Ranger X
Description
Ranger X was released fairly late in the lifetime of the MegaDrive. Coming from an unknown developer, it was released with little fanfare and advertising but has become one of the best demonstrations of what the Genesis/MegaDrive is capable of.
The game is a side scrolling shooter of sorts. You control a large mech (robot) which has a smaller vehicle-like sidekick mech. The two can join together, providing an alternate shooting mode. Whilst controlling just the main mech however, the player can shoot both forward and back by using different buttons. The mech can also use its rocket pack to boost off of the ground and hover for a short while. Levels are not necessarily moving from left to right (although for the most part they are) and the game is an interesting blend of platform game and shoot 'em up.
The game features innovative graphics given the hardware limitations - there is a 3D introduction to most levels (remembering that the console had no 3D capability and a tile-based renderer) and some levels use a line-based scrolling effect to give the impression of 3D backgrounds.
Spellings
- エクスランザー - Japanese spelling
Groups +
Screenshots
Credits (Genesis version)
10 People (8 developers, 2 thanks)
| Game Design | |
| Main Programming (Team Leader) | |
| Main Graphics (G-Master) | |
| Graphics (G-Fighter) | |
| 3-D Programming (Helper) |
|
| Music Composition | |
| Sound Operator (Sound Effects) | |
| Sound Driver (Z-80 Side) |
|
| Producer | |
| Special Thanks |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 82% (based on 13 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.9 out of 5 (based on 18 ratings with 1 reviews)
The Good
I picked up this gem in my 16-bit days before reading any reviews or even having heard of the game. I was purely attracted by the box art and visuals. I was so pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. Jaw droppingly detailed visuals and smooth animation, accompanied by an extraordinary soundtrack and gigantic, fearsome bosses.
Of course, even a stellar audio-visual experience is worth nothing if not accompanied by good gameplay. Fortunately Ranger X delivers on this point as well. The stages are varied and interactive. From breaking down barriers, to smashing the windows of a skyscraper during your ascent. The little details, such as the environments and unique enemies are a sign of the dedication that was put into this game.
The Bad
Far too short. I could have easily played through double the amount of levels and still enjoyed this title, which is testament to its fun factor. It may be a bit too easy for some, but a variable difficulty is there to fix that.
The Bottom Line
One of the many good overlooked games released during the Mega-Drives waning days. Fans of mecha and platforming action should definitely give this a go.
Genesis · by Star Eater (9) · 2012
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Identifiers +
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Tibes80.
Additional contributors: Shoddyan, j.raido 【雷堂嬢太朗】.
Game added January 1, 2003. Last modified July 26, 2024.