Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1994)

Preliminary: Hmmm I wasn't sure about this, there had been far too many late 94 console brawlers, but the music is great and I like that this is a much more fast-paced brawler. And there is no depth aspect!!!! Probly the biggest thing for me. No worrya bout how the poorly done 3d depth messes up what I'm trying to hit etc. But related to the fast pace, it also helps that its' designed in a way to make it not so repetitive and slow as most brawlers. Indeed, the regular enemies take just one hit instead of having to repetitively beat them up, wait for them to stand up, then repeat. However, how many levels I would be willing to play, we shall see, but it likely has earned its honorary 3 star :-p

The music continues to be great. And there are new enemies on this 2nd level that add actual mechanics to the brawler instead of only the bosses like most brawlers do (these enemies are kind of reminding me of how action platformers add mechanics to their games). It's also neat how enemies' bombs and projectiles can harm other enemies.

As always though I'll never understand brawlers holding on to the passed-down tradition of enemies going off screen and them not despawning or being reachable till they come to you.

Day 1

Oh wow and this 2nd stage eventually has some platofrming elements too. Oh wow and I read through the manual, tehre is wall jump and other mechanics! This is more than a simple brawler!

I'm on Area 3 right now. Looks like there are 7 areas in total. I am enjoying this, way more than most brawlers tho it's not exactly just a brawler, but we shall see if I am up to 7 stages.

Yeaaa I'm burning out in this sewer level but still a notable console brawler.

Look: 8/10 Nothing spectacular but has a classic Look to it

Sound: 8/10

Play: 7.5/10 Stood out among mid 90s brawlers, especially after a string of just-okay ones that weren't willing to bend any of the rules. Now, if only this one had bent more of them! I probly would've gotten through more of the game and it earned a 4 star.

Feel: 7.5/10

Attachment: 7.5/10 Would be one of the console brawlers I return to... if I ever do that.

Overall: 7.7/10

Completion: Partway through Area 3

Playtime: ~30 mins

Premise

A licensed game for the Super Nintendo, marking the franchise's very first video game. This title clearly shows the Power Rangers started with the right foot: they delivered a very decent beat em up. But that, ultimately, is the highest praise one can offer. It’s competent, fun while it lasts, but certainly not a too memorable.

The Good:

• The main theme from the show is recreated perfectly using the SNES sound chip. It nails the iconic rock tunes, the rising, energetic tone, and even incorporates the instrumental version of the chorus. The boss theme, while not from the show, it sounds like it could've been, being faster and far more rocking than the main theme.

• The Power Rangers in their civilian outfits have different animations, perfectly capturing their personalities. Mechanically, they have the same basic inputs, but the visual flair is distinct: Jason fights like a generic martial artist, Trini focuses on agility, Zack brawls with a hip-hop flair, and Billy looks suitably un-skilled compared to the rest of the team.

• Finally, the Megazord boss fights are easy to master and very fun to play. This could have been a lazy addition, but it has different attacks based on a segmented meter and the direction of the attack input.

The Bad

• There is no plot. You simply fight monsters. There isn't a single line of text explaining who Rita Repulsa is, who bosses the Rangers, what the Zords are, or even what a Power Ranger is. Even the instruction manual barely gives you the basics. The game assumes you are already a fan, and offers nothing to ground the action.

• The game is only seven levels long, and each one lasts like ten minutes. Enemies die fast, and while bosses might occasionally trip you up (One that teleports, one that baits you into hitting him), it’s not a challenge for long. I even managed to beat the entire game without losing a life, something I can barely claim for most games in this genre.

• Once the Rangers morph, the individual personalities disappear. The Power Ranger forms are re-colors of the Red Tyrannosaurus Ranger with only slightly different animations. The only characters that gain genuinely different special attacks are Billy, who gets a useful multi-hit trident attack, and Kimberly, who can shoot arrows from her bow. Everyone else fights exactly the same.

Conclusion

It is a fundamentally decent video game. It has solid brawler mechanics, excellent music, and some charming cosmetic details. It’s the video game equivalent of ordering a steak only to find you were served a single, tiny, perfect bite. It leaves you feeling satisfied with the quality of what you had, but deeply disappointed that the meal was over before you could truly enjoy it.

Been camping with family this weekend and decided to take my Retroid Pocket 3+ so that I could partake in the age old activity of playing video games whilst ignoring family members. On a serious note I haven't used the retroid in a while and some of the family had fun playing games that they hadn't touched in decades (mainly mario).

I've been playing Might Morphing Power Rangers for the SNES. Didn't realise that I never completed it so it's exciting experiencing new levels. I think the thing I love most about it is how you start in your non-power ranger form and then half way through the level you morph into your suit (I'm sure it's got a name, I'm not a power rangers expert). Something about that transition is really satisfying, the sense of progression as you transition between your two forms gives a tangible physicality to your strength / progression. Also gives a slight survival feeling to the game where you're trying to stay alive until you reach your more powerful form.