Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Expendable throws you straight into the heart of non-stop, reflex-driven combat. From the very first level, you’ll find yourself dodging enemy fire and weaving through hordes of alien invaders with little respite. The control scheme is straightforward—aim, shoot, and blast your way forward—but the sheer volume of foes ensures you stay on your toes throughout all 20+ stages.

(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 👍)

Level design alternates between tight indoor corridors and sprawling outdoor arenas, keeping the pacing brisk and unpredictable. You’ll sprint through abandoned space stations one moment and wage all-out battles on alien deserts the next. Each environment is packed with explosive barrels, destructible crates, and hidden weapon caches, rewarding thorough exploration even under heavy fire.

Perhaps the most addictive element is the arsenal: 18 unique weapons to collect and upgrade. Whether you prefer the rapid-fire pulse cannon or the earth-shattering particle accelerator, power-ups and ammo pickups are frequent enough to let you experiment. On top of the solo campaign, Expendable also offers two-player cooperative and deathmatch modes, adding replay value for friends eager to team up or go head-to-head in high-octane firefights.

Graphics

Despite its late-’90s heritage, Expendable’s 3D engine still impresses with sharp polygonal models and vibrant textures. Enemies range from insectoid scouts to hulking tank-like brutes, each rendered with enough detail to distinguish weak points and weapon attachments. The color palettes shift dramatically between levels, ensuring that no two stages feel visually repetitive.

Environmental effects—rumbling floors, sparks flying from damaged conduits, and occasional weather effects outdoors—add mood and immersion. Explosions light up the scene with particle effects, giving each rocket and grenade a satisfying punch. Fade-in of distant enemies and dynamic lighting during boss encounters remind you that this shooter was pushing hardware boundaries in its day.

Performance remains solid on modern hardware, with frame rates holding steady even in the most chaotic firefights. The HUD stays unobtrusive, displaying health, ammo, and weapon selection cleanly in the corners. While not a photo-realistic showcase by today’s standards, Expendable’s bright, bold aesthetic still conveys the high-intensity sci-fi action at its core.

Story

Set in the year 2463, Expendable’s narrative is a classic “last stand” scenario: vicious aliens have swept across human colonies, obliterating Novocastria’s population in a single, devastating assault. Earth’s militaries are on the brink of collapse, and only one operative stands between total annihilation and a chance for humanity to strike back.

You assume the role of the Millennium Soldier, a lone hero genetically enhanced and armed to the teeth. Brief text interludes and in-game mission briefings outline your progress: secure key installations, rescue captive scientists, and sabotage alien command posts. Although there are no cinematic cutscenes to speak of, the story is told effectively through environmental cues, on-screen prompts, and escalating mission objectives.

While the plot isn’t as deep as a narrative-driven RPG, it provides solid motivation for your relentless push forward. Each level feels like a new chapter in the human fightback, culminating in tense final battles against towering alien war machines. The simplicity of the story lets you focus on what Expendable does best—fast-paced action and continuous firefights.

Overall Experience

Expendable remains a thrilling ride for anyone craving old-school, run-and-gun sci-fi mayhem. Its straightforward mechanics make it instantly accessible, while the depth of its weapon variety and level design keep the action feeling fresh. Whether you’re mowing down waves of grunts or coordinating rocket strikes in two-player co-op, there’s a visceral satisfaction in every firefight.

Though it lacks modern trappings like elaborate storytelling or open-world exploration, the pure adrenaline rush on offer here is undeniable. The challenge curve is well-balanced, gradually introducing tougher enemies and environmental hazards that force you to adapt. Replay modes like deathmatch add longevity, inviting you to master each weapon and map layout.

For fans of classic third-person shooters and anyone looking to relive the golden age of fast-paced arcade-style action, Expendable delivers on its promise. With over 20 intense levels, an arsenal of 18 distinct weapons, and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer, this game still packs a punch worth experiencing today.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10