Nintendo Switch Review: Rendering Ranger: R2 Rewind Edition

Ziggurat and Limited Run Games are bringing a nostalgic treat to the Nintendo Switch with the release of Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind]. This is a long-awaited moment for many retro gaming enthusiasts, and here’s what you need to know about this classic.

Originally developed by Rainbow Arts and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment for the Super Famicom back in 1995, Rendering Ranger: R2 was quite elusive. With only 10,000 copies produced, it became a prized possession among collectors. Fast forward to today, and thanks to Limited Run Games, you’ll find it available for pre-order not just as an SNES cartridge, but also for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The SNES versions have already been dispatched, while the other console versions are on the horizon.

As I looked at screenshots and trailers for this fresh Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind] review, I couldn’t help but notice its resemblance to the iconic Turrican series. That’s no coincidence; both games share the genius of Manfred Trenz. Now, 30 years later, this game is gracing Nintendo’s hybrid console. Alongside Rendering Ranger: R2, you’ll also experience Targa, the name originally intended for the North American and European release, which was shelved. Initially planned with hand-drawn art, the Japanese version’s aesthetic shifted to pre-rendered graphics, inspired by the success of Donkey Kong Country, leading to a renaming of the title.

In this adventure, you become R2, a standout soldier from the Rendering Ranger squad, tasked with saving Earth from an alien onslaught. The game unfolds over nine intense levels that blend 2D action reminiscent of Turrican with horizontal shoot ’em up stages. To succeed, mastering your weaponry and learning enemy attack patterns is key. Each level culminates in an epic boss battle.

Controlling your character is simple yet engaging. Use the left analog stick or D-Pad to move, press B to jump, and Y to fire your weapon. The A button lets you switch between weapons, and while piloting a spaceship, pressing B allows you to shift directions. The X button activates a mighty mega weapon, turning the tide in your favor.

As you conquer shoot ’em up sections, a diversity of weapons awaits. The Vulcan Shot is a particularly powerful arsenal, upgradable for wider damage scopes. Then there’s the Mirror Shot, a shuriken-like blitz that rebounds with increased strength. Mega weapons like the Radial Bomb, which disperses in a circle, and the Fire Scythe, which wipes out foes with a flaming blade, add layers of strategy. Collect power capsules—red, blue, green, and yellow—to enhance your standard weaponry.

This Western debut of Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind] allows fans of the original game to finally get hands-on with the action. If you find yourself captivated by its bold design, remember it’s rooted in the legacy of Turrican. It’s 2025 when this classic makes its Switch debut, combining side-scrolling thrills with an enthralling backstory.

Take on both the run-and-gun challenges and the aerial shootouts as Rendering Ranger. Your mission is clear: repel the alien invaders. And if you slip up, don’t worry—you can revert mistakes with the ZL button’s rewind feature and save progress anytime to resume later. Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind] is now available on Nintendo Switch, expecting to deliver nostalgia right to your screen.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a copy of Rendering Ranger: R2 [Rewind] for Nintendo Switch, provided by Ziggurat.