When Capcom released Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers for the NES in 1990, it was riding high on the success of other licensed Disney titles like DuckTales. What could have easily been another quick cash-in on a popular cartoon turned out to be one of the NES’s most charming and tightly designed platformers – and one that still holds up remarkably well.
At its core, Rescue Rangers is a side-scrolling platformer that puts you in control of Chip or Dale (or both in 2-player co-op). The gameplay is simple but effective: you move, jump, and pick up objects – usually boxes, apples, or other throwable items – to hurl at enemies or uncover hidden goodies. The controls are snappy and responsive, making the moment-to-moment gameplay feel tight and satisfying.
Where the game really shines is in its two-player cooperative mode. NES co-op games were often awkward or limited, but here, both players can actively contribute, lift each other, or – often hilariously – throw one another by accident or design. It leads to chaotic fun and memorable moments, especially with siblings or friends.
The game features a clever level progression map that lets you choose different paths through the game, adding a layer of replayability. Stages are filled with secret items, hidden power-ups, and unique gimmicks – from conveyor belts to disappearing platforms to boss fights that require clever use of the object-throwing mechanic.
While the levels aren’t especially long, they’re packed with charm and creative enemy encounters. Each stage feels like a small playground for Chip and Dale’s mechanics.
Capcom’s knack for pushing the NES hardware is on full display here. The sprite work is bright, colorful, and incredibly faithful to the animated series. Chip and Dale have distinct looks (Chip with the fedora, Dale with the red Hawaiian shirt), and the animation is clean and expressive.
The soundtrack is a bouncy, upbeat collection of chiptunes that perfectly fits the Rescue Rangers vibe. It’s not quite on the same tier as DuckTales’ iconic Moon Theme, but it’s still excellent NES music that keeps the energy high.
Rescue Rangers isn’t brutally difficult, but it’s also no cakewalk. Later levels require precise movement, good timing, and smart use of cover. The game is relatively short – a seasoned player can beat it in under an hour – but it’s the kind of experience that’s easy to come back to again and again, especially with a second player.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is one of the NES’s best examples of how to do a licensed game right. With tight controls, a fun two-player mode, excellent visuals, and genuine creativity, it’s more than just a nostalgia trip – it’s still a blast today.
