Rendering Ranger: R² [Rewind]

About

Rendering Ranger: R² [Rewind] is a single player action game. It was developed by Limited Run Games and was released on March 20, 2025. It received positive reviews from players.

Developed by Manfred Trenz (creator of the Turrican series) and published by German software powerhouse Rainbow Arts, this game was originally released in 1995. Originally slated to come to the West as Targa, the game ultimately ended up as a Japan-only title, with only 10,000 copies printed, making it one of the most sought-after collectibles in retro gaming.

Genres & Tags

Action

Play Modes

Single-Player

Rendering Ranger: R² [Rewind] screenshot

Skip User Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 10 reviews

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features a well-made port with lightweight performance, rewind, and save state options, making it accessible for modern players.
Rendering Ranger: R² combines run-and-gun and shmup gameplay effectively, offering a unique experience with tight controls and a variety of weapons that encourage experimentation.
The visual presentation is impressive, showcasing a distinct pre-rendered aesthetic and chaotic action that captures the spirit of 16-bit ambition.

The game suffers from a lack of content in its port, with limited side art images and a basic sound test that feels like token inclusions.
Some platforming segments are visually cluttered, making hazards difficult to distinguish, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
The difficulty level may be off-putting for some players, as it relies heavily on memorization and can feel unforgiving, especially for those used to more modern action designs.

graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the distinct pre-rendered aesthetic and ambitious design that combines run-and-gun elements with shmup sequences, reminiscent of classic titles like Darius and Gradius. However, others criticize the visuals as underwhelming and overshadowed by lackluster gameplay, with some feeling that the graphics do not compensate for the overall experience. The game features two graphic styles: a traditional 2D animated look and a more modern, Donkey Kong Country-inspired 3D aesthetic.
- “The modern release preserves that ambitious spirit, presenting a run-and-gun shooter fused with explosive horizontal shmup sequences, all wrapped in a distinct pre-rendered aesthetic that feels unlike anything else from its era.”
- “Anyway, so this impressive (and expensive) Super Famicom (Japanese only) exclusive game has two graphic styles: one is the more traditional '2D animated' look and the other is the Donkey Kong Country-styled prerendered 3D graphics look.”
- “Some games on SNES would have special chips for graphical effects (like Mega Man X2 and X3, which uses the CX4 chip, creating wire frames for certain bosses) and required some additional pin connectors because of it.”
- “I love classic games, but this one was all YouTuber hype and graphics, but the stages, enemies, and somewhat the controls just suck or are super boring.”
- “The graphics are not worth looking at in order to suffer from boring music, stages, enemies, and balance... my goodness if I bought this from Funcoland back in the day, I'd ask for a refund; it sucks!”
- “They're okay, the shield graphics remind me of Darius, some of the free scrolling sections remind me of Gradius.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The gameplay of "Rendering Ranger: R²" is characterized by chaotic, fast-paced action that seamlessly blends run-and-gun and shmup mechanics, offering a variety of weapons and power-ups that enhance the experience. While the transitions between gameplay styles keep it engaging, some players feel the shmup levels are more polished than the platforming segments. Overall, the game appeals to fans of challenging retro action and delivers a visually impressive and rewarding experience.
- “The weapon system ties the varied gameplay styles together, offering multiple guns and power-ups that alter how each level unfolds.”
- “Every level is packed with visual spectacle and action spikes, and the transitions between gameplay formats prevent the game from feeling monotonous.”
- “The pacing between run-and-gun and shmup sequences can feel uneven, with the shmup levels often overshadowing the platforming due to tighter design and clearer mechanics.”
- “From the moment gameplay begins, the game wastes no time throwing players into chaotic, fast-paced action.”
- “Players who enjoy difficult retro action, fast-paced shmup mechanics, and rare cult classics will find rendering ranger: r² a compelling and rewarding experience.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it mediocre and uninspiring, others highlight specific tracks, like the one from stage 7, as standout moments. Overall, the soundtrack does not seem to elevate the gaming experience significantly.
- “The visuals are banger, the music is mediocre and the bosses are just fine.”
- “The graphics are not worth looking at in order to suffer from boring music, stages, enemies, and balance...my goodness if I bought this from Funcoland back in the day, I'd ask for a refund; it sucks!”
- “The music particularly stage 7, the one used in the trailer.”