Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind Review

Nostalgia often drives projects in today’s gaming industry, but Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind doesn’t just ride the wave of fond memories—it reinvents and reimagines what a Power Rangers game can be.

Developed by Digital Eclipse, Rita’s Rewind offers a retro-modern arcade experience that celebrates the franchise and creates opportunities for new memories. With its perfect blend of co-op mechanics, dynamic gameplay, and thoughtful design, the game is as fun for die-hard fans as it is for newcomers.

In my preview of the first two episodes, I found the game near-perfect. It captures the heart of the Power Rangers universe through gameplay that is dynamic yet faithful to the series’ spirit. However, after experiencing the full game—especially on the Steam Deck—Rita’s Rewind reveals even more of its potential.

The Steam Deck elevates this title beyond a standard PC or console experience, offering unparalleled versatility for single-player, multiplayer, and couch co-op gameplay. It’s the perfect pairing, unlocking a level of accessibility and fun that makes this game a must-play.

Let’s talk gameplay

The pacing and difficulty in Rita’s Rewind hit just the right balance, making it accessible for casual players while still challenging enough for veterans. Easy and Normal modes provide a forgiving experience, giving players ample opportunities to learn the mechanics and enjoy the chaos without frustration.

Hard mode, however, turns things up a notch. It’s a true test of skill, especially for smaller groups or solo players, and offers a satisfying challenge for those looking to push their limits. Once your continues are used up, the game is truly over.

What really sets the gameplay apart is how it encourages you to switch between Rangers. Each character has their own style, with unique animations and subtle differences in combat. For example, the Yellow Ranger’s up-down smash feels distinct, with a slight delay that gives her attacks a different rhythm compared to the Red Ranger’s more straightforward power-focused approach.

These small but meaningful details not only make every Ranger feel special but also add variety that keeps the gameplay fresh. It’s a nod to the individuality of the characters in the show and a testament to the developers’ attention to detail.

Juice Bar shines with potential

The juice bar in Rita’s Rewind is more than just a nostalgic callback—it’s a thoughtful hub that enhances the gameplay experience. Between episodes (levels), players can interact with NPCs they’ve saved, access collectibles, or take on challenges at the three arcade cabinets permanently unlocked throughout the game. The juice bar serves as a true respite, giving players a chance to relax, explore, and take stock of their progress.

One of the juice bar’s most rewarding features is the trio of arcade cabinets. Once discovered in the game’s levels, these cabinets become permanently unlocked, persisting across new save files. This makes the juice bar feel dynamic and encourages players to revisit it between missions.

Whether it’s competing for high scores or simply enjoying a break from the main action, these cabinets add a layer of replayability and fun to the experience. While the NPCs that populate the juice bar may change with each playthrough, the arcade games remain a constant, offering players a consistent space to unwind or compete with friends.

For couch co-op, the juice bar really shines as a communal space, embodying the cooperative spirit of Power Rangers. It creates natural opportunities for players to take turns, cheer each other on, and experience the joy of teamwork—even when they’re not actively in the main game. While the arcade games take up the whole screen, the game’s design inherently encourages shared enjoyment, making it less of an issue for players who are embracing the co-op experience.

Looking forward, the juice bar has immense potential for growth. Digital Eclipse’s passion for arcade gaming could lead to the addition of new arcade cabinets or expanded interactions within the juice bar. Imagine more mini-games, collectibles, or even an evolving roster of NPCs that reflect the game’s ongoing timeline. This space already feels like a place of nostalgia and fun, but its potential to expand only deepens the excitement for what could come next.

Steam Deck: The Perfect Match

Rita’s Rewind feels like it was tailor-made for the Steam Deck. Whether you’re playing solo, diving into couch co-op, or connecting with friends for multiplayer, the portability and versatility of the Steam Deck make it the ideal platform for what the developers have produced. If you’re looking for your next game to buy on the Steam Deck, this should be at the top of your list.

The Steam Deck’s portability allows you to bring the classic couch co-op experience to any setting, whether you’re docking it to a TV for a group session or taking it on the go for a quick single-player run. With Bluetooth controller support, setting up a multiplayer game is incredibly easy—you just pair your controllers, dock the Steam Deck, or play from the native screen, and you’re ready to play with up to six people.

On the single-player side, Rita’s Rewind runs beautifully on the Steam Deck, offering smooth performance and a retro-modern aesthetic that shines on the handheld’s screen. The episodic format makes it easy to pick up and play, whether you’re tackling a level during a commute or diving into a full playthrough at home.

But where the Steam Deck really shines is in its couch co-op capabilities. With built-in Bluetooth support, it’s incredibly easy to connect controllers and set up multiplayer sessions anywhere. Whether you’re docking it to a TV or playing directly on the handheld, the Steam Deck enables the kind of social, shared gaming experience that Rita’s Rewind thrives on. The game’s short runtime makes it perfect for spontaneous group sessions, and the seamless setup ensures that you can jump into the action without any hassle.

