Play Renegade Online

Summary

Renegade, the Western version of Technos’ arcade hit Nekketsu Kōha Kunio‑kun, swaps the original Japanese high‑school delinquent setting for a gritty, street‑gang vibe inspired by the 1979 film The Warriors. The game introduced the beat‑‘em‑up formula that would define the genre: an isometric arena where you can walk forward, back and side‑to‑side, a three‑button layout for punch, kick and jump, and combo attacks that let a single hit stun an enemy for a rapid succession of blows. I love how the controls let you run with a double‑tap, chain a flying kick, or even sit on a downed foe and pummel them, while the limited three‑screen stages keep each fight focused and intense. Each level pits you against a distinct gang—armed thugs, motorcycle riders, a female crew, and finally knife‑wielding hitmen—culminating in a boss who must be weakened before you can grab or throw him. Renegade’s blend of Western visual tweaks and deep combat mechanics set the template for later classics like Double Dragon.

Storyline

In the Western release of Renegade, you play as a street brawler who must battle four rival gangs to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend held by a mob boss. After defeating the final boss, the hero exits the building and receives a kiss from his rescued girlfriend.

The original Japanese version follows Kunio, a high‑school delinquent from Nekketsu High, who defends his classmate Hiroshi from a succession of rival gangs. Each level opens with the gang assaulting Hiroshi in front of the school, prompting Kunio to chase them down. The game concludes with Hiroshi and other students greeting Kunio outside Sabu’s hideout, sealing the victory with a firm handshake.