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Rocket Ranger is a 1988 action adventure computer game developed and published by Cinemaware. The game takes place during World War II with the player controlling a US Army scientist and setting out to stop Nazi Germany from winning the war. The Rocket Ranger comes from the Rocket Pack the player uses over the course of the game.

Like many Cinemaware games, Rocket Ranger draws its inspiration from Hollywood, and likely The Rocketeer comics. This title pays homage to the many 1950s sci-fi serials, using the look and feel of the serials, including action-packed cut-scenes and an art treatment loyal to the futuristic visions of that era. It also features the cliché elements of that era, including a dashing, courageous hero and a beautiful, voluptuous damsel in distress in need of rescue.

*** Gameplay ***

Strategy Game

The strategy game requires the player to deploy up to five agents to different nations with one of two objectives; infiltrate or organize a local resistance. The former allows the player to discover critical items to complete the game. The latter allows the player to delay the invasion of the USA.


Rocket Take-off

Agents deployed in the strategy game will often give information on targets of interest or missions. These events require the player to fly there using the rocket pack via the take-off mini-game. This mini-game requires the player to time their button pushes to their character's steps in order to build enough speed for takeoff.
Air Combat

These are missions which require the player to engage in air combat against enemy fighters, a Zeppelin, and ground anti-aircraft guns, depending on the mission. The player flies in third-person while shooting their gun at targets ahead.
Ground Base Assault

These are missions which require the player to assault a Nazi base. This involves the player destroying enemy turret placements similar to the ground anti-aircraft combat mission while ducking behind cover.
Boxing

These are missions which involve the player going into hand-to-hand combat with a Nazi soldier.
Travel
The Rocket Pack, a technological marvel in the setting of the game, serves as the primary mode of transportation. Players choose destinations by selecting them through a world map and by utilizing the code wheel copy protection system.

*** Ports ***

Like most Cinemaware titles, this game was originally developed on the Amiga, one of the more capable home computers of the era. It was later ported to the other platforms, scaling down the graphic and sound quality to the best those systems could deliver. The other platforms this title was ported to includes Atari ST, DOS, Commodore 64 and Nintendo Entertainment System. In 1989 an Apple IIGS port was released, with a vastly superior musical soundtrack score (in terms of music synthesis quality) composed by Bob Lindstrom, with graphics comparable to the original.