Xenoraid (PlayStation 4) Review

Xenoraid is a pretty simple game, but is surprisingly fun. To get the bad out of the way first, the graphics are pretty poor, the story leaves a lot to be desired, and near the end it gets really repetitive. That being said, for the type of game it is, it is enjoyable. Essentially, it is like old-school Galaga mixed with RPG elements.

Xenoraid goes back to an older style of gameplay compared to shmups of dodging a million bullets; it is more about having a weaker ship, dodging and positioning shots against smaller groups of enemies. Despite this, it can still be very hard.

The action sees players going in with a squad of four ships, and as weapons are fired, they overheat and new ships must be swapped in. This design is very interesting, as each ship often has different weapons, with some good versus bosses, whilst smaller ships can be good for clearing out hordes. Especially as ships take damage, there is an element of trying to minimise the hits being taken so as to not bring out ships almost dead.

In between missions, ships can be upgraded. Each one has things that can be improved, such as giving it rockets, a stealth field, or bigger explosions on the bombs. As the game progresses, a fun part is seeing the weak little shuttles slowly develop into advanced fighters that have laser guns, cloaking fields, EMP bombs, and so on.

Xenoraid is pretty simple and can be beaten in about three to four hours, and while there is a story, it is pretty barebones, which is unfortunate. This is not the type of game that is going to blow minds or win awards, but for a fun space shooter romp it works.