Renegade Kid has pretty much lost its element of surprise. When a developer consistently releases interesting games that are made well with attractive art, it's not really shocking when their next release follows suit. Surprising no one, Renegade Kid's latest release Xeodrifter is another excellent game brimming with style and charm.
Beginning as a demake of Moon Chronicles, Xeodrifter expanded into much more than that and took on a life of its own. Despite sharing an origin rooted in Renegade Kid’s First-Person Shooter, and both games being set in space, the similarities begin and end right there. Changing the approach entirely, Xeodrifter is a 2D side-scrolling platformer with a strong emphasis on exploration thrown in. Clearly drawing inspiration from the Metroid series, this interplanetary adventure nods back to the classics while adding elements that make it feel fresh and new.
As the story goes, you're minding your own business and flying through space in your ship when out of nowhere you're struck by a meteor. Your ship's core is knocked out of commission, leaving you stranded and nearly immobile in a cluster of four small planets. With just enough power remaining to travel from one planet to another, you set out in search of a new core so you can continue on your merry way. If it hasn't been made clear, Xeodrifter does not rely too heavily on storytelling to strengthen its appeal, but the use of different planets to explore and revisit does lend itself well to the Metroidvania sub-genre.
The majority of Xeodrifter features run-and-gun platforming gameplay that is entirely recognizable, and for good reason; it’s fun and works incredibly well. As you traverse from one planet to another, you will come across weapon and health upgrades as well as special abilities that are guarded by boss monsters. The same monster is used for each boss battle, meaning there is a lack of visual variety, but its attacks become more varied and powerful with each revisit, ensuring that your combat strategy must change each time. Defeating bosses earns new abilities for yourself, which in turn allow you to reach previously inaccessible parts of the already explored map.
While some games with large maps that require backtracking can feel tedious over time, Xeodrifter manages to strike a balance that doesn't grate on the player. Many of the same hallways will be traversed again and again, but each time you return with a new ability, the route feels somewhat new. Whether it’s the ability to phase through enemies and thin walls or simply blast your way through with an upgraded weapon, re-entering previously explored areas creates a feeling of tangible progression rather than simple backtracking for filler. This game doesn't stray too far away from the expected mechanics, but it does so with enough style that it still feels unique within its genre.
Xeodrifter can, at times, be relentlessly difficult, but not always for the right reasons. It's true that some of the enemies pose quite a challenge, and the bosses steadily become tougher and smarter, but the most difficult aspect to master is the controls. Though intuitively laid out and – by the end of the game – utilizing all of the 3DS console's inputs, movement doesn't feel nearly as tight as it should be. This would have been acceptable if each planet had its own unique physics to master, but instead every area feels like it is covered in a thin veneer of ice. Once you've started moving, it's not always easy to predict where exactly you'll stop, making death – or at the very least losing some progress – sometimes unavoidable. Lives are unlimited, however, and losing a life means starting again from your ship or a recent checkpoint, so the fear of losing a significant amount of progress doesn't really exist, and this mitigates the issue slightly.
As mentioned above, the controls are smartly laid out and work well, if you can look past the slippery landscape. Movement is controlled with the D-Pad or Circle Pad while the lettered and shoulder buttons shoot, jump, or activate one of the abilities you've picked up throughout the game. Switching from one ability to the next is seamless, working particularly well later in the game when you'll have to be quick on the draw in order to navigate some trap-laden mazes.
From the moment you load Xeodrifter up for the first time, it's immediately apparent that this game was intended to light a fire under the retro gamers among us. Using the same colour palette as the NES and boasting an enhanced 8-bit style, this game's aesthetic is nothing short of gorgeous. The art and soundtrack pair together to create a Sci-Fi atmosphere while still remaining true to its humble origins. The 3DS' ability to display images in 3D is also put to good use, adding layers of depth to the sometimes-explorable background — not unlike Renegade's other stand-out release, Mutant Mudds.
With so much going for it, it's a real shame that the Xeodrifter experience doesn't last any longer than it does. A complete play-through in which you collect all of the weapon and health power-ups can be completed in around four hours, or significantly less if you're in a hurry and don't want to uncover everything. There are no other modes beyond the campaign, and once the game is finished, all you can really do is revisit the map and bust up the same baddies as before. This is definitely the type of game that encourages speed-runs, but the short campaign is absolutely of note for the one-and-done players.
