Burning Rangers

Burning Rangers is an action game developed by Sonic Team and released by Sega for the Saturn in 1998.

Gameplay
Gameplay consists of using two kinds of lasers to out out fires and collect crystals. Crystals are used to transport survivors to a rescue ship. There is also a navigation system, that uses voice commands to tell you where to go. You can choose from two characters, Shou Amabane and Tillis. Big Landman, Crys Partin, and Lead Phoenix, also known as Reed. The ladder 3 can be unlocked using a password feature.

You can also send and receive emails from players that you have saved, including members of Sonic Team. The game is seen as a preview for the Dreamcast title, Phantasy Star Online, and even includes downloadable missions featuring Burning Rangers-themed quests.

Reception
Burning Rangers received generally positive reviews, but was criticized for bad sound effects, especially compared to the voices and music in the game. The graphics were praised, along with the soundtrack. It's highest review was a 90% from Sega Saturn Magazine in the UK, and the lowest was a 6.2/10 from GameSpot. The game also received positive reviews from GamePro, IGN and Next Generation Magazine.

Trivia

 * Burning Rangers was created as a game to focus on saving people rather than killing them, something Yuji Naka felt was becoming far too prevelant in modern video games of the time.
 * The game was released at the tail end of the Saturn's lifespan being one of the last five releases in the west. As a result of this late release date, the title became extremely rare amongst collectors.
 * The game uses the same engine as NiGHTS into Dreams.
 * The game also has several cameos, including Claris Sinclair and Elliot Edwards from NiGHTS into Dreams.
 * Burning Rangers cast members make cameo appearances in both Sonic Pinball Party and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.
 * Burning Rangers had a limited time event in Phantasy Star Online 2 in which players would have to put out fires to save trapped civilians.