My Played Video Games Review: Ranger X for the Sega Genesis

Ranger X is a side-scrolling run and gun shooter video game developed by Japanese developers, GAU Entertainment, and published by Sega. The game was released on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in 1993.

A good mecha anime-inspired robot shooter game with some odd controls... I was always a damn sucker for Japanese-styled robot designs. So, what is not to like, eh?

The Story

Engage in aerial combat with jet packs and awesome firepower or link up with your futuristic cycle for high-speed strikes. Each step moves you closer to your goal and the combat of your life. You are Ranger X... A mysterious techno warrior who emerged to return peace and justice to a doomed society. Eight futuristic levels of exciting action! Awesome mechanical bosses await your every move. Use your jet pack to attack by air or transform into the Super Cyber Cycle and slam it to victory!

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics are very "mega outstanding" for a Sega Genesis game when it was still in competition with the Super Nintendo at the time. There are lots of special effects, great background scenery, and lots of other stuff like good design graphics on enemy bosses.

The sound just completely nails it! The music is awesome and the explosion and special weapon sound effects are also cool. But the music ranges from techno to military to a spy thriller type style. No complaints there.

The Gameplay

The gameplay is damn simple. You either go left or right and you shoot and destroy all enemies. In each level, there will be a certain number of buildings or special units you must destroy to complete each level. As the game proceeds, you are able to pick up different types of special side weapons to use. There are also health regain spots throughout each level. You have 4 different forms you can use. They are the walking mech form, the riding on platform motorcycle form, the merging into the motor cycle form, and riding in a big vessel form.

The controls are easy to use. On an ABC-type controller, the directional pad is for moving left or right. The "A" button is to use your special side weapon. The "B" button is to use your regular weapon attack and the "C" button is for flying.

This 8 level game can take up to a few or several hours to beat depending on your skill. Also, the enemy bosses are difficult to destroy.

Replay value is not that great. There are no bonuses or secrets to unlock that might make you go at it again.

My Verdict

Ranger X is a great game that pushes the Sega Genesis hardware to its graphical potential. Any Super Nintendo fan will admit that this game can prove that the Sega Genesis isn't an inferior console. Many retro gamers and 2D shooter fans might have missed it. But it is one of the great main reasons to own the Sega Genesis.

Play it on the trusty old Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or play it on a damn simple emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!