Conclusion
When playing this game for the first time, it's clear that Xeodrifter is something special. Combining 8-bit style with modern gameplay flair, it takes the best of both worlds and meets at a very comfortable middle. It's not a perfect game, especially when taking into consideration the sometimes frustrating platforming and short campaign length, but that's not to say this one should be ignored. It's not an adventure for the faint of heart, but there's no reason that Xeodrifter should be overlooked by platforming fans – especially those missing a little Samus Aran in their lives.
Comments 50
Meh, will wait for a sale or wait if there is added DLC modes that offer replay value.
coming to Europe in 2016 like all Renegade Kid games
I don't think four hours aren't enough for a $10 game.
What actually strikes is that you highlight the troublesome controls the way you do and yet the game gets a very high grade. Since Mutant Mudds got an even stronger recommendation and I found it just enjoyable I won't buy this one right away when it comes out in Europe (if it does). I'll get it discounted or if user reviews are glowing.
Anyhow, I read all the review and besides what I've outlined I liked it. Good job, although I'd have liked to hear about the music and sound fx (pun intended).
Wow! I was waiting for a review for this game, but that was fast!
Aw nuts. I was planning this day one, but will have to go for Steel Empire while it's still on sale. I'll get this next week. Been waiting for it.
@BinaryFragger
I thought I was the only one. I also didn't care for Mutant Mudds--particularly the platforms that blink on and off. I found those aggravating. This, on the other hand, looks more up my alley.
This game definitely won't do for a Metroid substitue, not even to bridge the wait time until Nintendo finally announces a new one.
What baffles me, however, is that this game costs 10$. Sure, Shantae was even more expensive despite it's very short playtime, but it also has a lot of care for detail and personality. Xeodrifter has neither, and I doubt the games' presentation will drastically change from what the trailer showed.
4 hours. I was afraid of that. Probably 2 or 3 for those of us who don't go for 100%
I often pay more than $10 for lunch, and that never lasts anywhere near 4 hours. I can handle this.
$10 for 4 hours meh, gonna wait for a sale like I did with steamworld dig.
@sevex haha! You have a very huge point!
I also plan to check it out myself.
@sevex Wow. You should be in sales. I was with everyone else, until I read your post. I'm gonna buy it now. Thanks?
Any chance of releasing a few games in the UK/EU, guys?
I've been playing this for an hour now and it's really, really good so far. My only complaint, like the review points out, is that movement isn't as tight as it should be. The very first thing I noticed about the game was that the character moves too fast and doesn't exactly stop on a dime. Which is surprising, considering how tight the controls were in Mutant Mudds.
You kind of get used to it, though. In a way, it makes it a faster, more fluid experience. Either way, I'm having a blast with it. The level of challenge has been pretty much perfect so far, the music and presentation is delightful, the boss battles are fun (and tough!), and the power-up abilities are very clever and add a lot to the gameplay.
Might get this at some point, but not yet
I don't really like Mutant Mudds.. Will this do?
Because I love Guacamelee and from what I read, this game mechanic on handling power up to revisit stages is similar to Guacamelee.
You know this is getting got when it goes on sale.
I'd rather have a 16-bit version.
I'm sooo starved for 2D Metroid type games that even though its $10, I have to get it.
This game sounds really good so I will definitely be picking it up when I am not swamped with games to play!
@Quorthon OMG, yes! Those platforms were evil and basically caused me to stop playing the game. How is the difficulty of this game compared to Mutant Mudds?
I've got one hell of a backlog right now, so this might have to wait. Still this looks utterly charming and fun to play, little disappointed about the controls, but Jools hasn't disappointed me yet, I'll gladly support him with a purchase of this, later
I'm also curious about the difficulty of this game compared to Mutant Mudds. I usually like the exploring and the shooting things on games, but I suck at platforming and didn't like Mutant Mudds very much...
Yeah, prob gonna get this when I get home from my trip...
Sounds good. Add to Wishlist.
It looks pretty effing sweet! I'll buy it down the road.
Tagline should have been "Mutant Metroids."
I'll most likely buy this game around Christmas when I download Captain Toad. I'll get a deluxe digital code to use on it. Since Super Metroid is my favorite game ever and I love Mutant Mudds, this is a must buy for me! I figured this would be pretty short since it got released so quickly, but it doesn't really bother me.
