Ranger-X

From Sega Retro

n/a

  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

RangerX TitleScreen.png

ExRanza MD JP TitleScreen.png

Ranger-X
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Distributor: Tec Toy (BR), Samsung (KR)
Sound driver: Cube/Noriyuki Iwadare
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Shooting[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥6,8006,800 G-4097
Sega Mega Drive
US 		1076
Videogame Rating Council: GA
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1076
Sega Mega Drive
DE 		DM 110110[7] 1076
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£39.9939.99[6][3] 1076
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
BR 		044510
Sega Mega Drive
KR 		GM8098JG

Ranger-X, known in Japan as Ex-Ranza (エクスランザー), is a Sega Mega Drive action run-and-gun game developed by Gau Entertainment and published by Sega. First released in Japan in May 1993, it was localized and brought to the United States and Europe the following year. Sometime later, the game was also brought to Australia, Brazil, and Korea.

Story

The Rahuna, a coalition of warrior beings from the fringe worlds, have invaded the Free Galactic Systems Council on the Homeworld. It is believed that they want to usurp the Council's peaceful rule over the galactic systems. The Homeworld Tribes were caught unprepared by the attack and have suffered heavy casualties. Tribe Tech and Tribe Ranger, two tribes on the far side of the Homeworld thus far spared by the assault, are sending their Ranger-X armored exo-skeleton suit and Courier support units on a series of missions to destroy strategic Rahuna targets throughout the Homeworld.

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling action shooter where the player controls Ranger-X, a robot fighter equipped with a jet pack and an assortment of weapons. Each stage presents a special type of target in a wireframe 3D introduction sequence, and Ranger-X must find and destroy all of these targets in the mission before facing a boss. A radar at the top of the screen shows when an objective target is nearby as well as showing the number of remaining targets.

Ranger-X moves with Left and Right and crouches with Down. Walking in a different direction does not change the direction that Ranger-X is facing. The jet pack allows for short periods of flight by pressing the Up button. The duration of the flight is limited by the jet pack's temperature (shown in a gauge in the corner of the screen). Upon overheating, the player must land and wait for cool down. Ranger-X can attain a vertical boost by engaging the jet pack from a crouching position, which can be used to achieve greater flight time on steep vertical sections.

Ranger-X is equipped with a standard pulse rifle, which is fired to the left by pressing A and to the right by pressing C. These buttons can also be tapped to change the direction that Ranger-X is facing. The player has access to various special weapons, including a flamethrower and homing attacks, which are fired with the B or Y buttons. Unlike the pulse rifle, the special weapons drain a power bar, which can only be recharged when Ranger-X is in a bright light source. This special arsenal can be increased by collecting power-ups scattered across the stages. Weapons can be used in the air or while crouching.

Ranger-X has a health bar that is reduced by enemy fire. Ranger-X is destroyed and the game ends if the health bar is depleted, but the player can choose to continue the game if there are continues remaining. The player is awarded an extra continue for every 200,000 points earned.

Couriers

On each stage, Ranger-X is accompanied by a support vehicle, called a Courier.

Ranger-X, Couriers, Ex-Up Indra.png
 Ex-Up Indra
The Ex-Up Indra is an agile motorbike. It is equipped with a similar pulse rifle to Ranger-X and can move and fire independently of Ranger-X. The X button moves it to the left and the Z button moves it to the right. If Ranger-X is standing on it, it can be moved with Left and Right. If Ranger-X is on the ground, it can be moved using the Down-left and Down-right buttons (allowing the player to move the Indra separately even without a Six Button Control Pad). Ranger-X can also enter the Indra by standing on it and pressing Down (and exit with Up), which allows him to change his special weapon (using the B or Y buttons). In this mode, the Indra has its own health bar and its weapon changes to automatically target enemies rather than firing straight ahead. If the health bar of the Indra is depleted while Ranger-X is inside it, Ranger-X is also destroyed. The Indra can jump by holding and then releasing Down.
Ranger-X, Couriers, Ex-Up Eos.png
 Ex-Up Eos
On some stages, Ranger-X is provided with the Ex-Up Eos instead, which is a flying craft. Unlike the Indra, the player cannot directly control the Eos. Instead, it follows Ranger-X throughout the mission and provides air support by automatically firing lasers at enemy targets. Ranger-X can similarly enter the Eos by standing on it and pressing Down (and exit with Up) in order to change his special weapon, but the Eos does not have its own health bar.

