Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind – A Retro-Style Beat ‘Em Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Published on 10 December, 2024

Some things are just meant to be. Peanut butter and chocolate. Movie theaters and popcorn. The Cleveland Browns and failure. And, without a doubt, Power Rangers and a mid-90s arcade beat ‘em up. It feels like it was written in the stars—something that should have been part of cosmic history. Yet, despite a couple of mediocre SNES/Genesis sidescrollers, we never got that glorious four-to-six player arcade cabinet we deserved… until now. Enter Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind.

Developer Digital Eclipse has answered the call, delivering a true arcade-style brawler in the vein of Turtles in Time, X-Men, and The Simpsons—the Power Rangers beat ‘em up we never got. While there are a few gimmicky moments that prevent it from claiming a spot among the genre’s legends, it’s still a fantastic brawler that’ll have you wanting to suit up and head back through time for some nostalgic action.

No Power Rangers Knowledge? No Problem.

As someone who loves arcade-style brawlers but doesn’t have deep nostalgia for Power Rangers, I can confidently say you don’t need to be steeped in “The Lore™” to enjoy Rita’s Rewind. The plot is simple and doesn’t get bogged down by convoluted backstory. In 2023, Robo Rita teams up with her past self, Rita Repulsa, and attempts to take out the Power Rangers. With the current Rangers unable to stop them, it’s up to the original 1993 team to travel through time and save the day. (Yes, time travel. Don’t ask questions, just go with it.)

The plot might be light, but it serves its purpose by allowing for plenty of humor, quirky interactions (especially between the two Ritas), and placing familiar enemies in unexpected locations. You won’t be getting tangled up in confusing timelines or deep narrative; instead, you’ll be kicking butt as your favorite Power Ranger.

A Retro Vibe Done Right

Rita’s Rewind absolutely nails the 90s arcade experience, from its CRT filters to its killer, guitar-heavy soundtrack that could easily sit alongside Turtles in Time or Shredder’s Revenge. The pixel art is absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of arcade classics. Much like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time or X-Men, the game focuses on giving you the arcade vibe first and foremost. The story’s logic doesn’t matter—you’re here to throw punches and unleash your Power Ranger moves, not debate time travel theory.

In terms of gameplay, Rita’s Rewind keeps things simple and satisfying. It doesn’t overcomplicate things with convoluted mechanics. You have your basic attack combos, a throw, and plenty of opportunities for flashy finishing moves. The charm of the game lies in its fluidity, easy-to-learn combat, and the nostalgic joy of tearing through wave after wave of enemies with your friends.

Conclusion: A Fun, Nostalgic Beat ‘Em Up

While Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind may not be the ultimate arcade beat ‘em up of all time, it does what it sets out to do—bring that old-school arcade action into the present. The charm, humor, and fun gameplay make it a great pick for fans of retro brawlers and Power Rangers alike. Whether you’re an old fan of the franchise or just someone who loves a good arcade beat ‘em up, this game is a nostalgic, fun ride that’ll leave you wanting more. Grab your controller and prepare to morph into action!