XeGrader Plus Announced for Steam: Classic Puzzle Adventure Shooter Returns with Enhanced Features
Veteran game developer Tokihiro Naito, renowned for his pioneering work on Hydlide and currently part of the M2 team, has officially revealed XeGrader Plus for PC gamers.
The title, which blends intense shooting mechanics with puzzle adventure elements, is set to launch on Steam, providing both retro aesthetics and modern enhancements.
A playable demo is scheduled for June, inviting early access for eager players. XeGrader Plus draws inspiration from the PC-8001mkII and MSX2 versions released in 2024 and 2025, offering fans not only a remastered experience but also an opportunity to obtain faithful digital recreations of these vintage editions.
These classic recreations are crafted to reflect the hardware limitations and character of the original machines, delivering an authentic taste of 8-bit and 16-bit nostalgia. The updated graphics, designed by indie studio Skipmore, pay homage to retro gaming's golden age while delivering crisp visuals reminiscent of classic titles.
Sound design for XeGrader Plus is helmed by Tadahiro Nitta, a composer recognized for his contributions to the Xak series, who brings a fresh chiptune soundtrack enriched by FM synthesis.
This combination ensures a compelling audiovisual experience that balances heritage and innovation. Set within a mythical realm engulfed by a monstrous invasion, XeGrader Plus allows players to choose between male and female warrior protagonists.
Gamers will traverse dangerous landscapes in eight-way scrolling action, confronting enemies such as slimes and kobolds, while solving puzzles to uncover power-ups and upgrades.
The gameplay offers a rewarding blend of skill-based combat and cerebral challenge, appealing to both action and puzzle fans. From a technical standpoint, XeGrader Plus is fully compatible with the Steam Deck, including touch controls for streamlined name entry, and offers complete controller support for flexible play.
This ensures an optimized experience whether playing docked, handheld, or on the go. Transparency from the development team reveals that certain achievement artwork and game translations have utilized artificial intelligence, as disclosed on the game’s official Steam listing.
While this detail has sparked some discussion, it does not detract from the studio’s commitment to preserving the spirit and playability of the original game. XeGrader Plus stands as a testament to Tokihiro Naito’s enduring legacy in the industry, combining retro gameplay sensibilities with modern features.
For those interested in experiencing this reimagined classic, further information, including the upcoming demo and release details, can be found directly on the XeGrader Plus Steam page.
The title, which blends intense shooting mechanics with puzzle adventure elements, is set to launch on Steam, providing both retro aesthetics and modern enhancements.
A playable demo is scheduled for June, inviting early access for eager players. XeGrader Plus draws inspiration from the PC-8001mkII and MSX2 versions released in 2024 and 2025, offering fans not only a remastered experience but also an opportunity to obtain faithful digital recreations of these vintage editions.
These classic recreations are crafted to reflect the hardware limitations and character of the original machines, delivering an authentic taste of 8-bit and 16-bit nostalgia. The updated graphics, designed by indie studio Skipmore, pay homage to retro gaming's golden age while delivering crisp visuals reminiscent of classic titles.
Sound design for XeGrader Plus is helmed by Tadahiro Nitta, a composer recognized for his contributions to the Xak series, who brings a fresh chiptune soundtrack enriched by FM synthesis.
This combination ensures a compelling audiovisual experience that balances heritage and innovation. Set within a mythical realm engulfed by a monstrous invasion, XeGrader Plus allows players to choose between male and female warrior protagonists.
Gamers will traverse dangerous landscapes in eight-way scrolling action, confronting enemies such as slimes and kobolds, while solving puzzles to uncover power-ups and upgrades.
The gameplay offers a rewarding blend of skill-based combat and cerebral challenge, appealing to both action and puzzle fans. From a technical standpoint, XeGrader Plus is fully compatible with the Steam Deck, including touch controls for streamlined name entry, and offers complete controller support for flexible play.
This ensures an optimized experience whether playing docked, handheld, or on the go. Transparency from the development team reveals that certain achievement artwork and game translations have utilized artificial intelligence, as disclosed on the game’s official Steam listing.
While this detail has sparked some discussion, it does not detract from the studio’s commitment to preserving the spirit and playability of the original game. XeGrader Plus stands as a testament to Tokihiro Naito’s enduring legacy in the industry, combining retro gameplay sensibilities with modern features.
For those interested in experiencing this reimagined classic, further information, including the upcoming demo and release details, can be found directly on the XeGrader Plus Steam page.
