Target Renegade

Target Renegade is a side-scrolling beat 'em up developed by Imagine Software and published by Ocean Software in 1988. The game was originally conceived as a follow-up to Technōs Japan's arcade hit Renegade, though Ocean developed this sequel independently after acquiring the rights to create home computer versions of the Renegade franchise.

Ocean's acquisition of the Renegade license came through their aggressive pursuit of popular arcade conversions during the mid-1980s. While Technōs Japan had created the original Renegade arcade game in 1986, Ocean secured the rights to develop home computer adaptations and sequels specifically for the European market. This allowed them to create Target Renegade as an original sequel rather than a direct arcade port, giving their development team creative freedom to expand upon the formula while maintaining the core gameplay mechanics that made the original successful.

The Commodore 64 version stands as perhaps the definitive home computer release of Target Renegade. The game showcases impressive sprite work that maximizes the C64's graphical capabilities, with detailed character animations and smooth scrolling that rivals contemporary arcade hardware. The protagonist moves with fluid precision across urban environments, delivering punches, kicks, and his signature flying kick with satisfying impact. The C64's SID chip provides a driving soundtrack that perfectly complements the street-fighting action, with punchy sound effects that give weight to every landed blow.

Gameplay revolves around progressing through various city locations, from subway stations to parking garages, while battling waves of gang members and bosses. The combat system offers a decent variety of moves including standard punches and kicks, jumping attacks, and the ability to pick up and use weapons like pipes and knives. What sets Target Renegade apart from simpler brawlers is its emphasis on timing and positioning, requiring players to master the distance and timing of attacks rather than simply button-mashing their way through enemies.

The C64 version particularly excels in its enemy variety and AI behavior. Gang members approach with different attack patterns, some rushing in for quick strikes while others hang back and throw projectiles. The boss encounters provide genuine challenges that require learning specific patterns and exploiting openings, much like Double Dragon or Streets of Rage would later perfect.

Compared to other beat 'em ups available on the Commodore 64, Target Renegade offers more sophisticated combat mechanics than earlier entries like Way of the Exploding Fist while predating the more complex systems found in later games like Final Fight. It shares DNA with Bad Dudes in its urban setting and weapon usage, though Target Renegade's European development gives it a grittier, more realistic aesthetic compared to the more cartoonish American arcade adaptations.

The game's legacy lies in bridging the gap between the simpler fighting games of the early 1980s and the more elaborate beat 'em ups that would dominate the early 1990s. Ocean's decision to create an original sequel rather than simply porting existing arcade content demonstrated their commitment to developing substantial gaming experiences for home computer users, establishing Target Renegade as a worthy successor that stands on its own merits rather than living in the shadow of its arcade predecessor.