
The 1980s gifted us many iconic elements: The A-Team, Rocky IV, Tron, and undoubtedly the neon wireframe aesthetic. Now, developer PixelJam has brought their synthwave-inspired shoot-'em-up Grid Ranger to iOS, delivering a vibrant dose of retro neon visuals in an adrenaline-pumping package.
For younger audiences, this may appear somewhat primitive, despite being powered by PixelJam's proprietary V99 engine designed to blend modern performance with authentic retro graphics. However, Grid Ranger distinguishes itself through its synth-heavy soundtrack and rapid-fire action—nostalgic for older gamers while capturing that fresh "new retro" interpretation of the 1980s for those in between generations.
In terms of content, Grid Ranger might struggle to justify its $2.99 price tag given it includes only three levels. Randomized elements help ensure replayability across each stage, featuring a 'dodge and blast' section, followed by classic shmup gameplay, and concluding with a bullet-hell boss battle.

Grid Ranger truly shines in its Infinite Mode. Likely what you anticipated upon arrival, this mode presents randomly generated courses with escalating difficulty as your session progresses.
If you enjoyed PixelJam's previous titles like Nova Drift, Grid Ranger will undoubtedly appeal to you. Even if you're undecided, it is worth noting that this team created the timeless classics Dino Run and Dino Run 2. Trust their expertise or simply don your white suit for an authentic eighties-inspired adventure.
For those who crave high-speed adrenaline, explore our curated list of the best racing games for iOS to discover more pedal-to-the-metal excitement available on smartphones nearby.