This is one of my favorites in the beat em up and licensed game genres. And probably my favorite "Power Rangers" game at least for now. This really was a welcome surprise as both a fan of the beat em up genre and "Power Rangers".
And return as there hasn't been another "Power Rangers" game in years, let alone good one. It's fitting this game came as the franchise has another anniversary coming, let alone the heavy popularity of the licensed comic book series from "Boom Studios".
The game has a plotline which really isn't important as it's the typical time travel and multiverse story we've seen and heard about dozens of times; by its nature this plot is really a clothesline as fans and even nonfans are here for one thing, only the action. Though for fans, you could say another reason which is taking a fun trip down memory lane as the game is focused on the first season of the first show that started the whole franchise.
The graphical presentation is very good, its colorful and captures the look and even spirit of the 90's shows. But it also looks as though it could've easily have been a 90's arcade game which as a kid in that decade I was surprised it never had one except for console only games.
The gameplay is solid, you get to play as each of the power rangers and you can't go wrong with either pick depending on your preference, though one character I like to pick, and play is Jason/Red Ranger obviously as he's a favorite of mine.
Though there is also a multiplayer, as everyone else you invite to play can play as the whole team. This along with other things really give you the feel of being a Power Ranger and playing though the season; and for veteran fans being a kid again watching the show on weekday mornings and afternoons.
Each has their set of moves and each of them are easy to execute as you simply got to button mash. Yeah, I know simplistic method but I'm fine with that, most of the time it's all I want and need. This also makes the game more accessible for rookies of the beat em up genre.
You have a leveling up system as you get further and clear the levels your rewarded a point to level up strength, defense, and power.
Also, with your character there is a power meter, when it's a high enough level you can use it to discharge certain power moves of yours.
Though your best bet is to wait until it's completely full, when you discharge at that time you can take down or do major damage to all the opposition on your screen. This meter can be refilled with the amount of opposition you take down, still it takes time to do it. The power meter is by its nature more of an equalizer or time breaker, as it not just helps put the odds in your favor but also gives you some time to regroup.
Sidenote, there is some voices for the Rangers which I thought were good, fit alright. Even though yeah, I'll admit it would have been nice to have the old cast provide those voices.
Though that 's a problem as unfortunately two of them have passed away so it's understandable why they didn't go through with that as it wouldn't have been the same without them. Really like in the end credits they gave a respectable mention to both those cast members.
I like the boss battle which of course consists of the monsters from the first show, but what makes the boss battles stand out for me is that they're never the same kind of typical bash em till they drop an affair which you still have but in the battles their something more. Each of the battles are a different kind of challenge. Like in one level you have two against one, and another consists of three rounds because of the boss's changing ability.
Also, the game isn't all beat em up, you have a few other games which helps give the game variety, breaks up the monotony, let alone you get to control your assigned Zord and ride a motor bike which we never got to see much of in the show. One is a on rails shooter, like the video game classic "Space Harrier" and even "G. I. JOE" (arcade version which I reviewed and hopefully in the future we'll get a remastered rerelease).
As you ride as one of the Zords and you're shooting while control the crosshairs and your constantly moving character. You can also jump but you also have some power ups like lock on missiles and double shot lasers.
The other controlling the Megazord, where it's basically like "Punch Out" as your fighting your gigantic opponent, beat em down until the sword meter fill up completely for you to use the sword.
But of course, you must watch your opponents' visual cues as they pull some of their own moves on you. You have a meter to deliver power punches, but it takes time to fill that meter as you must deliver enough punches to your opponent and once used the gauge completely drains, so don't waste your punches.
I also think the game is the right length, it doesn't overstay it's welcome. And if you want to challenge yourself more, you can always play again with the options adjusted and try to beat the game in that mode along with playing as a different or additional character.
I wouldn't mind if this game had a sequel, though personally I just want another good "Power Rangers game in general. But I'm thinking I'd like the next "Power Rangers" game based on one of the other shows like "Lost Galaxy, Time Force, and R. P. M." all three personal favs of mine and each never had a video game.
In fact, a lot of other "Power Rangers" shows never had games, at least not ones or good ones I know about. And sidenote the next Power Rangers game doesn't have to be a beat em up, you could make one be a "Metroidvania", "On Rails Shooter" or even "First Person Shooter"; well all thoughts to consider anyway.
"Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind" is a Morphin good time that has the power.
Rating: 3 and a half stars.
