River City Ransom is an open world action role-playing game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) released in 1989. The game is set in a high school environment where players control characters Alex and Ryan as they cross River City to rescue Ryan’s girlfriend from a villain named Slick. The game uniquely combines beat 'em up style combat with role-playing elements, allowing players to upgrade their characters by purchasing items and learning new techniques. Its non-linear play, distinctive art style, and humor add extra depth, making it a hallmark in the NES library.