Extraneum is an old-school, sci-fi single-player first person shooter with an emphasis on exploration and secret hunting. Fight your way through biohacked monstrosities and stop their progress before they take control of the entire world.
The game features a varied arsenal of 12 unique weapons, including a trusty SMG, chunky shotgun, devastating grenade launcher, and more. Reviewers praise the feel and responsiveness of these firearms, noting that each one serves a distinct purpose and is a joy to wield. The combat demands skill and resource management, as enemies hit hard and ammo can be scarce, forcing players to make every shot count. However, the challenge never feels unfair, with deaths consistently attributed to the player's own missteps.
The 24 levels boast a maze-like, non-linear design that encourages thorough exploration. Players can revisit completed areas to uncover hidden secrets, alternate paths, and permanent upgrades for their health, armor, and ammo. Reviewers highlight the sense of reward and accomplishment that comes from hunting down these elusive collectibles, some of which even grant access to bonus levels. While the labyrinthine layouts can occasionally lead to frustration, the inclusion of respawn points and the ability to spend in-game currency on revivals help mitigate the sting of backtracking. Reviewers suggest that visual cues or a map could further improve the navigation experience.
Overall, the gameplay in this "boomer shooter" is praised as a faithful and compelling homage to classic first-person shooters of the 90s. The tight controls, satisfying arsenal, and well-designed levels create a challenging yet rewarding experience that encourages both skill and curiosity. Despite some occasional frustrations with the maze-like environments, the game's high production values, variety of secrets, and balanced difficulty make it a standout entry in the genre.