderie. Banter between characters, including familiar NPCs, nails the show’s tone, albeit with occasional repetitiveness in dialogue. The game excels in blending Saturday morning cartoon vibes with high-stakes action, ensuring fans feel right at home.
Controls
The combat system is dynamic and diverse, offering a range of moves like dashes, double jumps, and angled aerial attacks. The standout mechanic is the dodge somersault, essential for evading bosses and projectiles. While combat is fluid and satisfying, minor hiccups arise when aligning attacks or executing grabs, creating occasional frustration. Each Ranger shares the same moveset, differing only in speed and strength, which limits individuality but maintains balanced gameplay. Power-ups, signature moves, and a robust combo system keep the action engaging, and the rewind mechanic adds a clever twist during intense moments.
Graphics and Presentation
Visually, Rita’s Rewind is a love letter to retro gaming, with stunning parallax backgrounds and dazzling Super Scaler-inspired stages. These 3D segments, like Megazord chases and rollercoaster battles, inject fresh energy into the classic side-scrolling format. Explosions, effects, and vivid animations mirror the chaotic energy of the show, while remixed themes and retro CRT filters amplify the nostalgia. The variety in level design—ranging from haunted theme parks to war-torn highways—keeps the game visually fresh and exciting.
Gameplay Highlights
The 15-stage campaign offers a satisfying challenge, with bosses boasting unique attack patterns that demand precision and timing. Multiplayer adds a chaotic, fun element, though the absence of online co-op at launch is a drawback. The inclusion of arcade-style minigames at the Juice Bar, alongside hidden collectibles and character cameos, enhances replayability. While enemy variety is limited, and some combat elements could use refinement, the game’s overall execution is solid.
Final Verdict
Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind isn’t just a beat-’em-up—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Power Rangers legacy. While it falls short of perfection in areas like combat precision and character diversity, the blend of nostalgic charm, innovative stages, and arcade authenticity make it a standout. For fans of the franchise and the beat-’em-up genre, it’s a Morphinomenal addition to the gaming world.