The upcoming beat 'em up, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind, is packed with references to the classic franchise, including last year's Once and Always reunion special. The game features Robo Rita as its primary antagonist, a choice directly inspired by her time-traveling antics in the special.
Power Rangers fans have experienced a whirlwind of emotions recently, with the show's future uncertain following Once and Always and Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury. Once and Always saw the original team reunite to thwart Robo Rita's attempt to alter history. The special was filled with nostalgic nods and heartfelt tributes, notably honoring the late Thuy Trang and Jason David Frank.
Robo Rita's return as the main villain in Rita's Rewind is a direct consequence of her time-travel plot in Once and Always, providing a seamless connection to existing franchise lore. Digital Eclipse, the game's developer, explained this decision in an interview with Time Express.
Facing Robo Rita in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind
Digital Eclipse pitched the game to Hasbro, capitalizing on the company's interest in expanding its popular franchises. Inspiration for the game's design came from classic 2D brawlers popular during the original MMPR's peak, while also including numerous Easter eggs for longtime fans.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a loving tribute to the franchise, blending retro gameplay with modern lore. The game's use of Robo Rita as the main antagonist directly links to recent events, creating a cohesive narrative. While the release is slated for later this year, fans can currently enjoy a crossover event featuring the Power Rangers in ARK: Survival Ascended.