Rocket Ranger

Rocket Ranger

Overview & History

Developed and published by Cinemaware, Rocket Ranger made its explosive jump to the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989, ported from its original 1988 home computer roots. Set in an alternate 1940s timeline, the storyline kicks off when a futuristic American soldier from the 21st century travels back in time to warn the Allies that Nazi Germany has discovered a powerful alien substance called Lunarium, allowing them to conquer the globe. Suiting up in a high-tech atomic rocket pack, you assume the role of the titular Rocket Ranger. Your mission is a race against time across the globe: you must intercept Nazi zeppelins, rescue captured scientists, gather crucial Lunarium parts, and ultimately construct your own doomsday-averting rocket ship to launch a counter-offensive on the moon before the Third Reich achieves ultimate world domination.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Rocket Ranger is a remarkably ambitious, genre-blending hybrid rarely seen on the NES. It divides gameplay into several distinct, highly tactical phases. First, using a world map, you must monitor enemy Zeppelin movements and dispatch your Ranger to intercept them. This leads into a thrilling first-person, over-the-shoulder shooting gallery minigame where you use your atomic blaster and grenades to blast away enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire mid-air. Successfully boarding the zeppelin transitions the game into a tense top-down stealth and action sequence where you navigate corridors, avoid guards, and rescue scientists. Unlike linear action titles of its era, managing your limited Lunarium fuel and spy intelligence network is vital to succeeding. If you fail to intercept enemy shipments, the Nazis grow stronger, ultimately locking you out of the final victory.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Navigate world map, aim weapons, and move the Rocket Ranger
• Action Keys: Fire atomic blaster, throw grenades, and confirm selections
• Enter: Start / Pause the game