The ZX Spectrum’s vibrant gaming scene of the 1980s brought forth a plethora of iconic titles, and Target: Renegade, released in 1988 by Ocean Software, stands tall among them. A sequel to the groundbreaking Renegade, this side-scrolling beat-‘em-up refined its predecessor’s mechanics while expanding its gameplay. Replaying Target: Renegade on The Spectrum today is a thrilling reminder of the era’s creativity and its enduring influence on modern gaming.
First Contact: A Look Back
Target: Renegade puts players in the role of a martial artist seeking revenge against the sinister Mr. Big, who is responsible for the death of their brother. The journey unfolds across five distinct levels, each teeming with enemies, hazards, and challenges. From city streets to a seedy nightclub and an ominous car park, the environments are as diverse as they are dangerous.
The game’s fluid controls, detailed visuals, and cooperative two-player mode set it apart from its peers. By blending fast-paced combat with tactical depth, Target: Renegade struck a perfect balance, earning its place as one of the Spectrum’s most beloved beat-‘em-ups.
How It Plays on The Spectrum
Revisiting Target: Renegade on The Spectrum is a nostalgic delight, enhanced by thoughtful updates that bring the experience into the modern era. The game’s visuals, with their detailed sprites and atmospheric backgrounds, remain striking. Characters are easily distinguishable, and the environments are rich with visual flair, creating a sense of immersion that transcends the platform’s limitations.
The controls have been refined for precision, allowing players to execute punches, kicks, and combos with ease. The inclusion of save states is a welcome feature, particularly for newcomers tackling the game’s challenging levels. These enhancements ensure that Target: Renegade retains its charm while offering a smoother experience for today’s audience.
Combat and Mechanics
At its core, Target: Renegade is about mastering combat. Players must take on waves of enemies, each with distinct attack patterns and strengths. From street thugs to formidable bosses, the variety of foes keeps the gameplay engaging and requires players to adapt their strategies.
The combat system is deceptively deep. Players can string together punches, kicks, and special moves, using timing and positioning to outmaneuver their enemies. The ability to pick up and use weapons, such as bats and pipes, adds an extra layer of strategy, as does the necessity of crowd control when surrounded by multiple opponents.
Two-Player Co-op Mode
One of Target: Renegade’s standout features is its cooperative two-player mode. This addition allows friends to team up and take on the game’s challenges together, adding a layer of camaraderie and fun. The dynamic of coordinating attacks and supporting each other in combat elevates the experience, making it one of the Spectrum’s finest multiplayer offerings.
Challenge and Progression
Target: Renegade is a challenging game, but its difficulty is part of its appeal. Each level introduces new obstacles and enemy types, ensuring that players remain engaged and tested. Boss battles, in particular, are highlights, requiring skill and strategy to overcome.
The inclusion of save states on The Spectrum makes the game’s difficulty more accessible for modern players, allowing them to retry tough sections without starting over. This feature ensures that players can enjoy the game’s intense action without unnecessary frustration.
Atmosphere and Presentation
The atmosphere of Target: Renegade is one of its greatest strengths. The game’s environments are richly detailed, from the graffiti-covered walls of the city streets to the flashing lights of the nightclub. These visuals, combined with a catchy and dynamic soundtrack, create an immersive world that draws players into the action.
The sound effects, from the satisfying thud of punches landing to the ambient noise of each environment, add to the immersion. The presentation is cinematic in scope, with each level feeling like a chapter in a gritty revenge story.
How It Has Aged
Target: Renegade has aged remarkably well, thanks to its solid mechanics and engaging gameplay. The Spectrum’s enhancements ensure that modern players can appreciate the game’s strengths without the frustrations of its original hardware limitations. The refined controls, improved visuals, and save states make it more accessible while preserving its retro charm.
However, some aspects of the game may feel challenging to newcomers. The lack of modern tutorials or guidance requires players to learn through experimentation, which can be daunting but also rewarding. These elements are part of the game’s authenticity, offering a glimpse into the design philosophy of the 1980s.
Legacy and Impact
Target: Renegade is a landmark title in the history of beat-‘em-up games, influencing countless titles that followed. Its emphasis on cooperative gameplay, strategic combat, and immersive presentation set a benchmark for the genre. The game’s legacy can be seen in modern classics like Streets of Rage and Final Fight, which built upon the foundations laid by Target: Renegade.
Revisiting Target: Renegade highlights its importance as both a gaming classic and a cultural artifact. It’s a testament to the creativity and ambition of its developers, as well as the enduring appeal of games that prioritize skill, strategy, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Target: Renegade is a masterpiece of beat-‘em-up gaming, offering a rich and rewarding experience that stands the test of time. Its combination of fluid combat, atmospheric design, and cooperative gameplay makes it a standout title in The Spectrum’s library. Whether you’re revisiting it as a fan or discovering it for the first time, Target: Renegade offers an unforgettable journey into a gritty world of revenge and redemption.
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