The ability to level your chosen ranger up through use is a great hook, but the progression is incredibly shallow with minor stat gains and no customisation. Probably the best feature and yet most glaring missed opportunity are the light RPG elements that allow your chosen ranger (you have a handful to pick from the start, but can unlock more while completing the game). Less nimble that the Rangers themselves, these battles are cumbersome but do at least change up the action somewhat. The only piece part of the game with the potential to break the monotony were the end levels where the Megazoid battles come into play. The battling is fairly simple, but that makes sense since the television show is probably aimed at an audience that caps out around nine years old. To start, the game itself is fairly standard fare where the combat is side-scrolling with lots of combat. Power Rangers Super Megaforce is a rather run-of-the-mill beat ’em up that seems to know that it needs something more to make it worthwhile, but the ideas wind up feeling incomplete. Sure, the shows can be formulaic and repetitive, but there have been enough story arcs to at least inspire a fun action game. With Power Rangers having such a long running history, it’s surprising that attempts to turn it into a killer game have been universally lacking. That is not to say it is a terrible game, but Power Rangers Super Megaforce is pedestrian at best, and clearly relying on players being being young and forgiving when they see their favourite TV show turned into a game. In essence, it's a game that Power Rangers fans can easily play but will probably become bored with quickly.Power Rangers Super Megaforce draws heavily on the long running show, its story is basic and uninspired, and most of the gameplay elements are no better. The faceless enemies don't change much either, so it feels like you're playing the same battles over and over again. The environments may look different, but it feels the same. Unfortunately, once you get through several easy levels, the game becomes monotonous. Initially, you have 10 characters to choose from you can unlock up to 30, but with only three attack modes, it feels like window dressing. The boss fight at the end of each level provides a slight break to the button mashing as kids take on the aspect of a Megazord (a large robot made from smaller ones) and fight another gargantuan robot. There aren't any combos or defense strategies to worry about kids simply run back and forth and mash attack buttons, jumping to different levels or across pits. It's a side-scrolling game with minimal platforming action and straightforward controls with three attacks: close combat, distance, and charged strikes. Saban's Power Rangers Super Megaforce is easy to pick up and play. That being said, it's pretty clear what route the game wants you to take. You CAN kill things if you want to, and the story route you go down if you choose to do so actually offers some interesting character insight. The best part, however, is that the game isn't completely one-sided. In a world where even the most kid-friendly fodder of video games encourages killing your enemies, seeing them as nothing but obstacles, along comes this game to flip that trope on it's head! This game encourages you to listen to your misunderstood enemies, help them solve their problems, become friends with them, spreading peace in a world ruled by fear and evil. Another one of the the best aspects of this game is it's message and how it's executed. This "bullet-hell" mechanic is unique, in that it keeps each battle new and refreshing instead of boring and mundane. The game's battle system is unique in that it involves your soul (represented by a red heart) floating around, avoiding obstacles. Excessive grinding is not necessary to complete the game (unless you're playing the Genocide route), the non-playable characters aren't just blank slates, and have meaningful or humorous things to say instead of game tips, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The game breaks several cliches of the typical RPG. While the fan-favorite is definitely Garfield the Cat, and for good reason, I truly enjoyed EVERY character equally. Even if they have their flaws, they all mean well, and are willing to become better people. The soundtrack is gorgeous, combining classic 8-bit tracks, beautiful piano tracks, and just plain epic boss themes. The humor is so ridiculously silly, that you can't help but giggle, perhaps burst in laughter. Where do I even begin with what makes this game so good? The story is raveled with a ridiculous amount of mystery, and there's a lot up for speculation. Is there really anything else I can say about it that hasn't been said? Well, I guess I'll say it anyway.
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