Cult Classic Shmup X-Out Returns After 35 Years in Obscurity

Some classics never fade away, and X-Out Resurfaced, launching on February 20, 2025, is a great testament to that truth. Digital pre-orders are available now for those eager to revisit this reimagined classic from the Commodore 64 era.

We often hear that old legends never die, and with X-Out Resurfaced, that’s genuinely the case. It’s a breathtaking, high-definition makeover of the beloved C64 shooter, designed to let you dive into its thrilling action with a modern twist. The revamped visuals are stunning, and the updated control scheme ensures that both newcomers and old fans alike will find themselves immersed in this adrenaline-fueled experience.

What makes the experience unique right from the start is its iconic loadout screen, a revolutionary feature for its time. Here, you can choose your spacecraft, weapons, and options before heading into the frenetic underwater combat that awaits.

Leading the charge is Captain Granger and his trusty vessel, Trilobite. He faces a daunting challenge as the last line of defense against alien forces aspiring to invade through the ocean’s depths. But don’t worry, X-Out Resurfaced isn’t just about going solo against these cosmic threats. A newly introduced two-player mode allows you to team up with friends, proving that sharing the deep-sea dangers makes them just a bit less daunting.

In a fantastic nod to its roots, the legendary Chris Huelsbeck has returned to completely overhaul the game’s soundtrack. His remastered tunes, alongside a few new compositions, serve as the perfect backdrop to this thrilling adventure and are bound to resonate with fans of retro music.

If you haven’t yet secured your copy, pre-order now and prepare to lead the defense when the game drops on February 20, 2025. Good luck, Captain; we’re counting on you!

Bringing it all together, X-Out Resurfaced is brought to life by ININ Games and follows a legacy that started all the way back in 1990. Initially praised for its refreshing approach to shoot ’em-ups—a genre often tied to space—the original X-Out was distinct for its undersea setting and innovative shop system. This allowed players to customize their fleet with various ships and weapons, creating a one-of-a-kind experience with each playthrough.

Now, over three decades later, the classic is back, faithfully rebuilt with the collaboration of ININ and Ziggurat. They’ve taken great care to enhance the game’s sprite work, adding crisp particle and lighting effects that bring every aspect—from enemies to bosses to environments—into beautiful focus.

The classic shop system makes its return, thoughtfully upgraded with preconfigured loadouts and item guides, helping players craft their ideal fleet with ease. If you find the alien forces too formidable, don’t hesitate to invite a friend to join you in local co-op mode. Together, you’ll brave the challenges from the ocean’s depths.

Feeling adventurous? Test your skills with the new Mirror Mode, which flips everything you know about the game in a mind-bending reverse-scroll experience.

To sum it up, X-Out Resurfaced promises to deliver a vibrant update to the classic formula, boasting fresh visuals, an incredible score by Chris Hülsbeck, and plenty of new features to keep you engaged. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer eager to explore this reimagined world, there’s a lot waiting for you beneath the waves.