Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X Squad delivers a tight, action-oriented third-person shooting experience that keeps you on your toes from the opening mission. You take direct control of Ash, whose ability to crouch, roll and take cover injects a satisfying layer of tactical movement into every firefight. The controls feel responsive, ensuring that diving behind obstacles or sprinting into prone positions never interrupts the flow of combat.

What sets X Squad apart is its squad-based design. Although you only directly pilot Ash, you can issue general orders—such as “advance,” “hold position,” or “provide covering fire”—to your three AI companions. This system strikes a nice balance between solo shooter and full-blown squad management, allowing you to focus on the thrill of combat while still enjoying the feeling of leading an elite unit.

The enemy variety keeps engagements fresh throughout the roughly 10–12 hour campaign. Normal foot soldiers present steady opposition, automated turrets force you to think on your feet, and occasional boss encounters demand a blend of strategy and reflexes. Mission objectives go beyond simple elimination: you’ll be hitting switches to open sealed doors, hacking terminals, and navigating environmental hazards in order to advance.

Difficulty options let you tailor the challenge—from a more forgiving “Recruit” level up to the punishing “Veteran” mode that tests your mastery of movement and squad commands. Checkpoints are generously spaced, but success still rewards careful planning and quick reactions. Even in higher difficulty tiers, the game never feels unfair, making X Squad a satisfying pick for shooter fans of all skill levels.

Graphics

The visuals in X Squad shine with a polished futuristic aesthetic. Environments range from neon-lit urban sprawls to sterile, high-tech research labs, each rendered with crisp textures and meticulous detail. Whether you’re weaving through dimly lit maintenance tunnels or storming a fortified compound, the world of 2037 feels lived-in and immersive.

Character models are well-crafted, with Ash and his companions sporting distinctive gear and armor sets that reflect their roles in the squad. Facial animations during cutscenes bring a surprising level of emotion to key story beats, and weapon models look and feel substantial, with realistic recoil animations and muzzle flashes that heighten the sense of impact.

Particle effects and lighting are standout features. Explosions send debris flying in all directions, smoke swirls dynamically around barricades, and lens flares punctuate high-intensity moments with cinematic flair. Night missions benefit from nuanced shadow work, making stealthy approaches feel rewarding and tense.

Even on mid-range hardware, X Squad maintains a stable framerate, with ultra settings rewarding those with beefier rigs. Load times are kept to a minimum, ensuring that you spend more time in the action and less time staring at progress bars. Overall, the graphical presentation never overshadows gameplay—it complements it beautifully.

Story

At its core, X Squad weaves a compelling sci-fi thriller set in the year 2037. You step into the boots of Ash, leader of an elite soldier unit known as X-Squad, when a cryptic message hints at the kidnapping of Dr. Bianca Noble, the mind behind the mysterious Project Medusa. From the outset, the narrative hooks you with questions about the nature of the experiment and the forces conspiring against you.

The pacing hits a satisfying rhythm. In early missions you’re gathering intel and rescuing hostages; by the midpoint you’re peeling back layers of betrayal, discovering that Project Medusa may hold the key to a weapon of unimaginable power. The plot twists—such as revelations about a mole within X-Squad—land with genuine impact, and the balance between action sequences and story-driven interludes keeps momentum high.

Character development is a highlight. Ash’s quiet determination contrasts nicely with the more vocal personalities of his three companions, each of whom has moments to shine. Dialogue is snappy, often laced with wry humor even in the heat of battle, and voice acting is uniformly strong, lending credibility to emotional scenes and conveying the stakes of every mission.

While the overarching narrative doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers a polished story that feels more cinematic than cliched. The final act escalates into a nail-biting showdown that ties up major plot threads while leaving just enough unanswered to fuel speculation about a potential sequel. Anyone invested in military sci-fi will find the story a solid draw from start to finish.

Overall Experience

X Squad strikes a harmonious balance between accessible shooting mechanics and strategic squad command, resulting in a gameplay loop that remains engaging throughout its campaign. The learning curve is gentle enough for newcomers to the genre yet offers depth for seasoned players aiming for higher difficulty tiers and flawless runs.

Visually, the game impresses with detailed environments and robust lighting effects that bring its futuristic world to life. Performance is rock-solid across a wide range of systems, making it easy to recommend to players without top-of-the-line hardware. The polished audio design, from thundering weapon fire to an atmospheric soundtrack, further elevates the immersion.

While the story follows familiar sci-fi tropes—secret experiments, shadowy conspiracies, and high-stakes rescues—it’s delivered with enough flair and strong voicework to feel fresh. Character moments are handled well, giving you reason to connect with your AI teammates beyond their combat roles.

In summary, X Squad offers a compelling package for fans of squad-based shooters and action enthusiasts alike. Its solid mechanics, cinematic presentation, and gripping narrative make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a thrilling single-player experience in a near-future setting. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of unravelling Project Medusa or simply looking for adrenaline-fuelled combat, X Squad delivers on almost every front.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10