In a world where high-tech robots roam free and space stations are perilously close to being pulled into mysterious planetary doom, one game dares to ask: why not throw missiles and lasers at everything? Welcome to Exector, a veritable buffet of destruction served up by the ingenious minds at Arc System Works. Released in Japan back in '95, this gem has finally made its way into the spotlight, shining a light on what action-packed shoot 'em ups looked like in the mid-90s. Prepare yourselves as we blast off into the nitty-gritty of this mech-fueled joyride.
Imagine controlling a super-robot called Exector. In this thrilling rollercoaster of a game, you take on enemy robots like a student takes on algebra: with no idea what's going on but all the bravado in the world. Piloting your robot from a third-person or top-down perspective, your mission, which you chose to accept-or rather, are forced to accept-is to save the Spin Drift, a space station being dragged toward an angry planet like it owes them money. It's a real-time race against the clock with a 10-hour mission timer, so no pressure. The gameplay mechanics are a spectacular mix of shooting baddies and hunting down the elusive key cards (because what's a mission without a little bureaucracy?). Your armory includes missiles, lasers, flamethrowers, and the delightfully over-the-top 'Xector Genocide Gun'. Yes, you heard that right; it's as subtle as a sledgehammer and about as nuanced as a rock. This is where the fun lies, as you eliminate enemies with a series of explosions that could make Michael Bay weep tears of genuine joy. Forget strategy; it's about unleashing unadulterated chaos while panicking about the timer. At the end of the day, you're either the hero of the galaxy or a rather unfortunate space statistic.
Visually, Exector is like watching your childhood drawings come to life-if your childhood dreams involved giant robots and explosions. It features a unique aesthetic typical of the mid-90s: bright colors, sharp angles, and graphics that could only be described as 'Charming, but you might need to squint a bit'. The developers did manage to squeeze quite a bit of vibrant detail onto that flat-screen, but future fishing expeditions for nostalgia may reveal a little less beef than expected. If you're seeking the realistic graphics of today's blockbusters, you might be in the wrong universe; instead, think of this as vintage eye candy with a sprinkle of chaos.
In summary, Exector is a reminder of simpler times when all you needed to save the universe was a giant mech and enough firepower to knock down a building. Though the graphics might not whip you into a nostalgic frenzy quite like your old VHS tapes, the gameplay offers a satisfying balance of action and urgency. If you're into blowing stuff up while racing against time, or simply want to bask in some retro gaming glory, then grab your PlayStation and commandeer Exector. Sure, it's not going to change your life, but it might just have you laughing maniacally like an evil genius on the brink of world domination. In a world where serious gaming is worshipped, sometimes you just need to kick back and blow things up gleefully; and that's precisely what Exector lets you do.