Renegade (USA)

In Renegade for the NES, players control a street brawler named Mr. K, who must fight his way through four stages filled with criminal gangs to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. Each stage is divided into several areas where Mr. K will face off against small groups of enemies before progressing to the end of the stage to confront a boss.

The gameplay of Renegade focuses on one-on-one or one-against-many brawls. Players can use punches, kicks, and special moves like jumping kicks or attacks on downed enemies. A unique aspect of the game's controls allows the player to turn around and attack enemies from behind, creating more varied combat situations compared to contemporary games.

Enemies in Renegade are diverse, ranging from common thugs to those armed with knives or bats, and powerful bosses with unique strengths and skills. Players must learn to dodge attacks and exploit openings to counter-attack. Each stage features a different setting, from grimy streets and subway stations to the docks, providing visual variety.

Despite its apparent simplicity, Renegade requires players to possess skill and strategy to overcome its challenges, especially during boss fights. It was a pioneering title in the "beat 'em up" genre and laid the groundwork for many famous games that followed, including the Double Dragon series from the same developer, Technos Japan.