Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a co-op, arcade-style beat-em-up with gorgeous sprite art, bearing clear similarities to 2022’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Despite these visual parallels, this game by developer Digital Eclipse establishes itself as more than a palette swap. Through engaging gameplay and creative design choices, the game delivers a unique experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Plot and Premise (Power Rangers)

Set in the futuristic year of 2023, Robo Rita Repulsa faces defeat at the hands of Angel Grove’s teenage heroes. Instead of accepting defeat, she travels back in time, teaming up with her younger self to outwit the Power Rangers during their high school days. This remix of the original series introduces surprising twists, catering to fans familiar with the classic episodes. For instance, a battle against Chunky Chicken—an early season villain—reveals a second phase featuring Turkey Jerk, cleverly referencing the retooled costumes from the original show.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay sticks to classic beat-em-up conventions:

  • Character Selection: Choose your favorite Power Ranger, with up to five players teaming up locally or online.
  • Combat System: Utilize basic attacks combined with directional inputs for combos and an ultimate attack when a meter fills up.
  • Environmental Interactions: Smash objects like trash cans or crates for health-restoring items.
  • Special Features: Periodically, a putty patroller appears carrying a time-warp device. Destroying it prevents damage and rewinds the game briefly.

Unique Visual Effects

The retro-inspired visuals include a CRT filter for nostalgic appeal. The time-warp mechanic disrupts this illusion with effects that mimic an arcade cabinet glitching, adding a dynamic twist.

The game introduces super-scaler levels, breaking away from the typical side-scrolling formula. These sequences pay homage to classics like OutRun and After Burner or the Super Nintendo’s Mode 7 technology. For example, after a rooftop boss fight with Goldar, players engage in a 3D Zord sequence reminiscent of Star Fox on the SNES. The transition from Dinozords to the combined Megazord delivers a thrilling mix of gameplay styles.

Piloting the Dino Megazord introduces a creative co-op mechanic. Players take turns landing punches, filling a meter that activates the Power Sword. This teamwork approach encourages camaraderie, whether cheering successes or groaning at setbacks. The nostalgic transformation sequence further enhances the immersive experience.

Bonus Features

Between episodes, the Rangers relax at the Angel Grove Youth Center, where players can unlock mini-games like Drive Bomber. This optional addition offers a fun diversion with its hilarious difficulty and retro-inspired gameplay.

Combat and Chaos

The core combat feels satisfying but can get chaotic with multiple players on-screen. The driving sequences and Megazord boxing matches bring variety, though the latter leans into the source material’s inherent clunkiness. While serious gamers may nitpick minor details, the game’s charm lies in its dedication to recreating the spirit of old-school Power Rangers games.

“Rita’s Rewind” fulfills a long-standing wish for a proper Power Rangers arcade beat-em-up. Digital Eclipse has successfully crafted a nostalgic journey that respects the franchise’s legacy while introducing fresh mechanics. Whether reliving childhood memories or discovering the Power Rangers for the first time, this game offers a more phenomenal adventure.