@RenegadeJools Your games are right up my alley! Keep up the good work, and I hope Treasurenauts releases soon!
@bofis @BinaryFragger @Quorthon Mwahahaha! You guys can't handle the flow!
Seriously though, those platforms are especially cruel on some of the V-land levels, but if you can perfect your timing you can do it. I've beaten all the levels several times, but that's because I'm a nut for platformers.
@Gen0neD Haha, no problem. I hope you enjoy it.
Is Xeodrifter coming to Wii U later as well?
I took the plunge as well, though after getting the sub upgrade, I'm stuck where you have to get over a tall wall. Hope I figure out this obstacle soon, lol.
Because I didn't have enough games to buy already.
I'm waiting for Metroid since forever, I'll play everything slightest related to it until it gets announced.
this is full of cheap people
I was looking forward to this but the shortness has kinda dulled my interest tbh.
I'll probably buy this on PC when it's cheap rather than wait 700 years for it to appear on EU 3DS eshop now. Pity :/
I wish I could get it. Sadly this company doesn't keep their promises and I'm disgusted that the rest of MOON isn't available STILL. I'm thinking of calling Nintendo and demanding a refund since it was falsely advertised.
Hmm, sounds interesting. Maybe i buy it, when it comes out in EU.
Downloaded this last night (because I apparently couldn't wait until Christmas day), and I love it. It's so Super Metroid! The art direction is really great too. I love how smoothly the game animates.
@KnightRider666 You probably should investigate another planet. You most likely need an upgrade from one of them.
@AG_Awesome Moon Chronicles is done and the full game will be released really soon.
People are complaining about $10 for a 4 hour game, but I think it's important to put this in perspective. This game was inspired by Super Metroid, which sold for $50-60 in 1994. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $80-96 in 2014 dollars. Maybe a casual playthrough of Super Metroid while exploring everything would take about 6 hours. For $80-96! So, $10 seems like a good deal to me. Games are cheaper now than they've ever been.
@argus: And nobody says you have to finish it only once. It's like fine wine - cheap wine, or fine smelly cheese - cheap cheese. This is fine smelly cheese with some good Sauvignon.
I beat this last night, I only wish it were longer lol.
I thought Mutant Mudds was alright, but nothing special, so I'm a bit apprehensive of RK's games, but I've grown to love the "Metroidvania" sub-genre over the past few years, so I'll keep my eye on this.
There's other games I want to get to first, though.
Look allright to burn some money on while it's on discount
Maybe we should stop calling them metroidvania and coin a new phrase like "side-xploring platformer"
To be honest, I was not that impressed with this game. It's difficulty curve was very strange, with the first boss being balls-to-the-wall hard, to the point where you have to memorize his animations for every attack, but then the rest of the game being very easy. The lack of things to explore also put me off.
However, the main thing I hated about this game was the checkpoints. You almost never saw them. Sure, they were helpful when fighting bosses, but many a time it was incredibly annoying just trying to GET to the boss, because you'd have to start all the way from the beginning if you died. Combined with the fact that some enemies soaked way too many bullets, this system really ruined the game for me.
This game is difficult, yes. But it's not "good difficulty" that rewards you for your skill with the game. It's just filler difficulty that makes you THINK the game is hard, even though it really isn't.
looks great. too bad its like 10 minutes long
@RikuKH So will it still be chapter based or will the remaining portions of the game come all at once?
@AG_Awesome http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-24-renegade-kids-fps-moon-to-receive-episodic-3ds-remake You could google this stuff. People can google about the other games too, but they just don't and just keep on hating. $1.99 / episode, if you've bought the 1st one. All 3 will be released at once.
Well okay, it hasn't been told if it has changed, but why would they change it?
Nice review and nice score. May download someday, a pity about the slippery surfaces though. Alttp also was very slippery. It was one of the things I hated about it.
I would love to support Renegade Kid, but they won't let me do so. Come on, it shouldn't be that hard to bring some games to Europe! It's especially frustrating that Renegade Kid promised games like Mutant Mudds Deluxe would be released in Europe, while in reality they have not even been rated.
I bought this and completed it today. I had a lot of fun but boy was it shorter than I thought it would be. I was hoping for some kind of final planet to unlock to extend the game more (maybe make extreme use of your abilities in this world, like the ghost levels in Mutant Mudds) but it was over in less than three hours. It's a short but sweet experience and I'm glad I waited for the sale.
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