The 90s nostalgia trip, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, is set to launch on PC and consoles December 10, 2024, as announced by developer Digital Eclipse. Pre-orders are now open for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Steam, and Nintendo Switch, with a price tag of $35.
Digital Eclipse, known for meticulously crafted retro compilations like The Making of Karateka and the upcoming Tetris Forever, takes a new direction with Rita’s Rewind. This title blends modern brawler mechanics with retro sensibilities, evolving beyond the typical 2D beat-’em-up experience. Players will command Megazords in dynamic 3D boss battles reminiscent of the iconic TV series, adding a thrilling new dimension to combat. Furthermore, after defeating the initial boss, the game shifts gears into a fast-paced 2.5D fighting game.
According to a PlayStation Blog post, Digital Eclipse aimed to create the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 16-bit arcade game that fans always deserved. Leveraging Rita Repulsa’s time-bending abilities, the game weaves together memorable scenes and moments from the show, offering a unique blend of classic genre gameplay and nostalgic storytelling. This time-traveling narrative serves as a backdrop for innovative gameplay mechanics and a celebration of the original series.
Digital Eclipse emphasized their desire to deliver a game that felt authentic to the era while offering a diverse gameplay experience. They stated, “Our goal with Rita’s Rewind is to make a game that could have existed, and certainly should have existed, but probably wouldn’t have existed with all this variety in one place.”
To combat the potential monotony of side-scrolling brawlers, Digital Eclipse incorporated various gameplay styles. While approximately 70% of the game remains rooted in beat-’em-up action, the developers aimed to maintain player engagement. They integrated elements of racing, shooting, and punching, aiming to create a dynamic and exhilarating experience. This eclectic mix of genres provides a fresh take on the classic brawler formula, offering players a unique and exciting gameplay loop.
Digital Eclipse hopes Rita’s Rewind fulfills the dreams of fans who imagined what a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers arcade game in the mid-90s would have been like. By blending nostalgic elements with innovative gameplay mechanics, the game promises to deliver a thrilling experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike. This unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern gameplay is sure to capture the hearts of players eager to relive the magic of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
