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Story
Target: Renegade is a thrilling sequel in the Renegade series, developed by Ocean Software. Released in 1988, this game continues the narrative established by its predecessor, Renegade. The story is set in a gritty, crime-infested city where the protagonist, known as Renegade, is on a mission to rescue his kidnapped brother, Matt, who has been taken by a notorious crime lord named Mr. Big. Unlike many games of its time, Target: Renegade offers a straightforward yet engaging storyline that motivates players to progress through the game’s multiple levels. The quest to confront Mr. Big and save Matt is filled with danger, as Renegade must battle through legions of thugs, each level bringing him closer to the ultimate showdown.
Gameplay
Target: Renegade is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that builds upon the mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new features that enhance the player’s experience. The game is played from a third-person perspective, with players navigating through various urban environments, each teeming with enemies. The controls are intuitive, allowing players to execute a variety of moves such as punches, kicks, and jumps to fend off adversaries.
Combat and Mechanics
Combat in Target: Renegade is straightforward yet satisfying. Players can engage multiple enemies at once, using a combination of attacks to dispatch foes. The game includes environmental interactions, where players can pick up weapons like bats and chains to increase their combat effectiveness. Timing and positioning are crucial, as enemies attack from all sides, requiring players to be strategic in their approach.
Level Design
Each level in Target: Renegade is distinct, featuring different backdrops such as streets, subways, and bars. The variety in environments keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. Levels are designed to gradually increase in difficulty, with more challenging foes and complex layouts as players advance. Boss battles punctuate the end of each level, offering a heightened challenge that requires players to utilize all their skills.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Target: Renegade was praised for its graphics and sound, showcasing the capabilities of the platforms it was available on, including the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The game features detailed sprite work, with well-animated character models that stand out against the grungy, urban backgrounds. The use of color is particularly notable, providing a vibrant contrast that enhances the visual appeal.
Audio Design
The sound design in Target: Renegade is another standout feature. The game includes a catchy, adrenaline-pumping soundtrack that complements the action-packed gameplay. Sound effects for punches, kicks, and other actions are crisp and satisfying, adding to the overall immersive experience. Despite the limitations of the hardware at the time, the audio quality is impressive, contributing to the game’s enduring appeal.
Legacy and Reception
Target: Renegade was well-received upon its release, praised for its engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and sound design. It became a staple of the beat ’em up genre, influencing many games that followed. The game’s success helped solidify Ocean Software’s reputation as a leading developer in the industry.
Influence and Impact
Target: Renegade is often cited as a key influence in the evolution of beat ’em up games, setting a benchmark for future titles. Its blend of action and storytelling inspired a generation of game developers, contributing to the genre’s popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The game’s emphasis on combining strategic combat with engaging level design paved the way for more complex and nuanced titles in the genre.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its impact on game design, Target: Renegade also holds cultural significance as a reflection of the urban action films that were popular during its era. The game’s gritty visuals and narrative themes resonate with the cinematic style of the time, further endearing it to fans of both gaming and film.
Conclusion
In summary, Target: Renegade is a standout title in the beat ’em up genre, remembered for its engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and memorable sound design. Its influence on subsequent games in the genre is undeniable, as it set new standards for action and storytelling. Despite the passage of time, Target: Renegade remains a beloved classic, fondly remembered by those who experienced its thrilling quest to rescue Matt from the clutches of Mr. Big. Its legacy endures, a testament to its quality and the talented team behind its creation.
