Rendering Ranger: R2 (1995). Play online

Summary

Rendering Ranger: R2 is the kind of SNES oddity that makes collectors’ eyes light up. Built by Manfred Trenz—the mind behind the Turrican series—the game uses pre‑rendered graphics that feel like a love‑letter to Donkey Kong Country, even though its sprite work started out hand‑drawn. Despite being released solely in Japan in 1995, every line of text appears in English, and the whole experience feels like a Western sci‑fi movie: a special‑forces ranger battling alien hordes across a ruined Earth.

Only about 10,000 cartridges were ever pressed, and the title has long been listed among the Super Famicom’s rarest releases, often fetching premium prices among retro hunters. A planned western version called Targa never saw the light of day because a publisher couldn’t be found, but the original still offers multiple laser‑gun power‑ups, a high‑score board and a tough “no continues” challenge that rewards practice. Its scarcity, unique graphics and English script have turned Rendering Ranger R2 into a cult classic despite its limited exposure.

Storyline

The Rendering Ranger, also known as Rendering Ranger: R2, is a special‑forces soldier tasked with defending Earth and its remaining inhabitants from a devastating alien invasion. He has traveled across galaxies, braving black holes and confronting the ancient Cube that has waited aeons, its demonic core spawning fire‑breathing legions. The Silver Hero stands against this ultimate evil, a black, old embodiment of darkness. The clash erupts in blood and fire, a battle that could end in an Armageddon‑like funeral pyre for the Cube’s forces.