Nintendo Switch Review: A Look Back at Rendering Ranger: R2

Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind], brought to us by Ziggurat and Limited Run Games, has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch. This marks a new chapter for a game originally crafted by Rainbow Arts and released by Virgin Interactive Entertainment for the Super Famicom way back in 1995. It’s a significant moment for retro game enthusiasts as this rare gem, with only 10,000 physical copies in its Japanese release, makes its Western debut. Limited Run Games kicked off with a batch of SNES cartridges and is now gearing up to deliver physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, expected to be shipped in a few months.

If you’ve felt the nostalgia of Turrican while checking out the screens and trailer of Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind], it’s no coincidence. The game is designed by Manfred Trenz, the same genius behind the iconic Turrican series. Fast forward to 2025, and players are finally getting their hands on it on the versatile Nintendo console. This release promises not just the classic Rendering Ranger: R2 experience but also includes Targa, the proposed name for the initially unreleased North America/PAL version. Originally intended to embrace hand-drawn graphics, the game’s development took a turn towards pre-rendered visuals influenced by the runaway success of Donkey Kong Country, leading to the name change to Rendering Ranger: R2.

The game thrusts you into the boots of R2, a standout member of the Rendering Rangers, tasked with the critical mission of protecting the planet from a pending alien assault. Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind] throws down nine levels of thrilling 2D action, peppered with stages reminiscent of Turrican, alongside exciting horizontal shoot ’em-up sessions. Arm yourself with a variety of weapons, adapt to enemy tactics, and brace yourself for epic boss showdowns.

Get ready to navigate through the game using the left analog stick or D-Pad. R2 leaps with the B button and fires its current arsenal with a tap of the Y button. Switch weapons on-the-fly with the A button, and when piloting your spaceship, the B button allows tactical maneuvers. Notably, the X button unleashes a mega weapon, a game-changer in tight combat situations.

The horizontal stages bring an array of weaponry into play. Pick up items like the powerful Vulcan Shot and upgrade it to enlarge its attack radius. Keep an eye out for the Mirror Shot, which fires ricochet-style bullets for strategic advantage. Mega weapons are on offer too, from the Radial Bomb that showers explosions in all directions to the fiery devastation of the Fire Scythe. Boost your arsenal by collecting color-coded power capsules to elevate your weapon’s effectiveness.

Originally developed in 1995, Rendering Ranger: R2 was a rare find, with its limited Japanese release. Fast forward three decades, and enthusiasts are reliving this experience on Nintendo’s console as Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind]. Designed by the creative mind behind Turrican, the game’s release offers a fresh take for a new generation.

This new rendition not only lets you enjoy Rendering Ranger: R2 but also gives you access to Targa. Initially aimed to lift the Targa name in the now-uncovered Japanese edition, the switch to pre-rendered graphics led to its current identity. Whether tackling the 2D run ‘n’ gun sections or maneuvering through shoot ‘em up challenges, players assume the role of a heroic soldier fighting off alien invaders. Take advantage of the rewind feature to undo missteps or save your journey at any point. Now available on Nintendo Switch, this release is a delightful blend of nostalgia and gameplay innovation.

This review was based on a Nintendo Switch version provided by Ziggurat.