Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Fighting Edition Review by: Jim Profit - 5.8/10
Not a bad game, but some visible flaws.I actually saw this game by watching a youtube video about old 90s commercials, and just watching that twenty second ad did make me want to play this game. Luckily I was not a child anymore, and would not have to waste my precious allowance, or Christmas gift on it. Because while it's good, it's way too short, and half of the game depends on a friend being there beside you to get the full experience.
Graphics: 9.
The commercial even states; "No wonder Rita wants to steal this game... Just look at those graphics!" While we look back upon these commercials and laugh at the camp attitude, it is true. For an early 90s game, this does have some pretty strong graphic tones, textures, and all the fighters look vividly different. You can tell this game was meant for the Genesis which was known for going above and beyond in 16-bit detail. Even the cover art for this game looks amazing.
Sound: 9.
The sound is amazingly good too. It takes actual power rangers music, along with some generic, but well fitting and relaxed fighting sounds that blend in with the background.
Addictiveness: 3.
I have to admit, I had a lot of fun looking at the different background levels, (it's a shame you don't get to select them) the cut-scenes, and there's always Ivan Ooze to unlock. Admittedly I loved Power Rangers, so have a huge bias in wanting to see all the different characters, their moves, the scenery, etc. So unless you're really into Power Rangers... this game will bore you very quickly. I would compare it to a strictly downgraded version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters.
Story: 1.
The "story mode" iust a means of justifying the fight on a rigorous level. It goes no farther then bad-guys threaten Earth, and the Power Rangers are the ones who have to stop them. No alternate endings based off the character you use, which would have been amazing. But that's probably asking too much out of a game purely designed to light up the eyes of a young kid who loves him some Power Rangers.
Depth: 1.
Admittedly, the depth is atrocious. Gameplay is pretty mediocre, and while it's pretty to look at... everything else falls short. I suppose I would not be so judgmental toward the lack of character selection were their moves more diverse, and there was more balance in the gameplay. Some characters seem interesting, like Goldar who can fly, (well... more like hover) and Lord Zedd who can teleport. But their moves are seriously limited, and really just punching and kicking will do just as well. (Unless you're Ninja Megazord. Then you're going to want to spam your force grenade.)
Difficulty: 3.
The game isn't really hard, just boring and it gets old fast seeing some of the blatant scaling of power. For example, when you defeat an enemy in trial mode, it immediately chooses a new foe for you, but your health does not completely recover. Just a chunk of it. There's no power-ups, (though there is a gauge. But it's way too short and it requires pulling off a special move after your rage has filled up) and while I can see the logic in trial mode of trying to survive and defeat as many foes as possible, it negates the purpose of story mode. I figured with a name like trial mode it would just be practice, and maybe could set up different circumstances like power-up rates, gauge levels, etc. But no... this isn't a 16-bit Super Smash Brothers. I do like the idea of trying to beat-out your friends high score of how many wins you got in a row. I'm proud to say mine was six.
Balance Issues:
Honestly the two best characters I've seen are Shorgun Megazord who is an absolute tank, deals large amounts a damage with just his basic attacks, has decent melee reach... his only real flaws are he's slow, big, and literally can't jump to save his life. (Blocking only reduces damage, not outright negates it.) But these flaws are hardly a setback when he's just dishing out the pain. But even worse then Shorgun Megazord is Silver Horns. Who they give all the cool moves. Most other characters are lucky to get one distinct looking blaster type move. Silver Horns has at least three. Which I'm not shocked one character is favored, just that it would be some random monster. (Albeit one kids might like to pick because of his appearance)
Then there are characters with the reverse problem. The characters I was looking most forward to plays were Lordd Zedd and Thunder Megazord. Lord Zedd did not disappoint. While he is by no means the strongest, he's got a cool set of moves involving his staff, hitting and running, and some chi-ball. Thunder Megazword though, doesn't seem to do much of anything. And ironically it should be he who not only has Shogun Megazord's long range melee because in the show that's kind of what he does... but why did they end up naming him "Thunder Megazord" when he actually looks like a shogun warrior? I'm just going to assume bad translation and Saban had something to do with it.
In general, it probably should have solely been on the Gamegear as one of those games you play when you're bored and on the road. It also probably started more childhood arguments then what-if battles in Power Rangers itself when there will always be that kid who chooses Shogun Megazord or Silver Horns just to insure his victory.
Graphics
9 Sound
9 Addictive
3 Depth
1 Story
1 Difficulty
3