The Power Rangers franchise finds itself in a unique position today. The transition of rights from Haim Saban to Hasbro has significantly impacted the series, with new TV seasons struggling to capture the same enthusiasm as their predecessors or even the ongoing Super Sentai series that inspired Power Rangers. Despite this, the nostalgia for Power Rangers’ golden era remains strong, bolstered by projects like Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind. It’s fitting that Rita’s Rewind celebrates the series’ heyday, as a less visually polished rendition would seamlessly blend with the original vibe.
A Modern Take on Classic Beat-’Em-Ups
During the mid-90s, beat-’em-ups and fighting games were integral to the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Similarly, while Battle for the Grid introduced a fresh fighter for a new generation, Rita’s Rewind embraces a distinctly modern approach, showing a greater commitment to the genre than its predecessors. The game features the original Rita Repulsa teaming up with Robo Rita from the 2023 Netflix anniversary film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always. This side-scrolling action title lets the original Power Rangers team battle through revamped highlights of their classic adventures, resulting in a fun-filled afternoon romp that, while modest in scope, is packed with enjoyment.
A Heartfelt Homage to MMPR
At its core, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a love letter to the original series. Vibrant hand-drawn pixel art evokes the charm of games like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Surprisingly, the game launches with one of its VCR filters enabled, even though the visuals are sharp enough without it. The presentation is further enhanced by a rocking soundtrack inspired by the iconic MMPR score and fresh voice acting, including familiar voices from X-Men ‘97, bringing the original Rangers to life once more.
Stepping into the Rangers’ Shoes
Players take on the roles of the original Power Rangers in Rita’s Rewind. Much like Shredder’s Revenge, the game supports six-player local co-op, allowing friends to join in the action, although online play initially supports only two players, with promises of future updates to expand this. Additionally, only five characters are available at launch, with the Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver, unlockable after completing the first playthrough. While it’s disappointing that the entire Mighty Morphin Power Rangers team isn’t available from the start, the game does require reasons beyond simple collectibles and a speedrun mode to encourage multiple playthroughs.
Multiplayer Madness and Nostalgic Fun
Multiplayer is the key attraction for replaying Rita’s Rewind, as the player count significantly alters the experience. Solo play offers a back-to-basics brawler experience with varied gameplay elements to keep things engaging. Players can enjoy a curated journey while mastering different combat styles, though the regular moveset remains somewhat limited. In a group setting, combat becomes a lively chaos with movements spread across the screen, adding to the fun. The game maintains its chaotic charm through genre shifts, even transforming Megazord Punch-Out fights into cooperative “pass the controller” moments that keep everyone involved. Despite occasional issues with hitboxes and movement stiffness, the game remains a blast, even during quieter moments.
A Nostalgic Hub with Plenty of Fanservice
The iconic Angel Grove Youth Center returns as the central hub between levels, doubling the MMPR fanservice. The Rangers are seen in their civilian identities, with Bulk and Skull playfully interacting in the background. Playable arcade cabinets featuring simple quarter-muncher games add to the nostalgic atmosphere. The hub is filled with references to early seasons, fan in-jokes, and Power Rangers trivia, making it a treasure trove of Easter Eggs that would take nearly a full playthrough to uncover them all.
Short but Sweet
One drawback is the game’s length; Rita’s Rewind clocks in at just 2–3 hours, which feels short for a $34.99 USD title but is more appropriate for a classic arcade beat-’em-up. The game offers a variety of activities, including shooting galleries, driving minigames, Dinozord segments, and full-on Megazord battles, which break up the Putty Patrol punching and showcase some of Power Rangers’ most iconic monsters. Whether these elements justify the price is up to individual players.
Solid Mechanics with Room for Improvement
The core mechanics of Rita’s Rewind are solid, aligning with modern beat-’em-up standards without standing out in the crowded genre. The game avoids some pitfalls seen in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game by maintaining reasonable enemy AI and allowing players to get creative with their combat strategies, especially in multiplayer. However, the lack of character progression and deeper gameplay elements, as seen in Shredder’s Revenge and Scott Pilgrim, highlights Digital Eclipse’s limited experience with this genre. Additionally, the Rangers’ movesets are quite similar outside of their ultimate attacks, though the shared mechanics still feel satisfying.
A Delightful Package for Fans and Newcomers Alike
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a compact yet well-rounded game that Power Rangers enthusiasts will adore, while also being enjoyable for newcomers. It would have thrived in late 90s arcades, and its faithful homage to the source material ensures it resonates with today’s audience alongside the Once & Always special it stems from. Even if other games in the genre excel in certain areas, Rita’s Rewind remains a fun experience that fans won’t regret trying.
Final Verdict
With a score of 7/10, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind offers faithful fanservice, excellent music and visuals, and a blast of multiplayer fun. However, its short length for a AA game, shallow regular combat, and limited online multiplayer at launch are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, it stands as a charming tribute to the beloved franchise, making it a worthwhile addition for both longtime fans and those new to the Power Rangers universe.
Release Information:
- Release Date: December 10, 2024
- Developer: Digital Eclipse
- Publisher: Digital Eclipse
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Local Co-Op Support: Yes
Pros:
- Faithful Power Rangers fanservice
- Great music and visuals
- Multiplayer is a blast
Cons:
- Short for a AA game, long for a beat-’em-up
- Regular combat is shallow
- Launch online multiplayer limited to 2 players
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
