Review: X-Out: Resurfaced (Nintendo Switch)

I’ve recently learned the X in X-Out: Resurfaced is pronounced “cross.” Consider that as you read this review. Also be sure to consider this is an X-tremely (pronounced “x”) challenging, side-scrolling shoot ’em up from the Commodore 64 days, effectively polished for modern consoles.

The thematic difference between X-Out and competing retro shmups is this one takes place underwater. You’re not flying a space ship, but piloting a submarine through oceanic caverns and civilizations full of myriad enemies seeking to curb your progression. The aquatic setting doesn’t alter gameplay much, but it allows for some nice backgrounds and level-design choices. It helps X-Out distinguish itself from similar games.

Actually, it distinguishes itself even before you start exploring the depths. After a somewhat bizarre introduction, you’re given a budget to build your submarine. Originally, you had to build your own from scratch. Now, you’re also given three pre-built options. You can go for the more well-equipped (and, therefore, more powerful) sub, but that will leave you less money for customizations as you progress…and there are many customizations available The top-of-the-line model isn’t always best for the task, but I found it safer to start there, get my butt handed to me, then start over (there are no continues) with a sub accessorized to compensate for my shortcomings.

I never found the need to build my own sub from scratch; I’ll leave that to the engineers.

This is a good system that rewards experimentation, and it helps the player deal with the frustration that stems from games of this difficulty. When I see phrases such as “highly challenging” in press releases and eShop writeups, I assume that’s shorthand for “unfair.” But X-Out is not. The game expects you to learn and optimize. And considering the multiple options for doing so, it’s a fun process. Having trouble with a particular enemy at ground level? Buy a new weapon, place it on the bottom of your sub, and get him next time.

And it’s great that one of those options for doing better includes the ability to play in single-system co-op.

Whether alone or with a partner, gameplay can be tricky at first because you’re not given many instructions. I suggest checking the controller mapping before you start, as you’ll obviously want to know how to fire your special attacks or turn on auto-fire. Beyond that, though, you’re simply piloting your sub through narrow corridors, trying to take out the enemies firing at you from numerous positions.

It’s a lot to take in visually—especially when contact with oceanic obstructions can one-hit kill. But that’s part and parcel for shoot ’em ups. The “resurfaced” graphics do a lot to help clean up the process. Backgrounds are now more easily distinguished from enemies and enemy fire, for example (although I occasionally ran into a wall or structure I didn’t even see coming). If you try to focus on just one threat, you’re likely not going to make it very far.

The enemy designs are pretty cool, too—an odd blending of sea life with robotic technology that creates an overall creepiness. Want an octopus with rocket launchers? It’s in there.

The boss designs are especially cool, although they’re difficult to appreciate while rage quitting. With no continues, it’s back to the very start when one of these behemoths take you out. You can use your earned money on an extra sub, though…and cheats are available if things get too tough.

The music is worth a nod, too. It’s the typical high-adrenaline techno stuff you expect in a game like this, but it’s been remastered by the original composer, Chris Hülsbeck. Prefer the originals? No problem. You can listen to the soundtrack in three different modes. Chiptune audio just nails that nostalgic feeling, doesn’t it?

The enhancements don’t stop with graphics, audio, and UI improvements. There’s a mirror mode that allows you to play the game in reverse. I considered this pointless until trying it and realizing how foreign it feels to have the action move from right to left. Why that made the game even tougher, I can’t say. I guess my brain has just been trained that left to right is the natural progression of life.

This is the long way of saying that X-Out: Resurfaced does more than enough to make it an enticing option for shoot ’em up fans or those just looking for an action-filled arcade experience. You’ll need to be dedicated (or willing to rely on cheats) to play it to the end, but the game will work hard to keep you entertained all the way through.