Suit Up with Exo-Calibre: Vertical Shoot-‘Em-Up Gets a Mech-Sized Upgrade
Exo-Calibre doesn’t just throw you into a bullet storm; it hands you the key to a giant exo-suit, powers you with justice, and screams, “Go save the world!” With three distinct pilots, sprawling vertical stages, and screen-shaking bosses, this neon-drenched bullet hell shoot-‘em-up blends retro pixel charm with modern combat finesse. Packed with explosions, quirky cutscenes, and a hint of Saturday-morning cartoon flair, Ex-Calibre invites players to rise through Story, Arcade, Boss Rush, and Time Rush modes in pursuit of peace and a prime leaderboard spot.
Exo-Calibre Review Pros
- Brilliant pixel art graphics.
- 175.3MB download size.
- Platinum trophy.
- You get the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5 versions of the game, meaning you could potentially get two Platinum trophies.
- Optional CRT filter option.
- Local leaderboards.
- Four game modes – Story, Arcade, Boss Rush, and Time Rush.
- Six playable characters with 3 unlocked initially, and each has a unique weapon.
- Before starting a new game, you have a little open space to practice and move around.
- Vertical Shmup gameplay.
- In-game character interactions via text and cutscenes are a mix of images and text, and in-game animations.
- Three-heart life system.
- Death restarts the level.
- Cutesy 3D backdrops.
- Shooting does support auto-firing. (holding down the button)
- Has a difficulty to it all, it’s Cutesy but deadly.
- Scraps can drop from enemies, shooting the scraps actually moves them, and you can make them explode into smaller scraps.
- Levels do give mid-level checkpoints; they don’t tell you that, but they do.
- Big end-of-level boss fights.
- Story mode has unlimited lives and more health.
- Arcade mode has limited lives and less health.
- You can shoot, boost over obstacles and projectiles, and move all around the screen and melee.
- Bullet hell elements throughout.
- It does look nice, and the soundtrack is fitting.
Exo-Calibre Review Cons
- You cannot remap the controls.
- No way to see what the ship’s fire patterns are or anything.
- You cannot change the border art.
- No actual tutorials.
- The game is tedious from the enemies’ attacks from off-screen to restarting a level or checkpoint every death, and having to sit through cutscenes and interactions.
- It’s not the most fun I’ve had in a Shmup.
- I lost patience with it a lot quicker than I wanted to.
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Exo-Calibre
Developer: Vampixel Games, Eastasiasoft
Publisher: Eastasiasoft
Store Link:
Exo-Calibre Review
Summary
Exo-Calibre – The Thrills and Highlights of Gameplay:
Exo-Calibre delivers a high-octane vertical shoot-‘em-up experience that fuses retro pixel art with modern bullet hell mechanics. Players choose from six unique characters, three unlocked from the start, each wielding distinct weapons. The game features four modes: Story, Arcade, Boss Rush, and Time Rush, offering varied challenges and replayability. With screen-filling boss battles, a three-heart life system, and explosive scrap mechanics, Ex-Calibre keeps the action relentless. The inclusion of auto-fire, melee attacks, and boost dodging adds depth to the chaos, while local leaderboards and a Platinum trophy chase provide extra incentive for mastery.
Exo-Calibre – Where It Falls Short: Key Negatives:
Despite its charm, Exo-Calibre stumbles in several areas. The inability to remap controls or preview fire patterns limits player customisation. The lack of tutorials and unskippable cutscenes can frustrate newcomers, especially when paired with off-screen enemy attacks and frequent restarts. While Story Mode offers unlimited lives, Arcade Mode’s harsher limitations can feel punishing. The game’s repetitive structure and tedious pacing may wear thin for seasoned shmup fans, making it a less compelling entry in the genre for some.
Exo-Calibre – Immersive Story and Narrative Elements:
Exo-Calibre leans into its Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetic with quirky cutscenes and character interactions that blend text and animation. While the narrative isn’t deeply layered, it provides a lighthearted backdrop to the action, with each pilot bringing their own flair to the mission. The story mode’s structure allows players to enjoy the narrative without the pressure of limited lives, making it the most accessible way to experience the game’s world-saving premise.
Exo-Calibre – Visual and Performance Aspects:
Visually, Exo-Calibre shines with vibrant pixel art and cutesy 3D backdrops that contrast with its deadly gameplay. The optional CRT filter adds a nostalgic touch, while the soundtrack complements the on-screen chaos with fitting energy. Performance is smooth across both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and the dual-version purchase means players can earn two Platinum trophies. However, the inability to change border art and the absence of visual customisation options slightly detract from the overall polish.
Exo-Calibre – Overall Verdict: Is It Worth Playing?:
Exo-Calibre is a visually striking and mechanically solid vertical shmup that pays homage to arcade classics while injecting its own personality. Its variety of modes, character options, and explosive gameplay make it a worthwhile pick for fans of the genre. However, its lack of accessibility features and occasional tedium may limit its appeal to a broader audience. For those seeking a nostalgic, bullet-filled ride with a modern twist, Exo-Calibre is a worthy contender, just be ready for a few bumps along the way.
Back of the Box Quotes:
“Exo-Calibre: Where pixel-powered justice meets bullet hell mayhem!”
