Hello fellow Ranger fans! Long time, no see! I’m finally making my return to reviews by reviewing the various-handheld Power Rangers games, starting with Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue for the Game Boy Color.
First released in 2000, Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue was released on multiple video-game formats, including the Game Boy Color, the Nintendo 64, the PlayStation, and even a PC format for Windows/Mac users. The Game Boy Color version is a side-scrolling game, while the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation versions had a 3D game-play and featured better graphics. Sadly, the PC version was more an “activity center” than a real game.
Official product description:
The Power Rangers have decided to take a more active role in their hometown of Mariner Bay. They have redesigned their Zords into rescue vehicles including a helicopter, ambulance, and fire truck providing the city with a powerful response team. Choose your character from among all five Rangers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The spandex-clad heroes must travel through 20 levels in an attempt to save people from fires, floods and other natural disasters. Every Power Ranger must search through the levels for all of the tools needed to make the rescue, as well as find the proper path around the destruction. However, the evil Diabolico dispatches his henchmen to block the Power Rangers at every turn while they also must contend with Mother Nature. Take control of the Rangers and save the day in POWER RANGERS LIGHTSPEED RESCUE.
When starting a new game, you’re able to choose the level of difficulty at which you want to play: easy, normal, or hard. (Note that my review is based on me playing easy. And I have to say that it was still pretty challenging.)
There are 5 different areas, with 3 stages each: Rescue, Battle, and Megazord. All of the stages are similar and follow the same pattern, but are in different areas. For the rescue, you choose your Ranger and save as many people as you can before reaching the exit. For the battle, you defeat as many Batlings as you can before facing the Demon at the end of the stage. The Megazord stage is self-explanatory. You fight the Demon you just defeated but with the Rescue Megazord. If you’re unable to stop them after a few tries, the Supertrain Megazord is unlocked and at your disposal. Although the Megazord battles don’t tell you the name of the Demons you’re up against (they simply say “Monster”); the only one I was able to recognize was Diabolico, who is the final boss. And if you were unsatisfied with your score after you completed a stage, you were able to go back and try again.
The controls for the Rescue/Battle stages are quite simple, with A being ‘jump’ and B being ‘punch.’ You use the control pad to maneuver your way around. Start to pause, and select to switch through various objects in your pocket. (During stages you can pick stuff up along the way that will help you during the rest of the stage. For example, a sword during a Battle stage, or a door opener for a Rescue stage.) Sometimes the controls can be a bit tricky, mostly when you have to jump from ropes or out-of-reach platforms, trying to avoid the fire on the floor below. I found myself fumbling the control pad to make sure I didn’t fall!
Final thoughts:
Although at times the gameplay felt repetitive, it’s still an enjoyable game for what its worth. The graphics are decent for the time, and unlike the Time Force handheld game for the Game Boy Color, the Pink Lightspeed Ranger had a skirt. The stages are interesting, but I wish it was laid out in a way where you didn’t pick what stage to do first; that way the passwords are easier and less combinations are needed. Overall, it’s worth a play or two.
Graphics: 8/10
Story: 6/10
Total: 7/10
Look forward to my upcoming reviews of other Power Rangers handheld games! In the meantime, you can follow me on Twitter and Tumblr.
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