Rift Rangers Review: Roguelike Rampage

When I booted up Rift Rangers, I was hit with a wave of childhood vibes, thinking about the days when I used to watch cartoons way too close to the TV. Now, as I’m sitting here trying to put my thoughts down, the game is still running in the background, and that catchy tune is refusing to leave my head. I’m pretty sure I’ll be mentally screaming ‘Rift Rangers’ for a while.

The game’s homage to shows like Power Rangers is unmistakable, evident not only in its tone but also in the rangers’ peculiar choice of giant pyramid masks, adding a unique touch to the stylistic flair. Despite this nod to the past, the core gameplay loop of Rift Rangers is surprisingly satisfying, though I can’t help but wish for a bit more variety in its content.

While the theme of Rift Rangers triggers childhood memories, the gameplay itself takes me back to a slightly older era, reminiscent of experiences on platforms like Neo Geo. The simplicity of Rift Rangers’ mechanics is its strength, immersing players in a map with a twenty-minute countdown and a horde of enemies. The twist lies in the inability to attack directly, forcing players to strategically place turrets. It took some time to get used to, but creating killzones with different Rift-Tech became a delightful and effective strategy.

Rift Rangers managed to surprise me with its addictiveness. Despite thinking I was done, I found myself drawn back in by its presentation, ‘sentai’ genre elements, and clean art style. The addictive nature is heightened by the satisfaction of watching hordes crumble under the might of upgraded tech.

However, the challenge for the game lies in its struggle to break away from repetition. The limited number of maps and bosses, coupled with roguelite elements that feel like flat stat increases, hinder the overall variety despite attempts to increase difficulty. Nevertheless, Rift Rangers, with its 2D Neo Geo style, straightforward gameplay, and budget-friendly price, delivers good fun. While it serves as an excellent baseline, I can’t help but wish for more variety – perhaps new maps, different bosses, or a dynamic perk system to enhance replayability.

In conclusion, Rift Rangers offers an enjoyable experience, and at its current price point, it’s a worthwhile investment. I am hopeful that Epic Story Interactive will continue to support and enhance the game in the future. If you’re in search of a game to fill twenty minutes every now and then, Rift Rangers is undoubtedly a solid choice.

This review utilised a Steam key provided by Epic Story Interactive and Rift Rangers is out now on Steam and Epic Games Store