The New Power Rangers Game Is A Love Letter To Every 90s Kid

After being a gamer for as long as I can remember, more often than not I find myself reminiscing about games that brightened my childhood. If you’re anything like me, you’d be an extreme sucker for nostalgia as well. You have to admit, it’s a pretty powerful tonic.

The recent Summer Game Fest might have been an underwhelming event, but it had a few heavy hitters. One of the games that fascinated me immediately was the new Power Rangers title, a throwback to the wonderful times when I was an over-excited child.

The Power Rangers Are Back, Transcending Time

I know I can’t be the only one immensely fascinated by the Power Rangers. Seeing a bunch of superheroes in cool-looking armor taking on bad guys, and then when they turn massive, the hero team does the same, it was an extreme adrenaline rush for the little me. 

My Childhood in a Nutshell
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I still remember it vividly. Spending my time in school in anticipation and excitement, then returning home to turn on the TV and watch the live-action heroes saving the day, it’s an unforgettable memory. Shows like Power Rangers, Gransazer, and Justirisers were an unrivaled power fantasy, a stark reminder of the innocent and naive times when mindless fun was all that mattered.

Seeing these Power Rangers in a game adaptation was a treat. Plus, the developers know the power of nostalgia all too well. The new Power Rangers is going to be a trip through time, both literally and figuratively. 

As you may know, the Power Rangers is a very pronounced and long-running series, with storylines and iterations spanning decades. As such, there are different heroes, side characters, and villains from different times. The upcoming game, called Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind will revive these elements from all the different seasons of the TV series.

Nahhh bro that Mighty Morphin Power Rangers game looks fire idc

— Jared (@Lethal1Up) June 7, 2024

Robo-Rita, the Rangers’ long-time nemesis plans to join her younger self and mess up the timeline to jeopardize the hero team’s very existence. When time gets convoluted, you get the maximum dose of nostalgia, as icons long gone spring up once again to rewaken the kid in you.

Arcade-Style Beat ‘Em Up And Local Co-Op, The 90s Dream Team

At this point, even you must be thinking “How much is this guy going to fanboy over Power Rangers?” So, I’ll cut this short and instead appreciate the second burst of nostalgia associated with this game. The game we’re getting is not a modern, ultra-realistic title, but is in fact, a classic 90’s beat ’em up with hand-drawn and pixel art, and retro gameplay elements.

Power Rangers are not only exploring their origins in terms of the plot but also adopting an era-appropriate gameplay and presentation. And from the looks of it, the game is not just a button masher. There’s plenty of depth and gameplay versatility visible from such a short showcase, imagine what the full package offers.

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Beat ’em up sections and brawler combat with special abilities and mechanics mixed in isn’t the only treat either. The game also packs towards-the-screen shooter and driving sections; no holds barred with the 90s throwback. It all looks so impressive and clean that I can’t help but be extremely excited.

I know what you’re thinking right now. A beat ’em up game is incomplete without local co-op. Rest assured, the game is three for three on the nostalgia scale. Power Rangers are here with a five-player co-op experience. Whether local or online, the choice is yours. Team up with your friends and enjoy this trip down memory lane together.

All in all, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is the complete package of nostalgia and the classic video game design born anew, a reminder of the creative and just mad fun times.