X-Out: Resurfaced Review
X-Out: Resurfaced is a horizontal shmup set entirely underwater. This release is a remake of the X-out (Pronounced Cross Out in case you were wondering) which was released on a myriad of home computers in the late 80s and early 90s. This remake uses the Amiga version as its base.
Gameplay
Upon launching X-Out: Resurfaced you’ll first be greeted with a humorous faux ‘Cracked by’ screen and promptly taken to the game’s main menu. From here we can choose either Single-player or Multiplayer (never featured in the original version) with a few additional options for sound and controls etc.
Starting a run, you’ll notice that the shop has had a few modifications, namely a predesigned set of three different load-outs to choose from. For the unfamiliar, X-Out has an excellent ship-building mechanic where you can choose your Submarine body, primary & secondary weapons, options (or Satellites as X-Out likes to call them), and special weapon upgrades.
The difficulty is firm but fair, there are no extends or screen-clearing bombs as in the norm in this genre but you can gain additional ships later on and each one has its own rather generous life bar.
A big issue I initially had with X-Out: Refurcfaced is the hitbox detection. It’s not always 100% clear just what is part of the map or foreground. Much like in Darius II, I often found myself with a full health bar getting quite far into the game only to foolishly collide with a part of the map. In fact, I collided with the level geometry so much at first that the game unlocked an armoured hull option in the trainer menu. Personally, I took this as an insult but still, it’s a nice option to have nonetheless and I do have to admit it did make me smile a little when it unlocked.
At the beginning of each level, you have the option to buy additional weapons at the shop with the points accumulated. You can also take the opportunity to buy additional submarines (Up to 9) which I guess you could say act a little like additional extends, although they will each have their own individual load-outs which makes losing a vessel that is fully upgraded quite the sting but at least you avoid a Game Over.
There are 8 levels to work your way through, each ending in a large R-Type style boss. The bosses are a lot of fun and you’ll learn their patterns relatively quickly, although I do wish there was some kind of practice feature for the bosses as there’s nothing more disheartening than to get a Game Over on the latter half of the game only to have to trudge through the rest of the game all over again.
Upon completing the game for the first time, you’ll unlock Mirror mode which allows you to play through the whole game again but inverted with your submarine scrolling from right to left. While a very welcome addition, I would have liked to see some additional content or challenges.
In terms of presentation, X-Out: Resurfaced looks great. It retains the visual style of the Amiga version while adding a nice, subtle illumination effect to sprites, projectiles and a more modern UI. On top of the visual overhaul, there are 3 different versions of the soundtrack to choose from even including the C64 version. I stuck with the ‘New’ mixes and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Conclusion
X-Out: Resurfaced is a challenging and unique shmup that stands the test of time. The new coat of paint really does well to modernize the visuals without running the original art style. The gameplay is just as challenging as ever but there’s always the included trainer menu if you are finding things a little too tough. The ship-building mechanic is fantastic and makes each run a little different unless you are a complete creature of habit.
While I appreciate all the care and effort put into recreating the game’s original 8 levels, it would have been nice to have seen an additional new bonus level or two as option extras. I have my fingers crossed for a remake of the sequel Z-Out!
7.5
Nintendo Switch review code kindly provided by ININ Games