Weapons

Ranger-X, Weapons, Flame Unit.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Flame Unit
A jet of flame that shoots out in front of Ranger-X. The length of the flame is dependent on the amount of power remaining.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Seeker Mine.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Mine
A mine that drops on the ground and ripples out in a straight line to find enemies. Dissipates after a few seconds.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Seeker Charge.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Charge
Two bolts of electricity that emanate out and trace around Ranger-X until they find and affix to a target. Some enemies cannot be found by the Seeker Charge.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Seeker Falcon.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Falcon
A mechanical falcon that automatically seeks out and destroys nearby enemies. Some enemies cannot be found by the Seeker Falcon.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Plasma Blast.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Plasma Blast
A burst of fireballs. Effective at intercepting enemy fire because of its tall area of effect.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Proton Storm.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Proton Storm
A very wide blast that destroys everything in a large area. Covers most of the screen vertically and more than the horizontal width of the screen. Costs the entire power bar to fire each time.

Ranger-X, Weapons, Shield.png

Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Energy Shield
Surrounds Ranger-X in a protective energy shield that also damages any enemies it directly contacts.

Objects

Ranger-X, Items, Power Conversion Unit.png
 Power Conversion Unit
Quickly replenishes health by draining special weapon power. Can be used by Ranger-X or by the Ex-Up Indra.
Ranger-X, Items, Mini-Conversion Unit.png
 Mini-Conversion Unit
Instantly exchanges special weapon power for health. Smaller and one-time use. Can be used by Ranger-X or by the Ex-Up Indra.
Ranger-X, Items, Artificial Ground Platform.png
 Artificial Ground Platform
A platform on which to temporarily stand to cool Ranger-X's thrusters. The platform drops on the weight of Ranger-X, so the player must quickly move off it after recharging the thrusters. Absent in higher difficulties.

Stages

Ranger-X, Stage 1.png

Ranger-X, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 1.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 1 Boss.png

Desert
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Flame Unit and
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Mine weapons are initially available.

Ranger-X, Stage 2.png

Ranger-X, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 2.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 2 Boss.png

Cavern
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Charge weapon is hidden in this stage.

Ranger-X, Stage 3.png

Ranger-X, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 3.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 3 Boss.png

Jungle
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Seeker Falcon weapon is hidden in this stage.

Ranger-X, Stage 4.png

Ranger-X, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 4.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 4 Boss.png

Tower
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Proton Storm weapon is hidden in this stage.

Ranger-X, Stage 5.png

Ranger-X, Stage 5 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 5.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 5 Boss.png

City at Night
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Plasma Blast weapon is hidden in this stage.

Ranger-X, Stage 6.png

Ranger-X, Stage 6 Miniboss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 6.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 6 Miniboss.png

Factory
The
Ranger-X, Weapons.png
Energy Shield weapon is hidden in this stage.

Ranger-X, Stage 6 Cutscene.png

Ranger-X, Stage 6 Boss.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 6 Cutscene.png

  • Ranger-X, Stage 6 Boss.png

Biotech Monster

History

Development

During development, Ranger-X was known as Transa Banker.[8]

Versions

Unlike the NTSC-J version, the NTSC-U and PAL versions use a slightly different color palette when played on the highest difficulty setting.

