Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Vigilance on Talos V delivers a tight, Metroid-inspired exploration system that challenges players to methodically search every nook and cranny of the Xenos stronghold. You’ll pilot Killian Jared through twisting corridors, hidden chambers, and gravity-defying platforms as you blast through waves of alien sentries. Progression is driven by acquiring new weapons and gadgets—each upgrade feels earned, from the rapid-fire plasma rifle to the shockwave grenades that pack a devastating punch.

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One of the highlights is the Saturn Ball ability, which cleverly deepens the level design. When Killian curls into this compact form, he can slip through narrow vents and tight passages, uncovering secret stashes and alternate routes. These hidden areas often reward you with energy tanks to boost your maximum health, encouraging backtracking once you’ve unlocked the right tools. This ebb and flow between exploration and combat keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.

Combat encounters are varied and strategic. Enemies range from fast-moving Xeno drones to hulking biomechanical brutes, each demanding a different approach. You’ll learn to switch between shotguns, energy rifles, and specialized grenades on the fly, adapting to enemy weaknesses and conserving ammo for tougher fights. The balance is generally fair, though a few boss battles spike in difficulty—offering satisfying triumphs once you crack their patterns.

Graphics

Vigilance on Talos V sports a richly detailed sci-fi aesthetic that brings the alien base to life. Dark, metallic corridors are bathed in flickering warning lights, while sprawling reactor rooms hum with neon-blue energy veins. Texture work on both the environment and character models is sharp, giving weapons a substantial heft and the Xenos creatures a visceral, otherworldly presence.

Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood. Dynamic shadows ripple across walls as you pass overhead vents, and the occasional power outage plunges entire sections into darkness—forcing you to rely on your suit’s flashlight to navigate. These effects not only heighten tension but also serve as practical gameplay elements, concealing hazards until you’re right on top of them.

While performance is generally smooth, there are occasional frame-rate dips in the more graphically intense areas, particularly during chaotic firefights with dozens of particle effects on screen. On modern hardware, however, these hiccups are minimal and don’t detract significantly from the overall visual spectacle. The result is a visually consistent and immersive world that rewards keen-eyed players with hidden lore terminals and environmental details.

Story

The narrative in Vigilance on Talos V is straightforward but effective, centering on Killian Jared’s desperate mission to rescue his daughter, Celeste, from the clutches of the Xenos. Early cutscenes establish their bond, ensuring that every gunshot and grenade toss carries personal weight. The urgency of a father’s love is palpable, driving you forward through each twisting corridor and alien hive.

Dialogue and voice acting are solid throughout. Killian’s gruff determination is contrasted by moments of vulnerability when he discovers new clues about Celeste’s fate. Informant transmissions and intercepted Xeno chatter pepper the gameplay with snippets of backstory, building tension and revealing glimpses of the alien antagonists’ motivations. This layered storytelling keeps you invested in larger stakes than mere base infiltration.

Plot pacing is generally well-handled, interspersing high-octane firefights with quieter exploration segments. A handful of narrative beats feel rushed—particularly in the thirds act twist—but the game compensates with memorable set-pieces, such as a zero-gravity chase through a compromised laboratory. These cinematic moments underscore the emotional core of the story, reminding you why you’re fighting in the first place.

Overall Experience

At its heart, Vigilance on Talos V is a love letter to classic Metroidvania-style shooters, combining methodical exploration with pulse-pounding combat. The sense of discovery as you unlock new abilities and chart previously inaccessible zones is immensely gratifying, and the variety of weapons ensures that each firefight feels fresh. Even seasoned genre fans will find enough twists on the formula to stay engaged.

The game’s audio design further amplifies immersion: a throbbing synth-driven soundtrack ramps up tension in key moments, while the hiss of alien screeches and the thunderous booms of explosions deliver satisfying feedback in every encounter. Subtle ambient noises—hissing steam vents, distant alarms—lend the base a living, breathing quality that keeps you on edge.

Replay value comes from optional challenges and hidden lore collectibles, which encourage thorough exploration and mastery of the Saturn Ball mechanics. Though a few difficulty spikes may test your patience, the overall package is polished and rewarding. For players seeking a gripping, father-versus-aliens saga wrapped in tight, Metroid-like gameplay, Vigilance on Talos V is a standout entry.

Retro Replay Score

null/10