Why It’s Rare #10: Rendering Ranger: R2 | Super Famicom
Welcome back to "Why It’s Rare," where we explore the rarest and most elusive video games throughout history. For our tenth entry, we’re diving into one of the rarest SNES games ever released: Rendering Ranger: R2. Developed by Factor 5, this run-and-gun shooter has an interesting history, limited distribution, and a price tag that makes collectors sweat.
What is Rendering Ranger: R2?
Released in 1995 exclusively in Japan, Rendering Ranger: R2 is a hybrid action game combining run-and-gun gameplay(similar to Contra) with side-scrolling shoot-'em-up sections. Developed by Factor 5, the same studio behind the Turrican series and later Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, the game pushed the Super Famicom to its limits with stunning pre-rendered 2D graphics that gave it a pseudo-3D look.
Despite its technical brilliance, Rendering Ranger: R2 was largely unknown outside of Japan until collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts rediscovered it years later.
Why is it Rare?
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Extremely Low Print Run – It’s estimated that only 5,000 copies of Rendering Ranger: R2 were ever produced. This makes it one of the rarest commercially released Super Famicom games.
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Japan-Exclusive Release – Despite being developed by a German studio (Factor 5), the game never saw a release outside of Japan. A Western release was planned but ultimately scrapped due to concerns about market viability.
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Late SNES Era – By 1995, the gaming world was shifting focus to the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, leading to lower sales and production runs for later SNES titles. Many great games from this period suffered from limited availability.
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Unusual Genre Mix – While the game blends Contra-style run-and-gun sections with R-Type-inspired shoot-'em-up levels, this hybrid approach may have confused consumers at the time, limiting its commercial appeal.
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Limited Run Reprint – In recent years, Limited Run Games has produced a re-release of Rendering Ranger: R2, making it more accessible to modern collectors. While this has led to a price drop for original copies, authentic first-print versions remain highly sought after.
How Much is it Worth?
Due to its extreme rarity, Rendering Ranger: R2 was once one of the most expensive SNES games on the market. However, the Limited Run re-release has helped drive down prices for the original version. Current prices vary based on condition:
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Loose Cartridge (Original Print): $1,000 - $2,000 AUD
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Complete in Box (CIB, Original Print): $3,000+ AUD
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Factory Sealed (Original Print): Still extremely rare, valued at $5,000 AUD or more
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Limited Run Reprint: Available for a much more affordable price (~$100 AUD), making it an easier option for those who just want to play the game.
For collectors, first-print copies are still highly desirable, but the market is no longer as inflated as it once was.
Final Thoughts
Rendering Ranger: R2 is a fascinating example of a game that was ahead of its time but largely forgotten due to distribution issues. Today, it stands as a prized piece in any serious SNES collection. With the Limited Run re-release, more gamers can now experience this hidden gem without breaking the bank.
Do you own Rendering Ranger: R2 or have you played it? Let us know in the comments below!
