Classic shoot ‘em ups (shmups) have an enduring appeal, and X-Out: Resurfaced revives one of the genre’s forgotten gems with modern enhancements while staying true to its roots. Originally released by Rainbow Arts for the Commodore Amiga in 1990, X-Out was one of the era’s standout side-scrolling shooters. Now, thanks to ININ and Ziggurat, the game has been completely rebuilt, bringing improved graphics, an expanded soundtrack, quality-of-life upgrades, and a few surprises for both veteran fans and newcomers.
But does X-Out: Resurfaced do enough to justify its return, or is it simply another nostalgia-driven remaster? Let’s take a deep dive.
A Deep-Sea Invasion with Classic Shmup Action
Unlike many shmups that take place in outer space, X-Out stood out for its underwater setting. The game follows a simple but classic arcade storyline—humanity is under attack from an alien force that has made the ocean its home, and you’re the last hope to fight back. Players control a customizable fleet of submarines, navigating horizontally scrolling levels packed with enemies, hazards, and massive bosses.
The underwater setting may not drastically change gameplay mechanics—aside from a few visual touches like air bubbles—but it adds a unique atmosphere that sets X-Out apart from its peers. The remake faithfully retains this setting while adding modern effects, such as enhanced particle and lighting details that bring the deep-sea battles to life.
Modern Enhancements Without Losing the Classic Feel
The most significant changes in X-Out: Resurfaced involve polish rather than reinvention. The original game’s pixel art has been carefully remastered into crisp, high-resolution sprites while maintaining the look and feel of the Amiga-era visuals. Enemy designs, backgrounds, and animations all remain faithful to the source material but now shine with additional detail and lighting effects.
The biggest improvement in gameplay flow comes from removing the original’s long loading times and cumbersome shop interface. In the Amiga version, purchasing and equipping new submarines and weapons was slow and clunky. The remake streamlines this process with clearer UI elements, better explanations for equipment, and preset load-outs for players who want to jump straight into the action.
Another key enhancement is the local two-player co-op mode, a brand-new addition that lets players take on the alien menace together. This fundamentally changes the experience, making it more chaotic, action-packed, and even reminiscent of the bullet hell evolution that shmups would later embrace.
The Unique Fleet System Adds Depth
One of X-Out’s defining features, even in its original release, was its fleet system. Unlike many shmups where players get multiple lives, X-Out gives you just one submarine. However, before starting a level, players can purchase additional submarines and equip them with different weapons. If your active sub is destroyed, the next one in your fleet takes over—provided you had the money to buy extras.
The remake preserves this mechanic, making it a key element of strategy. Players can choose from four types of submarines, each with distinct attributes. Some can carry more weapons, while others focus on speed or durability. The variety of weapons—from basic torpedoes to satellite drones—allows for deeper customization than a typical shmup.
This system is part of what made the original X-Out stand out, and its refined execution in the remake ensures it remains one of the game’s highlights.
Remastered Soundtrack from a 16-Bit Legend
No revival of X-Out would be complete without addressing its iconic soundtrack. The original music, composed by Chris Hülsbeck, was one of the best parts of the Amiga version. Hülsbeck, well-known for his work on Turrican and other classic games, has returned to remaster his original tracks while also composing six new ones for the remake.
Players can choose between the remastered soundtrack, the original Amiga music, or even the C64 versions—a fantastic option for retro purists who want the most authentic experience possible. However, while the music is given plenty of love, some players may be disappointed that the original Amiga sound effects (such as explosions) didn’t get the same treatment.
New Game Modes and Quality-of-Life Features
Beyond graphical and audio upgrades, X-Out: Resurfaced introduces some extra content to spice up the experience:
- Mirror Mode: This mode flips the game, reversing the scrolling direction from right-to-left, providing a fresh challenge.
- Trainer Mode (Cheats): Unlockable cheat options allow for a more forgiving experience, making the game accessible to newcomers who might struggle with its high difficulty.
- Improved UI: The once-confusing shop system is now more user-friendly, with clear descriptions and highlighted weapon slots.
- No More Load Times: The sluggish loading times of the Amiga version have been completely eliminated.
What Works – The Highlights of the Remake
✔ Faithful Yet Modernized Visuals – Beautifully updated sprite work keeps the original’s look while adding modern effects.
✔ Customizable Submarine Fleet – The fleet-building system adds strategic depth rarely seen in side-scrolling shooters.
✔ Improved Shop and UI – No more clunky equipment screens—customization is now quick and intuitive.
✔ Remastered Soundtrack by Chris Hülsbeck – Fans of classic Amiga music will love the new and old tracks.
✔ Local Co-Op Mode – Playing with a friend turns X-Out into a fast-paced, chaotic shoot ‘em up experience.
✔ Mirror Mode for a New Challenge – A simple but effective twist on level design.
✔ Faster Gameplay Flow – No more frustrating load times; the game keeps you in the action.
What Falls Short – Areas for Improvement
❌ Lack of Original Sound Effects – While the music got remastered, the option to use original Amiga sound effects is missing.
❌ Shop Screen Placement – Some players feel the game should start in the shop rather than forcing an initial loadout screen.
❌ Still Brutally Hard – While slightly easier than the original, X-Out remains a tough game that may frustrate casual players.
❌ Limited Innovation – The game doesn’t add much beyond quality-of-life improvements, which may leave those expecting new content wanting more.
X-Out: Resurfaced: X-Out: Resurfaced is a faithful and well-crafted revival of a classic Amiga shmup. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it successfully modernizes the original with refined graphics, smoother gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements. The remastered soundtrack and optional co-op mode make it more accessible, and the fleet-building system adds depth rarely seen in side-scrolling shooters. For fans of classic shmups, this is a must-play—a lovingly restored slice of gaming history. However, for those looking for a more innovative take on the genre, X-Out: Resurfaced may feel more like a polished relic than a groundbreaking new experience. – Obsidian
