Xeno Crisis is an arena shooter in which up to two players take control of battle-hardened marines embarking on a deadly mission to confront an alien menace! Run and gun your way through thousands of adversaries, searching for survivors, and ultimately facing the origin of the outpost's demise.
The game casts players as battle-hardened marines fighting through waves of alien adversaries in a randomly generated research outpost. The core gameplay loop revolves around running, shooting, and dodging as players navigate each level.
Players consistently praise the game's tight, responsive controls. The classic twin-stick setup, with one stick moving the character and the other aiming their weapon, allows for precise movement and accurate targeting, essential for navigating bullet-hell environments and efficiently dispatching enemies.
Reviewers widely regard the game as extremely challenging, but fair and rewarding. The difficulty stems from the sheer number of enemies and projectiles players must contend with, demanding quick reflexes and careful positioning. However, with practice and mastery of the game's mechanics, the challenge, while daunting, remains enjoyable and satisfying to overcome.
Throughout each level, players can collect dog tags from defeated enemies to purchase weapon and character upgrades between areas. This system allows players to tailor their playstyle, investing in areas like increased health, weapon power, or additional grenades. The game also features a variety of special weapons, such as shotguns, lasers, and rocket launchers, that can be temporarily picked up to provide situational advantages.
A key feature that enhances replayability is the randomly generated level layouts. Each time players start a new run, the arrangement of rooms, enemy placements, and item locations differ, ensuring no two playthroughs are exactly the same. This unpredictability keeps the gameplay fresh and forces players to adapt their strategies on the fly.
The game supports local cooperative play for up to two players. Reviewers praise the co-op experience, noting that it adds an extra layer of challenge and coordination as players work together to navigate the chaotic environments and support each other.
Visually, the game features excellent pixel art and detailed, atmospheric environments. The chiptune-inspired soundtrack, composed by Savaged Regime, is widely acclaimed for its energetic, high-impact music that perfectly complements the frantic action.