by In 1993, GAU Entertainment released Ranger X, a rather unique run-and-gun, for the Sega Genesis.
In Ranger X, you must pilot a mech and fend off a group called Rahuna that is attacking the Free Galactic Systems Council, or GSC. You’ll do this by running, gunning, flying, and combining into other machines such as Indra, a robotic motorcycle.
So, has GAU engineered a classic, or have they created a clunker? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
Right off the bat, you’ll find that Ranger X is not your typical run-and-gun because the controls are so different. Left and right on the D-pad move Ranger X left and right; up makes him fly; down crouches and combines Ranger X into his Ex-Ups when standing on them. A turns and fires to the left, B uses your special weapon when outside an Ex-Up, and C turns and fires to the right. X moves Indra, your motorcycle Ex-Up, to the left; Y is another special weapon button, and Z moves Indra to the right. If you are combined into Indra, you can hold down the D-pad to charge a jump. Start pauses the game.
The basic gameplay loop is pretty simple, despite the more complex controls. You go to a level, and you are given a set number of targets to destroy. Every so often, you will fight a boss, many of which have their own unique mechanics. Like the giant tentacled eye monster in the lake. He can only see you and target you when his eye is open. I found that pretty interesting.
There is quite a bit of depth when it comes to the game. Here are some examples. Ranger X and Indra have separate health bars. Indra only takes damage when both forms are combined. Ranger X is powered by light. In dimly lit or no-light environments, you will regenerate little to no power for your special weapons. You’ll occasionally find machines and pick-ups that exchange power for health. This is a great way to recharge, especially in levels with a lot of light. Also, when you combine into Indra, your weapon automatically targets enemies instead of firing in a single direction. Your jetpack heats up the longer you use it. If you use it too much, you must land to cool down. You can stay in the air longer by tapping up on the D-pad.
Despite the complexity of the controls and mechanics, the game is a blast to play and easier to pick up than it might seem. It does have a learning curve, but it is well worth it.
I give the gameplay a 9/10.
Graphics
The graphics in Ranger X are phenomenal. GUA Entertainment really pushed the Genesis to its limits. Between massive robotic enemies with detailed sprites, cool special effects, great backgrounds, and even 3-D wireframe cutscenes introducing each level, the game is a feast for the eyes. You don’t get games that push hardware to the limits like this very often.
I give the graphics a 10/10.
Music and Sound
The music is perfect for the game. You feel like you are in a futuristic world with mechs and robots. You feel that pulse-pounding action, which is great for this kind of game. Not only that, but none of the tracks seem to be reused. Each part of each stage has its own theme, and none of them wear out their welcome.
I give the music a 9/10.
Difficulty
Lives and continues are the same thing in Ranger X. You start with 3, but you can earn more every 200,000 points. When you use a continue, you start exactly where you died with a few seconds of invulnerability. When they are gone, you go back to the title screen.
I haven’t found the game to be particularly difficult. However, I am not playing on original hardware, but on an emulator with a Steam Controller. This makes controlling Ranger X and Indra independently easier than it would otherwise be. That said, the difficulty curve feels pretty natural. Early levels are easy, but they ramp up at a pace that’s not too extreme.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, I give Ranger X a 9/10. It’s a unique run-and-gun that really pushes the Sega Genesis to its limits. If you like mechs and run-and-guns, check out Ranger X. If you want to pick up a copy, it’s about $33 loose. This isn’t a bad price for a game of this quality.
