Truxton Extreme: Xbox Series X Review

Developed by Clear River Games
Published by Clear River Games
Platform: XBox Series X

It's hard to believe that shoot-em-ups endure after so long - especially in a world where gaming has become more immersive, more story-driven and more visually rich.

Yet at their heart, the simplicity these games bring with them continue to be their USP - and along with nostalgia for the days back when, the genre continues to grow and endure.

The latest reappearance of an old franchise is the Genesis favourite Truxton, which last vertically blasted its way onto screens some 38 years ago. 

Retooled for the next gen consoles without losing any of its sheen, the game follows the simple method of dodging bullets, shooting enemies and trying to survive - as mentioned, it's simplicity itself and while there is a story mode which incorporates comics and episodic edges, the game really is just keen to continue to do what it needs to - provide bullet-filled levels of colourful chaos.

With power ups to collect and bombs to deploy which soak up both enemy health and on-screen bullets, the game makes use of its mechanics to provide a gameplay experience which is both enjoyable to endure and also offers up a challenge that's hard to sometimes beat.

It helps the package has included a range of modes, from the more forgiving Heart Starter mode to allow you to get used to it, an Arcade style which brings continual action and a 2-minute time trial which is about clearing the enemy away in record time.

Quite happy to do what it says on the tin, Truxton Extreme offers a solid blast of nostalgia to wile away the shoot-em-up urges. It may not deviate from what it has to do, but in truth, that's no bad thing.