Rita's Rewind Revives Past in 'Once and Always' Special

The upcoming beat 'em up, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind, is packed with nostalgic nods to the franchise, including a direct sequel to last year's "Once and Always" special. The game's main antagonist? The formidable Robo Rita. Announced at Summer Games Fest 2024, this retro-styled brawler features the original five Power Rangers in a five-player co-op adventure. Expect hordes of enemies drawn from the first three seasons, and even 3D rail-shooter sequences! Launching later this year on PC and consoles, it promises a thrilling, action-packed experience.

Recent years have been a whirlwind for Power Rangers fans. Following Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always and Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury, the franchise entered a period of uncertainty. "Once and Always" saw the original team reunite to thwart Robo Rita's attempt to alter history. This special event was brimming with Easter eggs and heartfelt tributes, notably a poignant remembrance of Thuy Trang and Jason David Frank.

Robo Rita's return, as the primary villain in Rita's Rewind, is a direct result of her time-traveling antics in "Once and Always," according to Digital Eclipse content editor Dan Amrich. This provided a convenient narrative link to connect various franchise elements.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind’s development stemmed from Hasbro's desire to expand on its popular properties. Digital Eclipse, drawing inspiration from classic 2D brawlers and the original MMPR series, crafted a game brimming with Easter eggs for devoted fans.

Rita's Rewind serves as a loving tribute to the franchise, echoing older games in its gameplay and incorporating recent lore through Robo Rita's central role. While its release is slated for later this year, fans can currently experience a crossover event with ARK: Survival Ascended.