One interesting thing about today’s retro market is how much some of these ultra-rarities go for. Looking at you, Little Samson, and the thousand-dollar plus price you fetch. But…did you know about Rendering Ranger: R2 (Rewind)? It originally released on Super Famicom in very limited numbers, with only 1,000 copies released. And with its Super Turrican-style action, it actually gained a huge cult following.
Well, good news – you can now experience it for yourself. For an affordable price, no less.
Limited Run Games, working alongside Rainbow Arts and Ziggurat, has brought the game back in digital form. (Though it’ll likely get a physical release as well – and in greater numbers.) Rendering Ranger: R2 (Rewind) is, for the most part, a faithful port of the original game. But it also has a rare prototype included as well, the cancelled Targa. It’s not entirely a new game – it’s essentially a re-skin with an unarmored character – but it’s still cool.
Like other Limited Run Games releases, it has plenty of goodies, including the ability to turn on a CRT filter and even rewind in tough spots. That’s good, because Rendering Ranger likes to throw everything at you. The games are fun while they last, though I do wish we had a thorough retrospective special of some kind. Not to mention that irritating password system – ergh! But these are minor stumbles for a game that gets the due it deserves. It’s far from perfect, but Rendering Ranger packs a punch.
Lock and Load With the Rendering Ranger
As I mentioned, Rendering Ranger: R2 Rewind has a Turrican-style approach to it. You start out in side-scrolling shooter sequences, using different weapons (like bouncy blasts!) to defeat enemies. But as the game goes on, more challenging opponents appear. And you also get “shmup” sequences where you guide a ship through a barrage of flying enemies.
The game itself is fun to play, though there are inaccuracies with the gameplay. This is mainly with aiming above and below, where you have to use the shoulder buttons for more accuracy. That said, it doesn’t always, ahem, hit the mark, as your soldier still jitters and fires in other directions on occasion. But it still clicks for the most part, especially with its wanton destruction.
Likewise, it’s neat to play Targa. Again, it’s just a re-skin, but being able to get my hands on a playable prototype is very cool. And it’s very nicely priced at a mere $10 – a far cry from what the original Super Famicom game goes for. (We’re talking thousands.)
Along with the two titles, you also get Limited Run Games-themed features. These include the ability to rewind, as well as changing up imagery. I would’ve liked a little more substance, but for a budget title, this isn’t bad in the least.
Some may prefer the smoothness of the Turrican Anthology games, or maybe even the Contra Classic Collection, which is about the same price. But don’t deny Rendering Ranger. It’s literally gaming history, and you get your money’s worth.
Those 16-Bit Visuals and Sound, Tho!
Rendering Ranger has no problem turning on the old-school charm right from the get-go. You can tell this is a Super Famicom game through and through with its 16-bit approach.
The visuals do look nice for a decades-old game, complete with smooth background scrolling and sweet little Mode 7 effects. Even the little touches, like flames bursting out of the ground, are fun to watch. I do wish some animations were a little more detailed, particularly on your hero. But, really, this is a fine port.
On top of that, the music totally kicks. It sounds straight like the old-school game, right down to its neat little rhythms. And the sound effects are exciting as well, especially when you blast a boss to smithereens.
It’s hardly next level, but Limited Run Games kept the game true to its core product. Can’t argue with that.
Return To Render
Even with its limited content and somewhat slippery gameplay, Rendering Ranger: R2 (Rewind) impresses. It’s a solid port of a long-lost game, as well as a prototype we thought was gone forever. And it has some decent features to back up the action, along with an unbeatable price.
I do wish some stuff was improved – I thought we were done with passwords? – but overall, Rendering Rangeris worth the investment. After all, you’ll likely never find it this cheap in the real world.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Ziggurat for the review code! Rendering Ranger: R2 (Rewind) is available now for PlayStation,Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam!
Want more shooting action from the old school days? Check out our reviews of Under Defeat and The Legend of Steel Empire!
