Renegade

Renegade is a classic beat 'em up developed by Technōs Japan and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. Published by Taito in North America, the game helped establish the foundations of the side-scrolling fighting genre and paved the way for later Technōs hits such as Double Dragon and River City Ransom.

In this action-packed adventure, you take control of a street fighter battling through dangerous neighborhoods to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. Your journey leads through subway platforms, city streets, alleys, parking areas, and a gang hideout filled with hostile opponents. Each location presents new enemies and increasingly difficult encounters, culminating in battles against powerful gang leaders.

Renegade stands out for its directional combat system. Instead of simply attacking in one direction, you must pay attention to where enemies are standing and turn your character to land punches and kicks effectively. You can unleash powerful strikes, perform jumping kicks, grab opponents, and throw them to the ground. Learning how to position yourself is essential because enemies frequently surround you and attack from different angles.

The NES version also includes a motorcycle sequence that adds variety to the street-fighting action. During this section, you must avoid hazards and knock rival riders from their bikes before reaching the next confrontation. Later stages introduce tougher opponents who require patience, timing, and a better understanding of the game's combat mechanics.

Originally released in Japan as Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun, Renegade received a different setting and presentation for Western audiences. This localization transformed its original Japanese school-gang theme into a gritty urban crime story, helping establish the international identity of the game.

With its challenging fights, distinctive directional attacks, and important place in beat 'em up history, Renegade remains an interesting title for fans exploring the roots of classic action games. Fight your way through the streets, defeat the rival gangs, and complete your rescue mission in this memorable NES adventure.