Xeodrifter Reviews
Xeodrifter condenses the core gameplay of Metroid into an experience that blends action and strategy without much filler and that doesn't waste a moment of the player's time in the process. The controls are smooth, while the animation and sound design fits the NES-to-SNES era that Renegade Kid loves to a tee.
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.
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.
I highly recommend Xeodrifter no matter what system you get it on—and by getting it on one, you'll automatically have it on both. It's a win-win!
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.
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.
Xeodrifter is a nice appetizer for whenever Nintendo gets around to making a new Metroid game but it definitely needed a bit more time to cook to make it feel like a more complete experience.
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.
Short, sweet, and tough as nails.
The challenge is certainly steep, but the accompanying sense of accomplishment should please many old school purists.
It may not be anything especially spectacular, but upon completing Xeodrifter, you surely won't regret the time that you've spent with it.
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.
"Mixture of Metroid and Mutant Mudds is not a success story."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
All in all, I was more pleased than displeased with Xeodrifter. As a fan of Renegade Kid, it takes a lot for me to hate anything they make. I found Xeodrifter was quite fun and pretty much unputdownable. My biggest complaints were the lack of unique boss fights and the short time it took to finish it. However, for the price tag of $9.99, I feel I got my money’s worth. I hope to see more such games from Renegade Kid in the future, as they have certainly proven they can do retro right and can handle Metroidvania pretty darn well.