Play Target Renegade Online

Target Renegade came out on the NES in 1988 from Ocean Software, a time when side-scrolling beat 'em ups were starting to really define the couch co-op experience. It wasn't the first of its kind, but it had a certain gritty charm that set it apart from the more colorful competitors on the system.

You control a martial artist fighting through the city's underworld to rescue your kidnapped brother. The game progresses screen by screen, and you'll constantly be surrounded by thugs wielding knives, chains, and pipes. You can pick up some of their dropped weapons, like a nunchuck or a trash can lid, to even the odds. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty spikes quickly, demanding precise timing with your kicks and jumps to avoid being overwhelmed. It feels like a desperate, street-level brawl where every victory is earned.