Exo-Calibre

There’s something fun and magical about a solid bullet hell shooter - the firework graphics, pixel-perfect movement and almost zen-like feeling when you just fly through a stage on pure instinct. Exo-Calibre manages to evoke the feeling of classic 90’s shooters like Konami’s Twinbee, starting with the familiar setting of the first level and its little green islands in a sea of blue, with fluffy clouds floating by. In this sense it certainly wears its influences on its sleeve.

Evoking the hits of the past isn’t the same as matching them however, and while Exo-Calibre is bright and lively, with a lovely anime aesthetic for the character designs (think Trigger Heart Exelica) it never reaches the gameplay heights of its inspirations. But more on that shortly.

The story is fairly by-the-numbers, with a rogue AI threatening humanity and your corp of flying aces, the Ex-Calibre Knights tasked with wiping it out. But we're hear for explosive action, not heady narrative. Each fighter does have their own personality though, lending an air of fun to their interactions throughout the game.

Exo-Calibre's gameplay revolves around firing and deflecting incoming enemy fire, the latter of which is highly satisfying when you can turn an incoming barrage against those that launched it. You can also boost across the screen to get you out of tricky situations, so all in you have plenty of control over your nimble character of choice. Interestingly there are no  genre-staple bombs to clear the screen or traditional power ups, rather the game will allow you to pick up scraps and trade them for upgrades between the game’s six levels. Whether this makes the gameplay more streamlined or undercooked depends on your personal preference, but I didn't really miss them if I'm honest.

Initially, you have three pilots to choose from, each with their own attack pattern that you can challenge yourself to master, with two more to unlock as you make your way through Arcade, Story and Time Challenge modes. 

Of these modes, Story provides infinite lives and is probably the best way to experience the narrative, as Arcade mode is deeply punishing at times, with the added niggle of off-screen attacks that cheapens the loss of now limited available lives. 

Upgrades are traded for scrap between levels - even the shop-keeper is a cutie!

The colourful 90's anime aesthetic is fun, with some beautiful pixel art to evoke your 90's nostalgia - you can add a CRT filter too if you want that retro goodness cranked to 11. The music is upbeat and never grates, so in terms of a visual and audio experience, the game feels pleasingly authentic. 

While newcomers will likely enjoy much of what is presented, those familiar with the genre will find a few of its oversights irritating. There are no tutorials, you can't skip cut-scenes (all the more annoying when restarts insist on placing you at the beginning of them every time) and unfortunately it commits two big shmup sins - the game's structure is, unfortunately, quite repetitive and the pacing is a bit slow, so it can become a tad dull when it should be surprising and driving you forward. Never to the point of frustration, but just often enough to take a little polish off the game overall.

But when I look at what you're being asked to pay for this game, I have to tip my hat. For under £6 you're getting an attractive, fun game with unlockable pilots, 3 gameplay modes and smooth gameplay all wrapped up in a pleasing retro aesthetic with likeable characters. It is, frankly, an absolute bargain that allows me to overlook some of the flaws and give it a recommendation. Future updates may address the minor niggles, but even as presented I had a great time with the game and appreciated the game as a loving homage to a much-loved genre.