Renegade is a classic NES game developed by Technos. Unlike its popular successor, Double Dragon, Renegade takes place in a limited, two-screen-wide playing field without continuous scrolling. The game consists of four stages, each filled with different types of enemies and challenging bosses.
In the first, second, and third stages, players face groups of two types of smaller enemies. One type has fewer hit points but a stronger attack, often wielding a weapon. The other has more hit points but a weaker attack, and they possess the ability to grab the player from behind, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from other enemies.
Once only three underlings remain, regardless of the combination, the boss enters the fight from the sidelines. Defeating the boss causes any remaining enemies to retreat off the screen, signaling the end of the stage. In the second stage, players must first deal with enemies on motorcycles attempting to run them down before facing the normal enemies. The third stage introduces a gang of women, with a large, formidable boss who is difficult to knock down. Finally, the fourth stage features a single type of knife-wielding enemy who can instantly kill the player with one hit.
After defeating the initial wave of enemies in the fourth stage, the main character proceeds to enter a building on the far right. Inside, three more knife-wielding enemies and the final boss, a mobster with deadly gunfire, await. Once the player defeats the final boss, they exit the building and are greeted by their rescued girlfriend, who rewards them with a kiss. The game then restarts with increased difficulty.
Renegade utilizes an eight-direction joystick and three buttons for gameplay. The left and right attack buttons perform punches when pressed in the corresponding direction. Attacking in the opposite direction executes a rear kick. Jumping followed by an attack button performs a jumping kick. Pressing the joystick left or right twice rapidly causes the player to run. While running, attacking in the direction of the run executes a running punch, jumping performs a flying kick, and attacking in the opposite direction leads to a sudden halt and back-kick.
Additionally, players can sit on top of a downed enemy by pressing down. While sitting on the enemy, attacking towards them allows the player to pummel them. However, bosses can only be sat on once all normal enemies have been defeated, and unless the boss' energy level is low enough, they will throw the player off.
Renegade offers players a thrilling and challenging gaming experience. Mastering the different attacks and overcoming powerful bosses are key to progressing through the stages and rescuing the main character's girlfriend. Embark on this epic quest and relive the excitement of a classic NES game!
