“Ch, Ch, Ch, Chip and Dale. Rescue Rangers!!!”

Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers is a platform game developed and published by Capcom and released for the NES in 1990. It would later be released in the 2017 The Disney Compilation Collection for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. I chose to review the NES version.

Plot

The evil Fat Cat has stolen Mandy’s kitten. The Rescue Rangers pledge to rescue the kitten.

Gameplay

Through streets, over and through buildings, and forests; Chip and Dale must evade foes such as mechanical bulldogs, robotic rats, and gansgter lizard-type things known as warts. You can choose to dodge these dangerous foes or throw various items such as crates and apples at them. After each level, Gadget offers some advice about how to defeat the trickier aspects of the next level.

The game can be played in on or two-player mode. In one-player mode, you can choose to be either Chip or Dale. Each player can only be hit three times before they die.

How Does It Handle?

This game plays really well. The controls are responsive and I don’t recall many (if any) parts of the game where you die cheaply. The game has many trickier parts but it is enjoyable to play. I wasn’t expecting to like this game but I really enjoyed it.

Graphics

The levels are brightly coloured, well designed and detailed, and pose a nice challenge for the average gamer. It is easy to distinguish between the two protangonists as Chip wears a hat and a dark jacket.

Replay Value

Although the game has minimal replay value, it’s a lot of fun and a great game to be played with a younger sibling or child.

Did I Complete The Game?

Yes

What The Critics Said:

Electronic Gaming Monthly: “Every part of this game from the graphics, to the sounds to the gameplay are well done indeed. Rescue Rangers only falls flat in terms of challenge and difficulty. Overall 7.75/10”.[1]

Nintendo Power: “Overall 4/5”.[2]

Mean Machines: “Not groundbreakingly original, but very good nonetheless. Fun to play and long-lasting Overall 88%.”[3]

Total!: “Groovesome, slick and utterly dashing platform game with some ingenious two-player twist and a brain curdling difficulty curve! Overall 81%”.[4]

Awards:

Parents’ Choice (1990) – Parents’ Choice Foundation[5]

My Verdict:

“This game looks great…but don’t be fooled by its cutsie look. There are some challenging parts to it, but nothing a seasoned gamer can’t handle. Excellent gameplay too. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.”

Rating:

What are your memories of Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don’t for get to follow and subscribe so that you don’t miss my latest reviews! You can also find me on Instagram: @Nicklovestogame.

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[1] ‘Review – Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers.’ Electronic Gaming Monthly. (July 1990). Issue 12:12.

[2] ‘Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers’. Nintendo Power. (July-August 1990). Issue 14:26.

[3] ‘Nintendo review – Rescue Rangers’. Mean Machines. (February 1992). Issue 17:52-4.

[4] ‘Chip ‘n’ Dale’. Total!. (April 1992). Issue 4:26-7.

[5] ‘Keeping Kids Entertained’. The Seattle Times. (Dec 27, 1990).