As a lifelong Power Rangers fan—or even just a casual fighting game enthusiast—Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid on Xbox One offers an intriguing mix of nostalgia and solid mechanics wrapped in a package that’s evolved significantly since its rocky launch. Developed by nWay, this 3v3 tag-team fighter pits iconic Rangers and villains against each other in a multiverse-spanning brawl inspired by the “Shattered Grid” storyline from BOOM! Studios’ comics. By March 2025, with years of updates and content drops, it’s a much meatier experience than it was at release—but does it truly morph into something mighty, or does it stumble like a putty patroller? Let’s break it down.
At its core, Battle for the Grid is a love letter to accessibility. The combat system uses a streamlined four-button setup—light, medium, heavy, and special—making it easy for newcomers to jump in and start throwing punches. Special moves don’t require complex inputs (think quarter-circle motions), instead relying on a direction plus a button, much like Dragon Ball FighterZ. This simplicity lowers the barrier to entry, letting you feel like a Ranger right away, whether you’re unleashing Tommy Oliver’s Green Ranger combos or Goldar’s hulking strikes.
Where the game shines, though, is in its depth for seasoned players. The 3v3 tag mechanics allow for real-time assist takeovers, letting you call in teammates for quick hits or swap them in mid-fight. Push blocking, aerial guards, and customizable juggle combos add layers of strategy, while the Megazord comeback mechanic—where a meter fills as your team takes damage, letting you summon a giant robot for a devastating ultra attack—feels both thematic and thrilling. It’s chaotic in the best way, capturing the over-the-top essence of Power Rangers battles. However, the move sets can feel limited at times, and without extensive combo trials or a robust in-game tutorial, unlocking a character’s full potential often requires external research or trial-and-error button mashing.
When Battle for the Grid launched in 2019, it was criticized for its barebones offerings—nine characters, a handful of stages, and no story mode. Fast forward to 2025, and updates have transformed it into a respectable package. The Super Edition (a smart grab for Xbox One players) bundles the base game with all three Season Passes and the Street Fighter Pack, bringing the roster to 23 characters. You’ve got classics like Jason Lee Scott and Kimberly Hart alongside surprises like Ryu (Crimson Hawk Ranger) and Chun-Li (Blue Phoenix Ranger) from the Street Fighter crossover. The variety spans generations, though some fan-favorite Rangers (like Billy or Trini from the original series) are still MIA, which stings given the franchise’s 25-year legacy.
The story mode, added post-launch, reimagines “Shattered Grid” with a comic-book style narrated by original cast members like Jason David Frank. It’s a fun, if brief, romp—clocking in at under an hour—but it’s packed with fan service, like Lord Drakkon’s multiverse tyranny and Tommy’s heroic return. Modes like Arcade, Versus, and Ranked Online round out the experience, with crossplay across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC keeping the online scene alive. Finding a match in 2025 is still quick, and the netcode holds up well, though Xbox users occasionally report connectivity hiccups when paired with other platforms.
Visually, Battle for the Grid isn’t going to wow anyone. The character models are decent, with colorful designs that pop, but the stages—like Zordon’s Command Center or Lord Drakkon’s Throne Room—look dated, reminiscent of early Xbox 360 graphics. Lighting and textures lack polish, and while the special effects (like Megazord attacks) are flashy, the overall aesthetic feels more like an upgraded mobile game than a console contender. Audio fares slightly better, with voice acting from original Rangers adding authenticity, but the generic rock soundtrack loops quickly and lacks the iconic “Go Go Power Rangers” theme—a missed opportunity for nostalgia.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid on Xbox One isn’t the definitive Power Rangers game fans might have dreamed of, but it’s a commendable effort that’s grown into its spandex over time. Its accessible yet deep combat, bolstered by a now-respectable roster and smooth online play, makes it a worthy pick for fighting game fans and Ranger enthusiasts alike. At its budget price point (around $20 for the base game, or $40 for the Super Edition), it’s hard to argue with the value, especially with all the DLC baked in by 2025.
That said, the lackluster visuals, thin initial content (still felt in some areas), and a tutorial that doesn’t fully bridge newcomers to advanced play hold it back from greatness. It’s not Marvel vs. Capcom or Street Fighter, but it doesn’t try to be—it’s a scrappy underdog that punches above its weight. If you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic fighter to play with friends or online foes, Battle for the Grid delivers the morphin’ goods. Just don’t expect it to save the world—or the genre.
Pros:
- Accessible and engaging 3v3 combat with strategic depth
- Expanded roster with cool crossovers (Ryu and Chun-Li!)
- Solid online play with crossplay support
- Fan-service story mode with original voice acting
Cons:
- Dated graphics and uninspired stage design
- Limited move sets and tutorial leave some potential untapped
- Missing iconic characters and music from the franchise
Final Score: 7/10 – A morphin’ good time that’s worth a spin, especially for fans of the Rangers or tag-team fighters.
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