Xenon Valkyrie+ - An Anime-Inspired Shooter That Will Have You Saying Just One More Run!

In the vibrant world of indie games, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such treasure is Xenon Valkyrie+ an electrifying run-and-gun adventure that marries classic arcade action with anime aesthetics and a surprisingly deep upgrade system. Developed by Muse Games and published by PQube, this title initially released on PC in 2016 before making its way to consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.
Xenon Valkyrie+ plunges you into a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by monstrous creatures known as “The Scourge.” Humanity’s last bastion of hope lies with the Valkyrie Squad, elite warriors equipped with futuristic weaponry and powerful cybernetic enhancements. You step into the boots (or rather, metallic legs) of one such warrior, tasked with eradicating the Scourge and uncovering the secrets behind their emergence.
Gameplay: Fast-Paced Action Meets Strategic Depth
At its core, Xenon Valkyrie+ is a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter reminiscent of classics like Contra and Metal Slug. You’ll navigate treacherous levels filled with hordes of grotesque enemies, utilizing a variety of weapons and abilities to carve a path through the carnage.
Weapon | Description |
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Pulse Rifle | Your starting weapon - reliable but lacks punch. |
Shotgun | Devastating at close range but limited ammo. |
Plasma Cannon | Fires powerful energy beams, great for clearing clusters of enemies. |
Missile Launcher | Unleashes explosive homing missiles on larger targets. |
The game shines not just in its frenetic action but also in the depth it offers through its upgrade system. As you defeat enemies and progress through levels, you’ll earn “Valkyrie Points” which can be spent to unlock new weapons, enhance existing ones with additional firepower or special effects (like homing bullets or explosive rounds), and bolster your Valkyrie’s stats (health, armor, speed).
This constant sense of progression and customization keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. Experimenting with different weapon combinations and playstyles is crucial to conquering the game’s increasingly challenging levels.
Visuals & Sound: Anime Meets Arcade
Visually, Xenon Valkyrie+ embraces a vibrant anime aesthetic. Characters are designed with exaggerated features and fluid animations, reminiscent of classic mecha anime series. The environments, while mostly industrial and desolate, are peppered with neon accents and futuristic details that add a touch of cyberpunk flair.
The soundtrack perfectly complements the action, featuring energetic electronic music tracks that amp up the intensity during boss fights and frantic shootouts. Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, adding to the overall impact of every bullet fired and enemy vanquished.
A Challenging Adventure That Rewards Persistence
Xenon Valkyrie+ is not for the faint of heart. It’s a demanding game that will test your reflexes, precision, and tactical thinking. Death comes quickly, but thankfully the game features a generous checkpoint system. This allows you to learn enemy patterns, master level layouts, and refine your strategies without losing too much progress.
The real satisfaction in Xenon Valkyrie+ comes from overcoming those challenges. Each successful run feels like a hard-earned victory, prompting you to push further, experiment with new loadouts, and discover the game’s hidden secrets. For players seeking a truly rewarding arcade experience with a dash of anime flair and deep customization options, Xenon Valkyrie+ is definitely worth checking out.
Beyond the Core: Additional Features
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New Game Plus Mode: Once you complete the main campaign, a harder “New Game +” mode unlocks, offering even greater challenges for seasoned players.
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Leaderboards: Compete with other players worldwide to achieve the highest scores and bragging rights.
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Hidden Collectibles: Scattered throughout the levels are hidden collectibles that offer additional lore and backstory about the world of Xenon Valkyrie+.
So, if you’re ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure filled with satisfying action, deep customization, and a touch of anime style, Xenon Valkyrie+ awaits. Prepare to blast your way through hordes of monsters, experiment with powerful weaponry, and ultimately save humanity from the clutches of The Scourge. Just remember: practice makes perfect (and don’t forget to dodge those projectiles!).