Rocket Ranger (USA)

Rocket Ranger on the NES is an ambitious action-adventure game that blends multiple genres. Players take on the role of a brilliant scientist, known as the Rocket Ranger, who must travel through time to thwart an alien invasion and save Earth from destruction. The gameplay is divided into several distinct sections, creating a diverse experience.

A significant portion of the game takes place in your laboratory, where you manage resources and research new technologies. You need to gather Lunarium, a rare metal, to craft rocket parts, weapons, and other essential gadgets. Resource management and research prioritization are crucial for progression.

Once adequately equipped, you'll use a global map to select your destinations. Each location may hold missions, resources, or enemies. When you travel to a location, the game transitions into a side-scrolling flight sequence, where you control your rocket, dodging obstacles and shooting down enemy aircraft. These action segments require skill and quick reflexes.

Furthermore, Rocket Ranger features ground combat segments presented as a first-person shooting gallery, where you must aim and shoot targets that pop up on screen. Occasionally, you'll also engage in one-on-one fist fights with enemy agents, requiring precise timing to land blows and dodge attacks. The ultimate goal is to locate the secret base of the alien invaders and destroy them, thereby saving humanity. The unique combination of strategy, adventure, and action elements makes Rocket Ranger a memorable title on the NES.