Rad Rodgers: A Pixelated Blast From The Past With Side-Scrolling Mayhem!

Rad Rodgers takes you on a gloriously nostalgic journey back to the golden age of side-scrolling platformers, injecting it with a healthy dose of modern flair and irreverent humor. This 2017 indie gem developed by Housemarque and published by THQ Nordic throws players into the world of Rad, a video game obsessed teenager who finds himself sucked into the virtual realm of his favorite game cartridge: “The Cosmic Cruiser.”

The story is delightfully straightforward: after accidentally activating a hidden cheat code, Rad gets transported into the pixelated universe of “Cosmic Cruiser,” where he encounters Molly, the sassy and fiercely independent female protagonist from the game. They must team up to defeat the evil sorcerer, Dr. Doomfinger, who wants to exploit the power of the Cosmic Cruiser for his nefarious schemes.

Rad Rodgers borrows heavily from classic platformers like Contra and Metal Slug but injects its own unique personality. You control Rad and Molly simultaneously, switching between them on the fly to utilize their distinct abilities. Rad, armed with his trusty blaster, is a master of ranged combat, while Molly excels in close quarters with her acrobatic kicks and punches.

The level design is inspired by classic arcade shooters and platformers. Expect a barrage of colorful enemies, bullet hell sequences that demand precise timing, and challenging boss battles. Each level presents its own unique set of obstacles and hidden secrets, encouraging exploration and replayability.

The Visual Charm of 8-Bit Nostalgia

One cannot discuss Rad Rodgers without mentioning its striking visual style. The game adopts a bold pixel art aesthetic, reminiscent of classic arcade games but rendered in high definition. Characters are meticulously detailed, enemies burst with personality, and the backgrounds teem with vibrant colours and intricate animations. It’s a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern graphical fidelity.

A Soundtrack That Gets Your Pulse Racing

Rad Rodgers boasts an equally impressive soundtrack composed by the talented Ari Pulkkinen (known for his work on games like Nex Machina and Geometry Wars 3). The music perfectly captures the frantic, action-packed nature of the gameplay with driving synth melodies, thumping basslines, and explosive sound effects. It’s a soundtrack that will stay with you long after you put down the controller.

Beyond the Core Gameplay: Unlockables and Replayability

Rad Rodgers keeps things fresh beyond its core campaign. The game features:

• Unlockable Costumes: Players can unlock alternate costumes for Rad and Molly, ranging from classic video game characters to quirky original designs.
• Hidden Collectibles: Scattered throughout the levels are hidden collectibles that can be found by exploring off-the-beaten path and interacting with the environment.

The game’s difficulty ramps up progressively, offering a rewarding challenge for seasoned platformer veterans. For those seeking an extra push, Rad Rodgers also features a New Game+ mode, allowing players to replay the game with increased difficulty and access to previously locked content.

Rad Rodgers: A Love Letter to Classic Gaming?

While Rad Rodgers borrows heavily from its classic inspirations, it doesn’t simply try to replicate them. The game injects its own humor and personality through witty dialogue exchanges between Rad and Molly and over-the-top action sequences. It celebrates the golden age of arcade gaming while simultaneously pushing the genre forward with its refined mechanics and modern presentation.

Ultimately, Rad Rodgers is a delightful experience for anyone who grew up playing classic side-scrolling platformers. Its blend of nostalgia, tight gameplay, and vibrant visuals makes it a must-play title for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. So, dust off your controller and prepare to blast your way through a pixelated world of pure gaming joy.