DaRmaZat X-Out: Resurfaced plunges players into an intense underwater shoot ’em up, resurrecting a cult classic from 1990’s home computer era. Faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms, this remake brings back the beloved ship customization system, vibrant visuals, and a fresh coat of polish.
Diving into Familiar Depths
Unlike most shmups that take to the stars, the original X-Out always stood apart by setting its chaotic bullet-hell action beneath the waves. You pilot a heavily armed submarine through deep-sea corridors, fending off an alien invasion lurking in the ocean depths. The story remains a barebones excuse to unleash havoc — no cutscenes, no lore dumps — just you, your fleet, and an endless barrage of enemies.
The game structure follows a consistent rhythm: two levels per biome, a mid-level mini-boss, and a climactic boss fight at the end. Between stages, you can catch a short breather, upgrading your ship and selecting a new primary vessel before diving into the next challenge. The shop system, a standout feature of the original, has been reworked to make fleet customization more accessible. You can choose from pre-built ships or assemble your own war machine using earned credits, with clearer item descriptions and marked weapon slots streamlining the process.
A Visual and Auditory Overhaul
The original’s pixel art has been meticulously transformed into high-resolution sprites, enhanced with particle and lighting effects. The underwater aesthetic is alive with vibrant colors, pulsating enemy designs, and visually busy battlefields. While this remake beautifully modernizes the look, it also means the screen can sometimes feel overwhelming, making it easy to lose track of threats amidst the chaos.
Backing the action is an electrifying synth soundtrack from legendary composer Chris Huelsbeck. You can toggle between remastered tracks and the original chiptune versions if you’re in the mood for nostalgia. The new compositions honor the spirit of the originals, ensuring the soundtrack keeps up with the game’s relentless pace. Unfortunately, the options menu isn’t accessible during gameplay, so you’ll have to choose your preferred soundtrack before diving in.
Tough as Steel, Unforgiving as the Ocean
X-Out: Resurfaced is hard. Not just your typical shmup-hard, but borderline ruthless. The game doesn’t just pit you against waves of enemies — it weaponizes the environment itself. A single touch against obstacles can be devastating, making maneuvering just as crucial as shooting. While your starting credits can grant you an extra life if used wisely, they won’t be enough to shield you from the game’s brutal difficulty spikes.
Unfortunately, currently, there’s no save system — meaning you must complete the game in one sitting. A single run can take under two hours, but expect many repeated attempts before reaching that level of mastery. And then you can try to beat the game again in the Mirror-Mode. Thankfully, the developers included some modern concessions, such as cheats via the trainer menu for those who just want to experience the game without the relentless punishment. There’s also a local co-op mode, allowing a friend to share the burden (or the suffering).
A Few Cracks in the Hull
Despite its faithful recreation, X-Out: Resurfaced isn’t without flaws. Performance is mostly stable, but occasional sound crackling occurs when certain enemy types flood the screen. Additionally, while the graphical overhaul is mostly a boon, some background elements blend too well, causing frustrating deaths from unseen obstacles. A bit more contrast between foreground and background could have improved visibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, X-Out: Resurfaced is a worthy revival of a nearly forgotten classic, bringing back its unique underwater setting and deep ship customization while improving visuals, audio, and gameplay options. However, its merciless difficulty and lack of a save system mean it’s not for the faint of heart. If you thrive on challenge and love fine-tuning your arsenal between deaths, this is a rewarding but punishing experience. If not, the included cheats and co-op mode might be your lifeline.
Additional Information
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher via Tasta.
Developer: KRITZELKRATZ 3000, Rainbow Arts
Publisher: ININ Games
Relevant links: X-Out: Resurfaced on STEAM
