Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xenic delivers a fast-paced shooter experience by placing you in the cockpit of a nimble ZX-G Firefly Type F fighter. From the very first level, the game propels you into an arena where enemy Morziqian ships emerge from every angle, demanding constant vigilance. The controls are straightforward—move with the arrow keys, fire with the spacebar, and unleash smart bombs or a powerful laser beam by combining inputs—yet the sheer number of oncoming targets keeps your thumbs busy and your adrenaline high.

(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 Xenic’s standout features is its weapon and ship upgrade system. After each completed level, the points you’ve earned can be spent in an expansion screen to enhance your current craft or swap to a more formidable model. Choices range from beefed-up ordnance and shield boosts to entirely different ships like the swift 0F4A Aurora or the heavily armored OM Hidride. Deciding between increased firepower and improved maneuverability adds an extra layer of strategy, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel the same.

The inclusion of three distinct weapons—standard fire, smart bombs, and a concentrated laser—also enriches the tactical depth. Standard fire is reliable for thinning out swarms, while smart bombs clear the screen in emergencies, and the laser can blast through tougher adversaries and level bosses. Collecting mint, green, and red orbs from defeated foes to replenish energy, rack up points, or gain bonus points keeps you darting across the battlefield in search of power-ups, making each skirmish an engaging risk-reward calculus.

For those who enjoy cooperative play, Xenic supports two players on the same keyboard, encouraging teamwork as you coordinate attacks and share power-ups. The ability to save progress between levels is a welcome feature for gamers who don’t want to restart from scratch after a single session. Overall, the gameplay loop of intense shoot-‘em-up action punctuated by meaningful upgrades makes Xenic a rewarding challenge for both newcomers and genre veterans.

Graphics

Visually, Xenic embraces a semi-3D perspective that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The camera hovers just behind and above your fighter, offering a clear view of incoming threats and allowing for smooth scrolling through sprawling cityscapes, boundless oceans, the void of space, and the alien terrains of Morzique. Background elements zip by in convincing parallax layers, giving a strong sense of speed and depth.

The design of enemy ships and level environments is surprisingly detailed for its era. Morziqian vessels sport sleek, otherworldly contours and distinct color palettes, making it easy to identify friend from foe in the heat of battle. Explosions, laser beams, and smart-bomb blasts are accompanied by vivid particle effects and color bursts that punctuate each encounter with a satisfyingly explosive flair.

While collision with backgrounds is disabled—preventing frustrating accidental crashes—obstacles affixed to the foreground still demand deft navigation. The water effects on ocean levels shimmer convincingly, and the neon lights of futuristic cityscapes flash in time with ambient electronic music. On the Morzique world, alien flora and strange architecture add new visual textures, preventing the game from feeling repetitive across its seven levels.

All told, Xenic’s graphics strike a fine balance between readability and visual excitement. The 3D scrolling mechanics and detailed sprite work create an immersive atmosphere, even if the polygon counts and texture resolutions would be modest by today’s standards. For fans of classic shoot-‘em-ups, the visual style offers both polish and personality.

Story

The narrative of Xenic unfolds against a richly imagined backdrop of interplanetary politics and looming conflict. Set initially in 2090, humanity has achieved unprecedented peace and prosperity under the Global Union Organisation. By 2195, the eradication of disease and poverty and groundbreaking scientific advances attract the attention of the Morziqians, an alien race from the planet Morzique.

The two civilizations form the United Planetary Nations, a shining example of cooperation—until 2257, when the Morziqians seize political dominance and Earth’s super-population sparks social unrest. When human rebels stake a claim on Mars, the Morziqians place Earth under strict custody. Tensions escalate as a massive Morziqian strikefleet heads toward our blue planet, uniting humanity’s fragmented factions in preparation for the ultimate showdown.

Xenic doesn’t linger on cutscenes or lengthy exposition; instead, it weaves its lore into mission briefings and in-game context. Each level represents a different stage of the conflict—from defending crowded Earth cities and patrolling oceanic perimeters to skirmishing in deep space and penetrating Morzique’s heartland. The story’s high stakes and clear moral urgency propel you forward, giving purpose to the non-stop shooting action.

Though the plot follows familiar sci-fi tropes of alien invasion and rebellious justice, its pacing and setting lend it an authentic sense of scale. You aren’t just blasting generic enemies; you are confronting an oppressive extraterrestrial regime, leading to an emotionally charged finale that brings your fighter face-to-face with imposing bosses and the fate of two worlds.

Overall Experience

Xenic stands out as a compelling tribute to the classic space-shooter genre, blending tight controls, strategic upgrades, and a cinematic sense of scale. The combination of fast-paced action and thoughtful progression systems ensures that players remain engaged throughout the seven diverse levels. Moments of overwhelming enemy onslaught are balanced by the satisfaction of a well-timed smart bomb or a laser beam that cuts through the toughest foes.

The ability to upgrade ships and weapons introduces a welcome RPG-lite layer, encouraging experimentation and replayability. Each craft feels distinct, and choosing the right loadout before tackling a level’s final boss can mean the difference between a triumphant victory and an abrupt game over. The save-between-levels feature further reduces frustration, allowing you to savor each segment without fear of losing all progress.

While the controls and on-screen action can become hectic—especially in two-player mode—the challenge is part of the game’s charm. Xenic rewards precision, quick reflexes, and strategic foresight. Its visuals may not rival modern blockbusters, but the dynamic 3D environments and richly detailed sprites keep the world feeling alive and urgent.

For anyone seeking a retro-inspired shooter with depth, Xenic offers hours of explosive entertainment. Its engaging storyline, robust upgrade mechanics, and heart-racing combat make it a worthy addition to any gamer’s library—whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to interplanetary dogfighting. Prepare to take flight, rally humanity’s defenders, and face the era of chaos head-on.

Retro Replay Score

null/10