The last days of a console are usually filled with technically impressive games that no one thought possible on the hardware. From Donkey Kong Country to the Last of Us, some of the best games ever were released in the waning years of successful platforms. The Saturn was no different as Panzer Dragoon Saga was both a technical marvel and a brilliant game. Burning Rangers tries to join that club but falters along the way. While enjoyable Burning Rangers is a game that should have been reserved for more powerful hardware.
Burning Rangers takes place at an undisclosed point in the future. Firefighting is still a popular profession but has been taken to the next level with the latest in high tech equipment. As either Sho or Ellie, the newest recruits in the burning rangers, it is your job to fight fires and rescue civilians. Each of the game’s four missions is its own self-contained story although the final mission does provide a nice conclusion.
Burning Rangers is most notable for being a technical achievement for the Saturn. The lighting and fire effects are indeed impressive and higher quality than in most titles of that generation. The Saturn could not pull off hardware transparency but the game somehow has a similar effect. The levels take place in massive open environments that were rarely attempted on the system too. The game stretches the system to the breaking point and it shows. Pop-up is excessive and there is some very bad screen tearing. The frame rate routinely drops to the single digits as well. The overall game looks as though it will fall apart at any moment. That it is still playable in spite of this is a miracle.
The graphical glitches and such do affect the gameplay unfortunately. The camera will fight you at every turn and is functional at best. The viewing distance is low, making it easy to get lost or turned around. In this game speed is of the essence, making the navigation issues that much worse. The controls are sluggish, and become worse as the frame rate drops. Playing with the d-pad and not the analog controller is an exercise in frustration. This is a game that is begging for dual analog controls. The game is still playable in spite of these flaws but you will wonder what could have been constantly.
In each mission your goal is to put out fires and save civilians while completing a main objective. Your freeze gun fires rapid shots that can put out small fires and create crystals. Crystals function both as a shield and as a means to teleport civilians to safety. As long as you have one crystal you can’t die, much like Sonic. You can also charge up a shot that creates a massive blast that puts out flames instantly but will also destroy any nearby crystals. You’ll need to balance the two to keep the blaze under control while still generating resources.
In every mission there is an overall blaze level that ticks higher. Putting out fires and saving civilians will reduce it temporarily but it is an ever present threat. Every twenty percent rocks the level with a series of explosions that permanently raises the limit. Once it hits 100% you won’t die immediately but the constant explosions will equal death. The blaze level will light a fire under your ass to keep moving, not just to keep it under control but also to earn a higher grade. Like Nights your overall performance is graded in a few categories although it doesn’t affect your progress.
Although Burning Rangers only has four missions each is absolutely massive. There is no map but team leader Chris will guide you to your current objective. There is plenty of time to wander off and explore provided you keep the blaze level under control. Unfortunately the only thing you’ll find for your trouble are more civilians to save. While it is nice to read the e-mails from people you’ve rescued some bonus features would have been cool.
Although Burning Rangers is a bit short like Nights its content is incredibly enjoyable. Each mission takes place in an unconventional location that presents its own challenges. The initial power plant is the most straightforward and doesn’t throw anything unexpected in your path. The marine research facility adds an interesting wrinkle as you must navigate flooded areas and deal with security robots. The Space colony is the most interesting and my favorite. Here you have to contend with a zero g environment and really work to keep the blaze level low. You might even get sucked into outer space. The last mission is unique in that you no longer have to deal with random flames. It is a long survival gauntlet to save the lone inhabitant of a space station before crashes into Earth.
The amount of variety packed into these four levels is incredible and compelling in spite of the game’s flaws. Even the few boss battles are cool if a little confusing. But it still can’t get around the fact that the game could have used a little more content. The only extras you get are a level randomizer and the ability to play as the other Burning Rangers if you save the members of Sonic Team. Even another mission or two would have been enough to put it over the top.
In Closing
Burning Rangers is a flawed gem in the Saturn library but still worth your time. This is a solid game overall even with its rough edges. It desperately needs a remake to bring out its full potential.
