When I first saw the reveal of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind” at Summer Games Fest, I felt a wave of nostalgia crash over me. Memories of hammering buttons on my old Sega Genesis, fighting putties, and saving Angel Grove with the original Rangers came flooding back playing that original tie-in movie game. With this new title, developed by Digital Eclipse, this game is a time-traveling brawler packed with vibrant energy, and it pays loving tribute to both the 90s classic TV series and the golden age of arcade beat’em ups.
The premise alone had me intrigued: Robo Rita, a mechanical reincarnation of the Rangers’ eternal foe, teams up with her younger self, Rita Repulsa, to alter history and stop the Power Rangers before they ever become a team. It’s a classic Saturday morning cartoon plot brought to life in a way that made me want to go back and watch some of the classic episodes of the time. Every level feels like an episode pulled straight from the TV screen, complete with over-the-top villain monologues and the ever-iconic, “It’s Morphin Time!” While I for the most part eventually grew out of enjoying/watching Power Rangers, I still very much respect it and like to check in on it from time to time. With “Rita’s Rewin,” it was the perfect dose I wanted.
Visually, “Rita’s Rewind” absolutely nails the retro aesthetic. The hand-drawn pixel art is gorgeous, capturing every cheesy smirk, dynamic pose, and explosion in crisp detail. Fans of the series will spot countless references to classic episodes, iconic monsters, and even memorable fight sequences. The vibrant colors and expressive animations bring each character and their adversaries to life in a way that feels like a playable cartoon. Gameplay-wise, “Rita’s Rewind” sticks to the tried-and-true formula of side-scrolling beat’em ups, and for the most part, it excels. Smashing through waves of putties, executing special moves, and chaining combos feels fairly satisfying, especially in co-op mode. What is really nice, the game isn’t afraid to switch things up occasionally. There are arcade-style shooting sections and intense Zord battles where you pilot the Dinozords or square off against colossal bosses in the legendary Megazord. While these segments are visually impressive and break up the action nicely, they don’t always hit the same high note as the core brawling mechanics.
The biggest drawback, unfortunately, is the game’s brevity. Just as I felt myself fully settling into the groove, the credits rolled. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it left me wishing for just one more level or an extra boss fight. The repetitive voice samples also started to wear on me during longer play sessions, but that’s more of a nitpick than a genuine complaint. Comparisons to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge” are inevitable, and while “Rita’s Rewind” doesn’t quite reach the same level of polish or replayability, it holds its own with style and charm. Where Shredder’s Revenge felt like a definitive love letter to its franchise, “Rita’s Rewind” feels like an earnest fan tribute, overflowing with passion and respect for the source material.
In the end, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind” isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It embraces the spirit of both the TV show and the beat’em up genre with open arms, delivering a game that’s thrilling, colorful, and unapologetically fun. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Rangers or just someone who enjoys a good old-fashioned brawler, this game delivers plenty of high-energy entertainment. Just be prepared to shout, “It’s Morphin Time!” a little more than usual while playing. And honestly, isn’t that half the fun?
8/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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