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Xenoraid: The First Space War

90%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
story, graphics
90% User Score Based on 108 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
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About

"Xenoraid: The First Space War" is a challenging vertically scrolling shoot'em up game with advanced shooting mechanics and AI-driven enemies for dynamic combat. You control a squadron of four fighters, each with unique weapons, and must switch between them strategically to survive. The game features over 40 missions, including intense boss fights, with procedurally generated elements for replayability. Fight against alien threats in mankind's first space war.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot
Xenoraid: The First Space War screenshot

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 108 reviews
gameplay14 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The ship swapping mechanic adds a unique strategic element to the gameplay, allowing players to adapt to different combat situations.
  • The game runs smoothly on lower-end hardware, making it accessible for a wider audience.
  • The variety of ships and upgrades keeps the gameplay engaging and encourages players to experiment with different strategies.
  • The controls can be frustrating, particularly with mouse input, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
  • The game can feel unbalanced at times, with some levels being overly difficult and requiring frequent restarts.
  • The lack of variety in enemy types and repetitive level design can lead to a monotonous gameplay experience.
  • gameplay
    44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by its innovative ship-swapping mechanic, allowing players to choose from four different ships with unique abilities, which adds depth to the traditional shoot-'em-up experience. While the combat is generally smooth and engaging, some players noted issues with floaty controls and repetitive enemy patterns. Overall, the game offers a fresh take on the genre with strategic elements and a well-balanced upgrade system, though its slower pace may not appeal to fans of more conventional shmups.

    • “The upgrade mechanics are not overly 'gamified' - they are within a context of a run and reward mastery, not grinding/play time.”
    • “The action includes a mechanic where you'll get to switch between 4 ships with different primary and secondary weapons, and most of what makes the game interesting is figuring out how best to use these ships and then how to survive when one or more of them gets heavily damaged.”
    • “Classic action gameplay with modern features like procedurally driven missions, fighter switching, and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!”
    • “There is this floatiness to moving left and right which completely ruins the gameplay.”
    • “The enemies are quite repetitive, the cool-down for the shooting is a chore and the overall graphics and gameplay are not really engaging.”
    • “As it stands, Xenoraid is an interesting novelty with ideas that can grow into something more interesting if expanded on, but the slow pace and deliberate gameplay will probably scare off those looking for a more traditional shoot 'em up.”
  • story
    33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in the game is described as decent but ultimately forgettable, serving primarily to connect missions rather than engage players deeply. While there are five campaigns with multiple missions and a backdrop involving alien threats, the narrative lacks depth and variety, with many players feeling it does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the story provides a basic framework for progression but fails to leave a lasting impression.

    • “In between missions, there is a small story regarding the aliens, their persistent encroachment toward Earth, and the world's space fleets must discover the enemy's weaknesses and exploit them.”
    • “The character portraits are nicely done, with a good variety of people represented, while the story is mildly engaging.”
    • “Xenoraid is a fantastic take on the shmup genre, and has plenty of hours of play to be had between the story missions, the harder modes that come after, and a survival mode.”
    • “The story is nothing to write home about.”
    • “The story is oh-so-forgettable.”
    • “Other than that, it's nothing special - there is not enough enemy types, levels only differ by enemy composition and asteroid count, plot and art is simply okay, and clearing out goddamn teleporting starfishes is a chore.”
  • graphics
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as decent and above average for the genre, with well-executed artwork and visually stimulating effects. However, some reviewers note that they lack the polish expected from high-profile titles, feeling more akin to a mobile wave shooter. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the graphics are considered adequate and contribute positively to the gameplay experience.

    • “The gameplay graphics aren't overtly flashy, but they're very well done.”
    • “The game's graphics are quite pleasant, far from the pixelated confusion present in other examples of the genre.”
    • “The artwork is well done and the effects are visually stimulating.”
    • “The graphics and ship handling aren't as what you expect from your typical high-profile or high-budget shmups; it feels more like a wave shooter for mobile.”
    • “Mediocre graphics.”
    • “The enemies are quite repetitive, the cool-down for the shooting is a chore, and the overall graphics and gameplay are not really engaging.”
  • music
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising it as epic and beautiful, while others find it basic and lacking in variety. Overall, it effectively enhances the gameplay experience, creating a sense of urgency, though some players wish for a larger selection of tracks.

    • “The OST is really beautiful.”
    • “Epic music.”
    • “What makes it good instead of passable is great music (not nearly enough tracks, though), ship outfitting, asteroid physics, and enemies coming around to take another swing at you if you miss them.”
    • “The background music is a conventional and solid sci-fi theme.”
    • “The art is pretty good, the gameplay is very fun, and the music is pretty basic.”
    • “Graphics are ok to me while not mind-blowing; I won't go into music, sound effects-wise it is very okay.”
  • replayability
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game offers high replayability, particularly through its survival mode and potential endless mode. However, players express frustration with the limited in-game currency and expensive upgrades, which can hinder the experience after completing the campaign. Enhancements to these systems could further improve replayability.

    • “It provides high replayability, but limited money and overly expensive yet fundamental upgrades can easily strain your budget, without giving your ships decent armament.”
    • “Survival adds replayability once you've beaten the campaign, but the money required for tech and upgrades can be frustrating.”
    • “Maybe they could add this mode as this would add to the replayability.”
    • “This will probably result in better replayability, along with the endless mode.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while the upgrade mechanics are contextually rewarding and focused on mastery rather than sheer playtime, many feel that the process can become tedious due to a lack of enemies and frustrating difficulty spikes.

    • “The upgrade mechanics are not overly 'gamified' - they are within a context of a run and reward mastery, not grinding or playtime.”
    • “Random, tedious, and difficult in frustrating ways.”
    • “It's kind of tedious because there aren't enough enemies!”
    • “The upgrade mechanics are not overly 'gamified' - they are within a context of a run and reward mastery, not grinding/play time.”
  • atmosphere
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is noted for its intriguing linear plot, which enhances the overall immersive experience. Players appreciate how the atmospheric elements contribute to the storytelling, creating a captivating environment that draws them in.

    • “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its intriguing linear plot.”
    • “The game's ambiance creates a captivating experience that keeps you engaged throughout.”
    • “Every detail contributes to a rich atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is notably rare, as it lacks microtransactions typically found in mobile collectible card games (CCGs), making it a refreshing exception in the genre.

    • “That is so rare; it's like finding a mobile CCG without microtransactions.”
    • “That is so rare, it's like finding a mobile collectible card game without microtransactions.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with AI behavior in challenging environments like asteroid fields being mostly reliable. While some players may encounter occasional issues with spawning, these instances are perceived as normal rather than indicative of bugs.

    • “When you're in an asteroid field, they'll try to dodge rocks as best they can, though some with a bad spawn get trapped anyway (and not in a bad, buggy way; it appears normal and reasonable).”
  • humor
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted as quick and effective, complementing its engaging mechanics and local co-op features, while the procedural elements add to the unpredictability and fun.

    • “The humor in this game is spot on, making every moment enjoyable.”
    • “I love how the witty dialogue keeps me laughing throughout the gameplay.”
    • “The comedic timing of the characters adds a delightful twist to the overall experience.”

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