Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xak II: Rising of the Redmoon retains the core action-RPG mechanics that made its predecessor a cult favorite. You control Latok Kart in real time, weaving through dungeons and forests as you slash, thrust, and parry against waves of monsters. The combat remains straightforward yet rewarding, emphasizing timing and positioning over flashy button combos. Each enemy encounter tests your reflexes, with some tougher foes requiring precise movement to dodge their special attacks.

(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 👍)

Character progression feels familiar: you earn experience points for every adversary felled, gradually boosting Latok’s health, strength, and agility. Leveling up unlocks new damage thresholds and allows for more durable gear, which in turn opens up previously inaccessible areas. While the leveling curve can feel a bit steep at higher tiers, the introduction of the “Pray to Duel” mechanic adds a strategic layer—you can restore HP in a pinch, provided you have collected enough sacrificial orbs.

Beyond combat, exploration holds its own rewards. Secret passages, hidden treasure chests, and optional side-quests are peppered throughout the world of Xak, encouraging players to stray from the beaten path. Inventory management remains minimalist, forcing you to make tough choices about which healing items and weapons to carry. NPC interactions and town visits break the dungeon trudge with lighthearted dialogue and essential shops for upgrading gear.

Graphics

Graphically, Rising of the Redmoon elevates the Xak series’ signature 16-bit aesthetic. Each sprite is hand-drawn with care, capturing enemy designs that range from snarling goblins to spectral wraiths. Latok’s animation frames are smooth, ensuring that his sword swings and dodge rolls feel visually satisfying. Environmental tilesets span lush woodlands, murky swamps, and infernal caverns, each rendered with distinct palettes that evoke a rich fantasy world.

The game world comes to life through detailed background layers. You’ll notice swaying trees in forest areas and flickering torchlight in castle corridors, lending an immersive quality to every screen. Although the hardware limitations of the era cap the resolution, the art direction makes up for it with vibrant colors and clear sprite outlines. Even minor details—like the glint off Latok’s blade or the dust kicked up during a boss’s landing animation—demonstrate meticulous pixel work.

Cutscenes and map transitions are minimalist but effective. Short story interludes use illustrated portraits and text boxes, providing narrative context without sacrificing pacing. While there’s no full voice acting or FMV sequences, the combination of on-screen visuals and atmospheric chiptune melodies more than compensates, generating a sense of grandeur that belies the era’s technical constraints.

Story

Three years after Latok Kart’s victory over the demon Badu, the world of Xak basks in a fragile peace. That tranquility shatters when one of Badu’s servants, the Necromancer, escapes to rekindle darkness by summoning the Gospel from the demon world Zekisis. This looming threat drives Latok and the pixie Pixie toward the village of Banuwa, where rumors swirl of Latok’s long-lost father. The personal stakes add emotional weight to the quest, making each dungeon delve feel more than just experience farming.

The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, weaving in characters both new and familiar. Townsfolk share whispered legends, sorcerers test your resolve, and enigmatic sages hint at deeper mysteries that connect back to the first game. Dialogue is delivered through text, but the writing strikes a balance between earnest heroism and light humor—Pixie’s cheeky quips offer intermittent levity to offset the mounting dread of demonic incursion.

Boss encounters serve as dramatic set-pieces that reinforce the storyline. Facing down a demon general or the Necromancer’s own undead minions isn’t just a gameplay trial; it’s a narrative climax where the fate of Xak hangs in the balance. While some plot beats follow genre conventions, the father-son subplot gives Latok’s journey an added emotional resonance. By game’s end, you’ll feel both the relief of victory and the bittersweet pang of an adventure drawing to a close.

Overall Experience

Xak II: Rising of the Redmoon stands as a stellar example of early action-RPG design. It refines the formula established in The Art of Visual Stage by offering tighter combat, more intricate level design, and richer world-building. Though it hews closely to its predecessor, the added mechanics—such as HP restoration through prayer—and expanded environments give it a distinct identity within the series.

The game’s pacing carefully balances back-to-back skirmishes with moments of exploration and story development. You’ll find yourself scouring every nook for hidden passages one moment, then eagerly reading dialogue the next as the plot unfurls. Replay value is bolstered by optional areas and side-challenges that beckon completionists, while newcomers can appreciate a straightforward main quest that never overstays its welcome.

For fans of retro action-RPGs, Xak II delivers a satisfying blend of challenge and charm. Its pixel art visuals, catchy soundtrack, and earnest storytelling come together in a package that still feels fresh decades after its original release. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or discovering the series for the first time, Rising of the Redmoon offers an engaging journey through a vibrant, demon-infested realm.

Retro Replay Score

null/10