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Ranger-X Ranger-X
English (US) Ranger-X Ranger-X
Japanese エクスランザー Ex-Ranza

Production credits

Source:
In-game credits (opening)
Ranger-X MD opening credits.pdf
[9]
Source:
In-game credits (ending)
Ranger-X MD ending credits.pdf
[10]

Digital manuals

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 US manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 EU manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 JP manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Ranger-X/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Mega Force (ES) #17: "Septiembre 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
82 №7, p58/59
63 №12, p30-33
Sega Mega Drive
 73
Based on
2 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[12]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
75
[13]
Consoles + (FR)
90
[14]
Cool Gamer (RU)
50
[15]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
93
[16]
Dengeki Mega Drive (JP) NTSC-J
71
[17]
Digitiser (UK)
90
[18]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[19]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
92
[20]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
68
[21]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
90
[22]
Game Power (IT) NTSC
94
[23]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
80
[24]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
50
[25]
Hyper (AU)
88
[26]
Joypad (FR) PAL
75
[27]
MAN!AC (DE)
78
[7]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
63
[28]
Mega (UK) PAL
81
[4]
Mega Action (UK) NTSC-J
90
[29]
Mega Force (FR)
85
[30]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
94
[31]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
85
[32]
Magazina Igrushek (RU)
40
[33]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) NTSC-J
92
[6]
Player One (FR)
84
[34]
Power Unlimited (NL)
82
[35]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
82
[3]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
94
[36]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
90
[37]
Sega Force Mega (UK) PAL
85
[38]
Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)
74
[39]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
81
[40]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
80
[41]
Todo Sega (ES)
87
[42]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
76
[43]
Video Games (DE) PAL
84
[44]
Sega Mega Drive
 79
Based on
37 reviews

Ranger-X

Mega Drive, JP
RangerX MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
Exranza MD JP CartTop.jpg
Rangerx md jp cart.jpg
Cart
Exranza md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
RangerX MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Rangerx md us cart.jpg
Cart
Ranger X MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
RangerX MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
RangerX MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Ranger X (EURO) INS.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, AU
Ranger X MD AU Box Back.jpgRangerX MD AU cover.jpg
Cover
RangerX MD AU cartback.jpgRangerX MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart
Ranger X MD AU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, BR
RangerX MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
RangerX MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, KR
RangerX MD KR cover.jpg
Cover
RangerX MD KR cartback.jpgRangerX MD KR cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Ranger-X/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ File:RangerX MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Sega Power, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-01), page 74
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mega, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-17), page 53
  5. ↑ Sega Pro, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-09-09), page 34
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Mean Machines Sega, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-05-25), page 94
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 MAN!AC, "11/93" (DE; 1993-xx-xx), page 32
  8. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 70
  9. ↑ File:Ranger-X MD opening credits.pdf
  10. ↑ File:Ranger-X MD ending credits.pdf
  11. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 2
  12. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 184
  13. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "June 1993" (JP; 1993-05-08), page 23
  14. ↑ Consoles +, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 140
  15. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 79
  16. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 64
  17. ↑ Dengeki Mega Drive, "June 1993" (JP; 1993-05-xx), page 31
  18. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1993-10-08)
  19. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 40
  20. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 82
  21. ↑ Famitsu, "1993-06-04" (JP; 1993-05-21), page 39
  22. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 1, Issue 10: September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 15
  23. ↑ Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 75
  24. ↑ GamePro, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 42
  25. ↑ Hippon Super, "July 1993" (JP; 1993-06-04), page 45
  26. ↑ Hyper, "December 1993" (AU; 1993-xx-xx), page 49
  27. ↑ Joypad, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 158
  28. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 30
  29. ↑ Mega Action, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-15), page 16
  30. ↑ Mega Force, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-11-10), page 88
  31. ↑ MegaTech, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-19), page 56
  32. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Septiembre 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 41
  33. ↑ Magazina Igrushek, "1/1996" (RU; 1996-xx-xx), page 62
  34. ↑ Player One, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 112
  35. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 2, Nummer 1, Januari 1994" (NL; 1993-12-29), page 30
  36. ↑ Sega Pro, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-08), page 38
  37. ↑ Sega Zone, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-22), page 28
  38. ↑ Sega Force Mega, "October 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 52
  39. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Review, "2" (RU; 1996-01-03), page 107
  40. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  41. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "September 4th 1993" (UK; 1993-09-04), page 11
  42. ↑ Todo Sega, "Julio 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 44
  43. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 22
  44. ↑ Video Games, "12/93" (DE; 1993-11-22), page 112


Ranger-X

RangerX TitleScreen.png

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Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: 1993-01
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