I’ll admit it: I’m a lifelong RPG fan who marathon-watches speedruns for those wild, hidden strategies. But every now and then, a shoot-’em-up grabs my attention—and Super XYX absolutely did. Developed and published by indie studio Team Grybanser Fox, it dropped on August 10, 2020, and quickly built a cult following in the bullet hell scene. At first, I was skeptical. But once I dove in, I found a game that balances old-school love with sharp, modern design. So, let’s talk about what makes this indie gem a must-play for retro fans and arcade die-hards alike.
Overall Impressions
Right from Stage 1, Super XYX makes it clear where it’s coming from. Its heart beats with Toaplan energy, calling back to legendary titles like Batsugun and V-V. But it doesn’t stop at homage. The game layers in modern twists—like CAVE-style chaining and medal scoring, pulling inspiration from classics like Battle Garegga and Mahou Daisakusen. It’s a smooth mix of the old and new.
And the art? It’s a pixel-perfect treat. Each sprite is carefully drawn, and the animations feel straight out of a 1990s arcade cabinet. The FM synth soundtrack drives that retro feeling even further, pumping out energetic loops that could sit next to Thunder Force IV or Dogyuun on any playlist. Sure, there’s no replay system or online leaderboards yet, but the tight gameplay and fine-tuned boss battles more than make up for it.
Gameplay Mechanics
At the heart of Super XYX lies a robust medal chain system that rewards precision and risk-taking. Players must destroy enemies, collect medals before they vanish, and build combo chains that directly impact scoring. At the end of each level, scores are calculated based on medals collected, combo performance, remaining lives, and No-Miss bonuses. Maintaining a No-Miss streak across stages results in exponential score growth—fueling competition for leaderboard-worthy runs.
The game features six core stages, followed by a time-limited Caravan-style bonus round. Completing the loop with a one-credit clear unlocks a secret gauntlet stage designed for elite players. Four unlockable ships with unique shot types and option formations add strategic depth. Some ships feel like they belong in a Compile title, while others push players toward twitch-heavy maneuvering and route optimization.
GRZ Mode introduces checkpoint-style respawns similar to Gradius, changing the pacing dramatically. Other modes like Boss Rush and Ultra Arcade are tailored for players who crave extreme challenge. One downside is the buried options menu, which hides essential settings and lacks a dedicated training or practice mode—features that would ease the onboarding curve for newcomers.
Standout Moment
Clearing the final gauntlet stage for the first time felt like lighting an Olympic torch. The adrenaline, the tension, and the final boss choreography combined for a moment of pure shmup euphoria. It was a rush that reminded me why I love this genre.
Story and Characters
In true shmup tradition, Super XYX keeps its narrative minimal. Players pilot high-tech fighters against a mysterious alien armada, traversing everything from shattered space stations to organic biomechanical fortresses. There are no cutscenes, voiceovers, or branching story arcs—just straight-to-the-point, arcade-style intensity.
The lack of traditional characters is by design. Each ship acts as your avatar, and the world-building is embedded in background details, boss design, and subtle environmental cues. Fans of classic arcade storytelling will appreciate the efficient, no-frills delivery, which keeps the focus entirely on gameplay.
Visuals and Graphics
Super XYX delivers a visual style that feels genuinely retro without appearing dated. Ship sprites, enemy waves, and explosions would feel right at home on a 1992 JAMMA board. Parallax-scrolling backgrounds add dynamic depth, and each stage introduces unique color schemes and architectural designs to maintain visual interest.
Bullet visibility is excellent, with clean color contrast and clearly telegraphed patterns. This is crucial in a bullet hell title and Super XYX nails it. Occasionally, background art can reuse color palettes or repeat tile patterns, but these moments are rare and do not affect gameplay clarity. The game strikes a near-perfect balance between aesthetic fidelity and functional design.
Sound and Music
Carina’s soundtrack for Super XYX is a standout feature. Composed in FM synth style, each track surges with powerful basslines and electric leads that capture the pulse of arcade-era audio. The score does more than set the mood—it drives the pace of each level and boss encounter.
Sound effects are equally sharp. Explosions hit with crunchy weight, lasers slice through the soundscape, and medal pickups chime in a way that fuels that all-important feedback loop. While some tracks fall short of the iconic hooks found in Jet Buster or Dogyuun, every piece fits its level thematically. The bonus gauntlet track in particular is a highlight—worthy of being remixed into any shmup DJ set.
Difficulty and Replayability
Super XYX wastes no time throwing players into the fire. Even the standard Arcade mode demands precise dodging, pattern memorization, and lightning-fast reactions. Unlocking Super Arcade ups the ante with faster bullets, tighter windows for survival, and no autofire. It’s as challenging as Ketsui or Dangun Feveron, and just as rewarding.
What makes the game endlessly replayable is its mechanical depth. Different ships, alternate game modes, and medal-based scoring systems offer multiple ways to improve and compete. The lack of a training mode or official leaderboard might deter some players, but the community has filled the gap with Discord servers, Steam discussions, and fan-made guides.
Fortunately, Team Grybanser Fox is active and communicative. They’ve acknowledged player feedback and teased future updates, including replays and online rankings. Their transparency and track record suggest those features will arrive sooner rather than later.
Developer Trivia
Team Grybanser Fox is a small but passionate indie team known for their laser-focused dedication to retro shooting games. Before Super XYX, they worked on projects like Fire Arrow X, Megatank, and ZPF—each emphasizing tight gameplay and nostalgic aesthetics.
The team operates more like a doujin circle than a traditional dev studio, with rapid response times, strong forum presence, and direct interaction with players. Their next project, Zenodeath, is already in the works. Early teasers hint at darker biomechanical themes and an even more intricate scoring system. It’s definitely one to watch for fans of the genre.
Final Thoughts
Super XYX is a thrilling, rewarding, and highly polished tribute to the golden age of shmups. It doesn’t just mimic the past—it refines it. With challenging gameplay, detailed spritework, and a punchy soundtrack, it delivers an experience that feels handcrafted for both veterans and curious newcomers.
Yes, it’s missing a few quality-of-life features like replays and online leaderboards. But the core game is so solid that those omissions don’t ruin the experience. With strong community support and an active developer, Super XYX feels like a game that will continue to evolve.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
