Exophobia is a game developed by Jose Castanheiry, also known as Zarc Attack. This is his first commercial project, and it has been in the works for many years. You can find early development footage from 2020 when the game was still in its infancy. Now, it’s finally out. The game was released on July 23, 2024.
Although Exophobia looks and feels like a classic boomer shooter, it is quite different in many ways. It’s not just about the slower pace of shooting, which is typically fast in such games, but also the player’s progression model. Here’s a closer look at what Exophobia offers and who it might appeal to.
A Blast from the Past
Exophobia is a true throwback to the past. It’s designed exactly like old-school shooters – the crosshair moves only horizontally, movement options are very limited, and there are no markers or hints guiding you on where to go.
The story is minimal. You find yourself on an alien-infested ship, moving from floor to floor, trying to clear out the invaders. The narrative, if you can call it that, is mostly found in scattered journals throughout the levels.
Combat in Exophobia isn’t fast-paced. The limited arsenal is slow, requiring a methodical approach to eliminate enemies. You’ll often find yourself hiding around corners and using the slide move to avoid enemy fire and stun foes. This move adds a bit of chaos with its speed but is crucial in the heat of battle.
A Retro Adventure
Despite its retro shooter appearance, Exophobia plays more like a Metroidvania. The game is set on a multi-level map where new corridors unlock as you obtain specific upgrades. This exploration element overshadows the shooting aspect.
Exophobia’s world is unapologetically challenging. The ship’s layout is confusing, the map is hard to read, and it’s easy to get lost. The floors may change color slightly, but most rooms look very similar. You’ll encounter the same doors, buttons, and enemies repeatedly. This old-school design means you need a good sense of direction and a love for exploration.
The game relies heavily on players finding the right path on their own. You’ll often be searching for hidden buttons or timed switches, sometimes not even knowing where you need to go next.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The movement and gunplay feel great. You’ll need to manage your weapons carefully, using slower, methodical tactics rather than the frantic pace of typical boomer shooters. Your initial weaponry will do well enough early on, but as you face more foes, you’ll need to upgrade.
One of the game’s main features is its metroidvania-style progression. You navigate through the ship’s corridors and rooms, which often look very similar. Progress is tied to finding upgrades that let you access new areas, so backtracking is a big part of the experience. However, the ship’s layout can be confusing, and the map isn’t very user-friendly. Often, I found myself wandering, trying to remember where I had seen a locked door that I could now open with a new upgrade. The repetitive look of the different floors doesn’t help much either, making it easy to get lost.
Atmosphere and Presentation
The pixel art in Exophobia is well-done, creating a bleak and oppressive environment that suits the game’s setting. The music is another highlight, effectively setting the mood and increasing the tension during fights. Despite the good atmosphere, the repetitive environments and enemies start to feel monotonous after a while. You’ll often find yourself in what seems like the same room, fighting the same enemies over and over. This repetition can make long play sessions feel tiresome.
Exophobia offers various difficulty settings, making it accessible to both casual players and those looking for a challenge. The boss fights, especially on higher difficulties, require more than just shooting; you need to learn their patterns and plan your attacks. This adds a nice layer of strategy to the game.
However, some design choices can be frustrating. The map battery mechanic, which forces you to recharge your map at save points, is particularly annoying. It breaks the flow of the game, adding unnecessary hassle to exploration.
Is worth playing?
Exophobia: Exophobia is a throwback to classic games, with a sprinkle of modern design elements. It’s a nostalgic trip for those who love old-school shooters and metroidvania games. The slow, careful pace and emphasis on exploration set it apart from today's faster-paced shooters. However, the game’s repetitive nature and some frustrating design choices might not appeal to everyone. – Tom Henry
If you enjoy retro games and the challenge of navigating complex, maze-like environments, Exophobia has a lot to offer. It’s not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its style and approach, it can be a rewarding experience.
