The legacy behind Truxton is a big one. Toaplan released the original shoot-em-up back in 1988, where it developed a huge following with its reflex-testing gameplay and its awesome “skull bombs.” It later got a perfect conversion onto the Sega Genesis, with a sequel that, sadly, very few people played. But now, here we are, in the year of its resurgence, capped off by Tatsujin’s kick-ass reboot, Truxton Extreme.
Just months after the celebration of the original releases in the Toaplan Arcade Collection games, Truxton Extreme lives up to its name. Everything here is masterfully recreated, with imaginative visuals, a terrific new score by original composer Masahiro Yuge, and the usual gameplay that will keep you firing and dodging bullets.
The game has come a long way from its early Steam demo, with some amazing screen-filling power-ups, a wide variety of enemies, and a whole lot to do on the scoring front. There are plenty of modes as well, including ones that will welcome rookie players – and reward the die-hards that live for dropping a “skull bomb” or two.
I can’t get enough of Truxton Extreme. I have it on a console already and I’m still pursuing the physical version of Switch 2, so I can play it on the road. After all, the more Tatsujin, the better, I say.
Truxton Extreme Brings the Refresh Goodness
You may recall a few months ago, when the initial demo for Truxton Extreme made its debut. I highly enjoyed it, but it was met with some criticism, with some people insisting it was “too new.” Um…maybe they didn’t see what I see. Regardless, I awaited the full release of the game, and it’s finally here. And when it drops this Thursday, you should absolutely, positively get it.
That’s because the developers at Tatsujin – the creators of the original Toaplan release – absolutely know what makes a good shooter work. They’ve been doing this stuff for years and practically built the blueprint. And it’s put into action with Extreme, as you first enter the fray and begin firing away at alien nasties that have taken over the universe. There’s more to the tale, particularly with a new Story mode that fills you in on the lore. It breaks across different characters and has a very cool arc.
Along with that, Truxton Extreme has modes aplenty. The hardcore set will easily dive into the high-score challenges, while newcomers who aren’t used to this Tatsujin goodness can try out Heart Starter, which will ease them into the role. There’s also local two-player, which isn’t online (don’t worry, there are leaderboards!), but does allow you to bring a friend through the fire. And yes, there are power-ups on hand for both of you, relax.
How’s the gameplay, though? Well, I’m pleased to report that the “twitch” feeling of Truxton returns in spades with Extreme. It lives up to its name, with a lot to shoot and dodge; and the power-ups are superb. The green lasers are effective, but I’m a sucker for the homing fire, as it literally destroys everything within range (save for those larger bosses, of course – you’ll have to work at those). And the “skull bomb” – the screen-clearing destructive tool that you have in limited quantities – has never looked better.
I know some folks would’ve preferred to have the original games on hand, but you can get those through the affordable Arcade Collection releases (which we highly recommend). They team up with Truxton Extreme to provide that one-two punch of retro goodness.
Truxton Extreme has come a long way from its demo, with a well-crafted challenge that’s great for players of all types. And it just delivers that classic feeling of the original game all over again, like when I enjoyed the original on my Sega Nomad. Remember that, kids?
Truxton Extreme Never Looked Or Sounded Better
Tatsujin – working alongside Clear River Games – has gone all out to give Truxton Extreme the best look and sound possible. And they delivered.
While there are times that the gunfire and explosions can be a wee bit too chaotic (welcome to Truxton, I guess?), the lasting effect is a good one. The game has simply never looked better, with wonderfully designed stages and a bunch of excellent visual effects. The boss designs are really something (lasers everywhere!) and the “skull bomb” effect – lighting up with a purple-ish hue – is incredible. And the frame rate holds up across the board, though we have yet to test out the Switch 2 version. (Soon – the physical edition is on the way.)
And the sound? Get ready for nostalgia. Along with sound effects that reflect the original game, the score has a nice mix from the legendary composer Masahiro Yuge. They remind us of Truxton’s original soundtrack, but with modern touches to make it sound better than ever. We’re still hunting down all the MP3’s for our collection.
Truxton Extreme reminds us of the goodness of the original game, but turned up to another level. Tatsujin should be proud of its work here – and continue it with some form of a Twin Cobra reboot. (Please?)
Truxton Extreme Lives Up To Its Name, In a Great Way
Wow. Truxton Extreme floored us with its progress since its demo. The gameplay hits the spot in every way possible, and works great for players on every level. Plus the ability to bring a friend is a nice touch, and the presentation – including that sweet soundtrack – doesn’t hold back. Throw in a few modes – including one that tells a cool story – and you’ve got a winner.
Kudos to Tatsujin and Clear River Games for treating this historic franchise with the respect it deserves. I look forward to whatever next step they take. (Ahem, Twin Cobra, I’m gonna say it till I’m blue in the face.)
GAMERHUB RATING: 5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Clear River Games for providing us with review codes! Truxton Extreme is available on July 30 for Steam/PC/Steam Deck, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch 2!
Need more Toaplan goodness? Don’t forget to check out our review of Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 and 2!
