A cozy living room, video game magazines like Nintendo Power and EGM strewn about. A stack of NES cartridges is piled neatly on a shelf, and a CRT TV displays the game’s title screen, “Renegade.” RetroGamer84 and GamerFan sit cross-legged on the floor, controllers in hand, ready to embark on another gaming adventure.

Alright, ready to dive into Renegade?

Yes! Let’s see how this brawler holds up. I’ve heard it’s the precursor to the Kunio series. You know, the high school kids in Japan, but it’s all gritty and Brooklyn-y here.

Interesting adaptation for sure. Let’s start with single-player and then we’ll tackle multiplayer. Onward to the mean streets of Brooklyn!

Gameplay begins. RetroGamer84 starts with the first level, a subway station teeming with thugs. They both focus on the gameplay, making funny comments and laughing frequently.

Okay, so headbutts, kicks, punches, and flying kicks. This feels like Double Dragon-lite but without the tight controls.

Agreed. The hit detection is definitely quirky. It’s like trying to land a blow with your fist wrapped in Jell-O.

They make progress through the first level, laughing at the silly animations and glitchy enemy behavior.

Ah, the classic “A” and “B” combo for moves. I appreciate the variety, but the sluggishness makes you feel like you’re fighting underwater.

And I love how every thug looks like they got lost on the way to an ‘80s hair metal concert. Have you noticed the NPCs kind of blend into the background until they jump at you?

Stealth, but unintentional. Anything to note from the magazines?

According to EGM, Technos Japan backed this. They’re the same minds behind Double Dragon but boy, did they miss some marks on this one. Oh, and they’re working on something called River City Ransom next! High hopes there!

Fingers crossed they get it right. Can you believe this might become a series? I’d hate to be lost in Brooklyn again if they don’t improve this.

They defeat the first boss, a buff guy throwing wobbly punches, with exaggerated relief.

Now let’s try the multiplayer mode. Maybe we’ll avenge our isolated suffering with shared agony.

Switching to multiplayer, RetroGamer84 and GamerFan tag-team the enemies.

Playing this cooperatively does make it better. Even if it’s just to share the pain of those absolutely absurd enemy hitboxes!

Yeah, and the AI seems to enjoy dancing around us more than actually fighting.

Love a good dance-off, but not in my beat ’em ups.

They push through to the last level. Spoilers ahead! They face off against the final boss, a surprisingly anti-climactic encounter.

So, spoilers here, but the final boss is… this? This a mustached brawler who looks ripped straight out of a failed western movie cast? And he’s easier than the mini-bosses!

Definitely underwhelming. We rescue the girl and the screen just says “Congratulations.” No fanfare, no epic cutscene.

Well, at least the tongue-in-cheek violence got us some good laughs. And hey, speaking of game lore, did you know that the NES Zapper might get upgraded? More games planned for it after Duck Hunt!

Now that’s a future worth looking forward to! Let’s wrap this up.

For sure. Renegade might be a bit of a mess, but it’s a memorable mess. Fun in its own bewildering way. Just don’t take it too seriously.

Agreed. It’s not a complete game-over, but more of a try-again-with-better-CONTROLS-next-time message. Any final game tips for anyone brave enough?

Absolutely. Remember, always use your flying kick and headbutt; they seem to bypass the most hit detection issues. And gang up with a buddy – it makes the trip through Brooklyn almost… enjoyable.

Both laugh as they shut off the game, satisfied with their humorous, albeit glitch-filled, adventure.

In a way, it’s games like Renegade that make the great ones even better. Here’s to our next quest!

Cheers to that! Now, how about some Zelda?

more info and data provided by mobyGames.com