Originally X-Out was a 2D horizontal shooter for computers like the C64 and Amiga.  And now you can play the later version on most current consoles (reviewed on Switch here) with X-Out: Resurfaced.  While most 2D shooters are set in space, this one is a little more unique in that you’re underwater.  In that way, it reminds me of a classic arcade shooter from Irem called In the Hunt.

When you first start, you have a bunch of credits you can spend on different ships and weapons.  This is kind of neat because it lets you play around and see which combos work for you.  I only wish you could test them out before starting a level, because a lot of trial and error is involved otherwise.  In between levels you’ll get another chance to spend earned credits on more power-ups, too.  Play control is simple, and all you really need to know is that the R2 button does rapid fire.  You can take a few hits before you explode, but running into ships will take more damage than bullets, and running into a wall is always fatal.

I had a few problems with this one. Even though you can view the controls, I do wish there still was some instructions for how the shop worked and whatnot.  You move slow and your hitbox is huge, so avoiding attacks is sometimes nigh impossible.  And unless you bought extra ships, once you die it’s Game Over and there are no continues, so the game is just too darn hard.  It also would’ve been neat if they let you play the C64 version as well as the Amiga one.

I don’t really have a nostalgic attachment for X-Out as I never had those computers as a kid.  But I can understand why this might be appealing for someone who had fond memories of it.  Heck, I certainly wouldn’t mind playing some old PC games on new consoles like the vertically scrolling shooter Tyrian or the Jazz Jackrabbit games!

Kid Factor:

X-Out: Resurfaced is rated E-10 with an ESRB descriptor of Fantasy Violence.  You shoot underwater craft that explode and that’s it.  Reading skill is helpful for the text, but not necessary just to play.  Younger gamers may find it too difficult, though.

Tags: Game Reviews