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 surprising reveal from Summer Games Fest 2024. This retro-style brawler offers five-player co-op, enemies from the first three Power Rangers seasons, and even 3D rail-shooter segments. It's launching on PC and consoles later this year.

The past few years have been eventful for Power Rangers fans. Following Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always and Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury, the show's future is uncertain. Once and Always saw the original team reunite to thwart a robotic Rita Repulsa from altering the past. The special included numerous Easter eggs and emotional tributes, notably honoring Thuy Trang and Jason David Frank.

Robo Rita's return from Once and Always as the main villain in Rita's Rewind is a direct result of her time-travel attempt to erase the Power Rangers' existence. This provided a convenient in-universe link for Digital Eclipse to connect various franchise elements, as revealed by content editor Dan Amrich in an interview with Time Express.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind – A Robo Rita Showdown

Amrich also explained how Digital Eclipse pitched the game to Hasbro, who were keen to expand their popular franchises. The game draws inspiration from classic 2D brawlers popular during the original MMPR's peak, while also including Easter eggs for longtime fans.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a loving tribute to the franchise, blending nostalgic gameplay with a plot connected to recent lore through Robo Rita's return. While the game's release is slated for later this year, fans can currently experience a crossover with ARK: Survival Ascended.