Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xatax delivers a classic side-scrolling shoot-’em-up experience rooted in old-school arcade conventions. From the moment you launch the ancient starfighter, the intensity ramps up as waves of Xatax vessels swoop in from every angle. Each level challenges your reflexes, demanding precise movement and well-timed shots to survive the relentless onslaught. The controls are tight and responsive, ensuring that every barrel roll and laser blast feels satisfying.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the core mechanics is the power capsule system. Defeating enemies causes them to drop capsules that upgrade your weapons or grant shields, creating a rewarding cycle of risk and reward. Deciding whether to rush in for an extra power-up or stay at a safer distance adds a strategic layer to the frenetic action. While the progression is straightforward, the escalating difficulty ensures you stay on your toes—no two encounters feel exactly the same.

The shareware version offers only the first of three worlds, giving just a taste of the challenges ahead. In this limited scope, however, the variety of enemy types—from nimble fighters to massive stationary turrets—keeps the gameplay loop fresh. Players who appreciate tight, arcade-style shoot-’em-ups will find Xatax a satisfying, if brief, test of skill and endurance.

Graphics

Visually, Xatax embraces a retro aesthetic true to its DOS origins. Sprites are pixelated yet distinct, with enemy ships showcasing bold silhouettes that stand out against the star-studded backdrop. While modern gamers may find the visuals simplistic, there’s a nostalgic charm to the flickering explosions and scrolling parallax layers that evoke the golden age of PC gaming.

Each biome introduced in later worlds—ranging from volcanic asteroid fields to alien hive clusters—boasts its own color palette and environmental hazards. Even in the shareware’s first world, you’ll notice subtle variations in background art that hint at the larger universe. Though the graphical fidelity doesn’t compete with contemporary titles, the art direction remains coherent and atmospheric.

Performance-wise, Xatax runs smoothly on period hardware, and dedicated fans have since created modern ports that preserve the original frame rate while offering optional scaling filters. If you’re seeking pixel-perfect authenticity, indicators on-screen keep frame-skipping to a minimum. In short, the graphics may not dazzle in 4K, but they faithfully capture the spirit of early ’90s shooters.

Story

The narrative premise of Xatax is simple yet compelling: in the 25th century, the mysterious Xatax menace sweeps through the galactic Alliance, consuming life energy and growing ever stronger. Humankind’s centuries-long peace left them disarmed, forcing scientists to resurrect an ancient starfighter from the Interguild Museum. This lone vessel becomes the Alliance’s final stand against annihilation.

While the story is primarily conveyed through brief intermission texts, the stakes feel genuine. You’re not just another pilot on a routine mission—you are humanity’s last hope. This urgency adds weight to each skirmish, turning routine enemy waves into desperate battles for survival. Simple though it may be, the narrative effectively frames the action and keeps you invested in progressing through each world.

Because the shareware version includes only the opening act, many narrative threads remain unexplored until you acquire the full game. Hints of a deeper Xatax conspiracy and the origins of the ancient fighter beckon in later stages, encouraging completionists to track down the full release. If you crave a story-driven shooter, be aware that Xatax emphasizes arcade thrills over deep lore—but what it does deliver is concise and atmospheric.

Overall Experience

Xatax stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of arcade-style shooters. Its blend of straightforward mechanics, escalating difficulty, and nostalgic presentation makes it a rewarding challenge for genre enthusiasts. Even with just the shareware portion, you’ll get hours of tight, reflex-based combat that captures the essence of early PC gaming.

That said, newcomers accustomed to contemporary productions may find the absence of modern conveniences—like checkpoints, save states, or elaborate tutorials—a bit jarring. Patience and practice are critical as enemy patterns grow more complex. Yet for players who relish old-school toughness and seek a pure shooting experience, Xatax delivers in spades.

Ultimately, Xatax is a charming relic that still packs a punch. Its simplicity is its strength, providing an uninterrupted rush of laser fire and power-up grabs that’ll have you reaching for one more life. If you’re intrigued by its premise and eager for a retro shooter fix, the shareware first world offers a solid glimpse—while the full game promises the complete, adrenaline-fueled saga of humanity’s last starfighter.

Retro Replay Score

null/10