Xeodrifter Reviews
"Mixture of Metroid and Mutant Mudds is not a success story."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
The challenge is certainly steep, but the accompanying sense of accomplishment should please many old school purists.
Summary: There's a scarcity of places to save your game, but it's not enough to pass on Xeodrifter. It's minimalism proves that there's still a place for simplicity, even on modern powerhouse consoles. It's like the first Metroid game only, you know, playable.
Overall, Xeodrifter is a blast. It's a simple game that is held up by its unique upgrades, great music, and brilliantly crafted exploration-based gameplay. If you've got an extra $10 lying around, I highly recommend Atooi's latest Switch release.
Xeodrifter was a lot of fun on Nintendo 3DS when I played it for the first time, and it was still a fun experience on Nintendo Switch – so much that I ended up playing the whole thing from start to finish over a couple of nights. Searching high and low as you unlock new skills to try and find the hidden health power-ups to increase my health bar and gun power-ups to customize my gun with faster bullets, more bullets, a wave beam style option and more is just as addictive as it was the first time, so if you haven't played this game be sure to pick it up today on Nintendo Switch.
It plays great, it's hard to beat but addicting. There's enough content to enjoy looking for, and I honestly think that it's a well-designed game for what it is. It's small, and uses a lot of the same enemies, but that's a huge nitpick on what I think is a great game.
While certainly charming and cleverly designed for its short length, Xeodrifter ultimately feels too disjointed for its own good. Separating the overworld into four, smaller maps is a good idea in theory, but the disconnect between stages takes away the interconnected feeling of exploration Metroidvanias thrive on. Bosses themselves are also a big letdown, especially since the weapon customisation would lend itself well to more varied foes. It's even difficult to recommend Xeodrifter as a beginner's Metroidvania since the early game is far harder than everything that comes after. It's endearing enough and can kill an easy three hours, but there are better Metroidvanias to choose from.
Xeodrifter is an interesting game, in that it's both easy and difficult to recommend. The upside is that this is a finely crafted Metroidvania that oozes quality in almost every fashion, but the downside is that there just isn't a whole lot to it.
Xeodrifter is yet another solid Renegade Kid title that 3DS owners should pick up. It takes the classic Metroid formula, advances it some, but keeps it 8-bit at the same time.
Renegade Kid's throwback to yesteryear in both style and gameplay make for a rather difficult, but ultimately rewarding game that perfectly captures the tone of pulp sci-fi.
Xeodrifter is a short but sweet title. It's got some solid platforming, a well balanced difficulty, and a fun weapon system. It's a bit on the short side but is fun while it lasts, especially if you're still fiending for some Metroid-inspired action.
While Xeodrifter could've benefitted from more levels and a bit more boss diversity (are these guys related?), it's still an enjoyable Metroid clone that fans of the genre will certainly want to venture through. Here's hoping that, if we get a sequel, it's bigger and better.
A five month development cycle has resulted in a focussed and succinct sci-fi action adventure, which sets a fast pace to flow through its bright pixel art presentation, and waft along to its atmospheric chiptunes.
If you're a fan of Metroidvanias then Xeodrifter hits all of the right notes, even if it's a bit simple and can be completed in less than an hour.
It's also unfortunate that there isn't a stronger story arc or antagonist to further improve the experience. Regardless, Xeodrifter is a clever title that'll feel right at home on a PlayStation Vita with its short bursts of gameplay and inspired mechanics, providing a formidable challenge to boot.
It's a highly enjoyable game with a unique take on a genre that's overused in today's gaming landscape.
Xeodrifter is a good game for fans of classic 8-bit platformers and adventure style games alike, providing a fun and challenging gaming experience that rewards smart playing and creative tactics. While the game suffers from a handful of glitches, the overall design and outcome of Xeodrifter is well worth a look for anyone in the market for an old-school experience in a brand new package.
So long as the player expects nothing more from Xeodrifter than what it is very upfront about providing in terms of content, retro-aesthetic and gameplay, then it will be hard to feel disappointed after playing this game. It's not perfect, but there is a sincerity here that is likely to charm even the most sceptical of gamers.
I'm of two minds when it comes to Xeodrifter. It's an homage to a game that I absolutely love, and Renegade Kid did some truly commendable things here. On the other hand, I didn't get much excitement from exploring its worlds. It's a game that will only appeal to the gamers that grew up with the games that inspired it, and even then, it might leave you wanting more.
Renegade Kid took to Xeodrifter with the retro scene in heart, and the end result reflects that. The charm of exploring each planet far outweigh that it's all over a little too quickly.