Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Exed Exes delivers classic vertical‐scrolling shooter action from start to finish. Players pilot one of two battle machines—Colonel or Sergeant—through waves of insectoid foes and mechanical hazards. Your ship can move freely across the screen while the background steadily scrolls downward, creating a constant push forward and an escalating sense of urgency.

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Power‐up management is at the heart of Exed Exes’ challenge. Occasional POW icons appear: collect one to unleash a screen-clearing blast, boost your firepower, or magically transform enemies into high-value fruit targets. Chaining these pickups effectively becomes a strategic dance of risk and reward, especially when enemy patterns tighten and fruit icons beckon at the edges of danger.

The two‐player cooperative mode elevates the gameplay further. Friends can join forces, coordinating power‐up grabs and covering each other’s blind spots. Though friendly fire isn’t a concern, screen real estate is, and splitting the playfield can help you tackle swarming foes or rescue a partner who’s strayed into peril. Exed Exes may feel rudimentary by modern standards, but its pick-up-and-play thrill remains addictive and fast-paced.

Graphics

As a mid‐1980s arcade title, Exed Exes sports chunky yet charming pixel art. Enemy Exes resemble oversized insects and futuristic drones, each rendered with bold outlines and bright colors that stand out against the dark, alien backdrops. The mechanical aesthetic of your battle machines contrasts nicely with the organic enemy designs, communicating the clash between technology and nature.

The color palette favors deep blues and purples for the planetary surface, punctuated by neon greens, fiery reds, and brilliant oranges for projectiles and explosions. This high‐contrast scheme enhances visibility in hectic firefights and lends a sci-fi atmosphere that never feels washed out. Backgrounds scroll in a single layer, but minor parallax effects and flicker‐free sprites keep the action clear and readable.

While modern displays may expose its low resolution and occasional sprite flicker, Exed Exes runs smoothly on authentic arcade hardware and faithful emulations alike. Enemies animate with crisp cycles, bullets remain distinct, and fruit icons practically glow on screen. For purists seeking retro authenticity, the graphical limitations become part of the game’s vintage charm rather than a hindrance.

Story

On a planet 6,000 light‐years from Earth, the Exes—giant insect‐like creatures—were bred for industrial labor. But when these bio-engineered workers revolted, humanity responded by dispatching two heavily armed machines, Colonel and Sergeant, to quell the uprising. Their mission: thwart the Exes’ development of a doomsday weapon known as Exed Exes before it’s too late.

The narrative in Exed Exes is delivered sparingly through an introductory screen and brief stage headers. There are no in-game cutscenes or dialog—this is straight-to-the-arcade-action storytelling. Yet the setup provides sufficient context to fuel your motivation: every wave you blast apart inches you closer to preventing planetary annihilation at the pincers of a mutant menace.

Despite its simplicity, the backstory enriches the frantic gameplay by framing each level as a critical battleground. Boss encounters feel like pivotal moments in the war against the Exes, and the looming threat of their secret weapon adds stakes to the unrelenting bullet-hell assault. If you appreciate minimalist storytelling that serves the action rather than interrupts it, Exed Exes hits the right note.

Overall Experience

Exed Exes epitomizes old-school arcade design: simple to learn, brutally challenging to master. Each attempt is a sprint to survive just a little longer, rack up points, and claim bragging rights. While modern shooters often boast sprawling upgrades and narrative arcs, this title reminds players that pure reflex-based fun can be just as compelling.

The two-player co-op mode is a standout feature—piloting alongside a friend not only doubles the firepower but also transforms every near-miss into a shared thrill. Coordinating attacks, swapping power-ups, and reviving each other from the brink of destruction builds camaraderie steeped in pixelated peril.

For those seeking a taste of gaming history or a bite-sized arcade challenge, Exed Exes remains a worthwhile play. Its straightforward mechanics and beguiling enemy design make it accessible to newcomers, while its punishing difficulty curve ensures that veterans will be back for “one more credit” time and again. Whether you’re chasing high scores or exploring the roots of vertical shooters, Exed Exes stands as a crisp, focused slice of retro action gaming.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10