# Retro Game: Renegade ## Overview *Renegade* for the Nintendo Entertainment System brought the raw, gritty action of the arcade smash hit to home consoles. This title puts players in the shoes of a lone vigilante known only as Mr. K, who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a powerful crime syndicate. Fighting through subway stations, city streets, and back alleys, *Renegade* is a true test of skill and endurance, representing the birth of the beat 'em up genre on the NES. ## Background Ported by Technōs Japan, the original creators, *Renegade* on the NES is a home console adaptation of the groundbreaking 1986 arcade game. While it had to make concessions due to the hardware limitations of the NES, it successfully captured the spirit of the original. This version, like its arcade counterpart, was a Western localization of the Japanese game *Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun*, swapping the original's high-school delinquent theme for a grittier, urban gang warfare aesthetic. Its success on the NES paved the way for Technōs' future masterpieces like *Double Dragon* and *River City Ransom*. ## Gameplay The gameplay of the NES version of *Renegade* is a challenging, level-based brawling experience. The game features a unique control scheme where the direction you press determines your attack: pressing towards an enemy delivers a punch, while pressing away from them executes a backward kick. Players can also perform running attacks and, most famously, sit on top of downed enemies to punch them into submission. The game is structured across five distinct stages, including a unique motorcycle combat level not found in the original arcade version. Each stage culminates in a tough boss fight that requires players to learn specific patterns to succeed. With its high difficulty and limited lives, beating *Renegade* is a true badge of honor for any retro gamer.