Arcade beat-’em-ups are back in style, blending nostalgia with modern polish. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind rides this wave, delivering a retro-inspired adventure rooted in the ’90s series. Developed by Digital Eclipse, the game reimagines iconic moments while adding new gameplay mechanics.
The story focuses on Rita Repulsa teaming up with Robo Rita to alter history and defeat the Power Rangers. This time-traveling chaos sets the stage for a mix of side-scrolling combat, Zord battles, and nods to classic episodes. Fans of the show will recognize familiar villains like Goldar and Eye Guy, alongside plenty of Easter eggs hidden in each stage.
Following in the footsteps of games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Rita’s Rewind mixes nostalgic visuals with a modern spin. But does it bring enough variety to stand out, or does it rely too heavily on past formulas? With co-op gameplay and callbacks to Power Rangers history, it’s a clear homage to a legendary franchise.
Time-Travel Trouble
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind embraces the over-the-top storytelling that defined the original show. The game begins with Robo Rita, a future version of Rita Repulsa, traveling back to 1993. Her goal? To team up with her younger self and rewrite history by defeating the Power Rangers before they can stop her. This time-travel twist sets up a nostalgic, chaotic adventure filled with humour and high-stakes battles.
The story isn’t just a backdrop—it actively influences gameplay. Each level reflects a different period, with iconic villains like Goldar and Eye Guy bringing unique challenges tied to Rita’s meddling. For example, shattering time crystals in levels not only stops Rita’s schemes but also alters how enemies behave, creating a sense of urgency. The episodic structure keeps the stakes high, with every boss fight advancing the narrative.
The story revisits Angel Grove and other classic locations from the series. Each level features familiar faces and villains, including Goldar, Eye Guy, and Chunky Chicken. These iconic foes bring a mix of nostalgia and fun to the experience, with their exaggerated personalities perfectly matching the campy tone of the series.
Cutscenes and dialogue deliver plenty of fan service, referencing key moments from the show and including subtle Easter eggs. At one point, I spotted a hilarious nod to Bulk and Skull’s failed schemes in the background of a scene. Seeing those two bumbling around instantly took me back to afternoons spent laughing at their antics during the show. Their comedic relief and presence in the game perfectly ground it in the Power Rangers’ universe.
While the story isn’t anything special, it stays true to the series’ charm. It delivers a mix of campy humour and chaotic action that Power Rangers fans will appreciate. For newcomers, the self-contained narrative offers enough context to enjoy without prior knowledge of the franchise. The time-travel premise ties everything together, creating a lighthearted yet engaging backdrop for the gameplay.
Morphin’ Mayhem in Action
Rita’s Rewind delivers classic beat-’em-up gameplay with a Power Rangers twist. Each episode includes side-scrolling brawls, rail-shooter sequences, and epic Megazord battles. Combat is straightforward, with light and heavy attacks, jumps, and a chargeable power move that clears the screen. The pacing is varied, keeping things engaging as you transition from street fights to larger-than-life Zord battles.
The core mechanics are simple but effective. While the Rangers share the same basic moveset, each character’s ultimate attack adds a bit of flair. I spent most of my first playthrough as the Pink Ranger, loving her agility and ability to avoid hazards in Zord sequences. I really enjoyed the rail-shooter part on the battle motorcycle. Enemies poured in from every direction, and timing my shots while dodging obstacles was hectic and satisfying at the same time.
Megazord battles bring a unique flavour to the game. These sequences shift to a “Punch-Out”-style perspective, requiring precise dodging and timing to charge your sword for devastating attacks. Working together in co-op makes these fights even better, as coordinating dodges and attacks with a friend requires teamwork.
As great as Rita’s Rewind gameplay is, there are some issues. The Rangers’ similar abilities limit variety, making combat feel repetitive over time. The slower pace and occasional hitbox issues can also disrupt the flow, particularly in crowded battles. Sometimes, attacks that visually connect don’t register, leaving you vulnerable to enemy counterattacks. This inconsistency can make fights feel unfair, especially when facing large groups or tougher enemies.
Retro Looks and Familiar Sounds
Rita’s Rewind captures the spirit of the Power Rangers with retro-inspired visuals and an energetic soundtrack. The hand-drawn pixel art is colourful and detailed, bringing characters, locations, and Zords to life. The Angel Grove Youth Center, a central hub between levels, is full of fan service, with background details like Bulk and Skull adding personality to the scenes.
The game’s soundtrack leans on the iconic Power Rangers theme, blending it with modern arrangements. These tracks hit the right balance between nostalgia and excitement. Voice acting is great, featuring returning cast members and new talent who recapture the essence of the original series.
One moment that really impressed me was the first Megazord battle introduction. The animation of the Zords combining was sleek and gave me chills—it felt like watching the show all over again. Cutscenes and dialogue further build on this presentation, layering humour and nods to the original show throughout.
While the visuals and sound design are strong, not everything lands perfectly. The VCR-style filters, while optional, can make the clean visuals feel unnecessarily cluttered. Some might also find the repeated voice lines during combat become annoying over time. Despite these minor issues, Rita’s Rewind does a fantastic job of delivering a retro experience that feels true to its roots.
A Nostalgic Morphin’ Adventure
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind delivers a nostalgic trip for longtime fans while offering solid gameplay for newcomers. Its mix of beat-’em-up action, Zord battles, and nods to the series’ history captures the essence of the Power Rangers. The time-traveling plot may be over-the-top, but it suits the campy charm the franchise is known for.
The gameplay is enjoyable, though the shared movesets for the Rangers and occasional hitbox issues hold it back. Multiplayer shines as the best way to play, with co-op adding excitement and teamwork to every battle. Whether you’re punching Putties or piloting the Megazord, the variety of mechanics keeps things entertaining, even with its short runtime.
Visually, the pixel art and animations bring the Power Rangers universe to life, while the energetic soundtrack adds to the retro feel. Small details like Bulk and Skull in the background or Easter eggs scattered across levels show the developers’ dedication to the source material. While the lack of character variety and limited online multiplayer options may disappoint some, the overall experience is still worth exploring.
If you grew up with the Power Rangers, Rita’s Rewind feels like stepping back into your childhood. For newcomers, it’s a quick and fun introduction to one of the most iconic series of the ’90s. Whether you’re here for nostalgia or just looking for a fun co-op experience, Rita’s Rewind delivers a morphin’ good time.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind
Summary
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind brings back the series with retro visuals, co-op gameplay, and fun Zord battles. Repetitive combat and similar characters limit the gameplay, but the story and presentation make it enjoyable for fans and newcomers.
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