Accessibility issues pose a problem

Rita’s Rewind is an exceptional game, but two specific issues keep it from being perfect. While relatively minor, these problems are noticeable enough to disrupt the flow and accessibility of the game—and they feel like areas where easy fixes could go a long way.

The first issue is the lack of accessibility options for colorblind players. The game’s retro pixel art is stunning, but it relies heavily on color to distinguish between Rangers, which becomes a problem in the chaos of battle. As someone who is red-green colorblind, I struggled to track my character in hectic moments, especially in multiplayer or fast-paced sections like bike missions.

While turning off scanlines helped slightly, it felt like a compromise that diminished the intended retro aesthetic. Simple additions like character icons, names, or Ranger symbols would significantly improve the experience—not just for colorblind players but for anyone trying to keep track of their character amidst the action.

The second issue involves switching characters for the main player. Unlike other players, who can leave and rejoin the session to select a new Ranger, the main player must exit the save file entirely to switch characters. This process interrupts the game’s pacing and can feel tedious, especially during co-op sessions. Adding an option to swap Rangers directly from the juice bar or through an in-game menu would eliminate this inconvenience and encourage players to experiment with different characters more freely.

These issues don’t ruin the game, but they’re noticeable enough to detract slightly from an otherwise seamless experience. Both are fixable and with Digital Eclipse committed to supporting the game post-launch, I’m hopeful these quality-of-life updates will be addressed. Fixing them would elevate Rita’s Rewind from excellent to flawless.

Digital Eclipse has already shown how much they value player feedback, and their responsiveness during the preview stage demonstrated their commitment to improvement. Even the game’s dialogue and animations already offer small hints of individuality for each Ranger, so incorporating subtle accessibility cues feels well within the scope of the team’s thoughtful approach.

Replayability is a huge plus

One of the most impressive aspects of Rita’s Rewind is how much it encourages you to revisit its content. On the surface, the game’s three-hour runtime might seem short, but it’s a deliberate choice that plays into its replayability. Whether you’re returning to levels to hunt for collectibles, aiming for S-rank scores, or exploring bonus speed trials with specific Rangers, there’s always something new to strive for.

The collectibles scattered throughout the game not only add to the sense of discovery but also provide a reason to experiment with different characters and approaches. During my playthrough, I completed only a portion of the collectibles and challenges, leaving plenty to explore in subsequent runs. The speed trials and bonus modes provide an extra layer of difficulty for those who want to push themselves, offering gameplay beyond just the core story.

Unlocking the Green Ranger also ties into this replayability, adding an iconic character that fans will want to experiment with. His inclusion feels like a reward for sticking with the game and invites players to explore how his abilities fit into their team strategies. His story is an essential one to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and having his storyline included from the show gives so much promise for future updates to the storyline.

But what truly makes the replayability shine is how every level feels distinct. From the enemies and combat mechanics to the unique Megazord battles, the variety ensures that no two levels feel repetitive. The episodic structure also makes it easy to jump into specific stages, whether you want to focus on a favorite moment or tackle something you missed the first time around.

Replayability isn’t just about extending the game’s life—it’s about creating moments worth reliving. Whether it’s couch co-op chaos with friends, challenging yourself to complete a Hard playthrough, or chasing high scores on the arcade cabinets in the juice bar, Rita’s Rewind is designed to keep players coming back for more. It strikes a perfect balance between being accessible enough to finish in one sitting and offering depth for those who want to dive back in.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind – Final Thoughts

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of everything that has made Power Rangers a beloved franchise for generations. Digital Eclipse has crafted an experience that pays tribute to the past while embracing modern sensibilities.

Every pixel, animation, and beat of the soundtrack reflects a profound respect for the source material and the fans who have cherished it. The game doesn’t just ask players to remember—it asks them to engage, rediscover, and create new memories.

Just as the 2017 Power Rangers movie left fans yearning for more of its bold reimagining, Rita’s Rewind feels like the start of something that deserves to be expanded upon. The foundation is here: a game that celebrates the spirit of teamwork, the charm of its characters, and the thrill of its gameplay. There’s so much room for growth, whether it’s introducing other Ranger teams, exploring new storylines, or adding fresh gameplay elements. This game isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a promise of what Power Rangers can be in the gaming world.

Digital Eclipse has proven that they understand the heart of this franchise. They’ve created a game that stands on its own while honoring the legacy it’s a part of. If there’s any justice in the gaming world, Rita’s Rewind will be the beginning of an ongoing series—one that keeps evolving and bringing players back to that same sense of joy, excitement, and camaraderie that made us all love Power Rangers in the first place.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is available now digitally for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.