After nearly four decades, the legendary arcade shooter series returns with Truxton Extreme, marking its first proper sequel in 34 years. Developed by Tatsujin and published by Clear River Games, this vertical shoot-’em-up (SHMUP) retains the unapologetically brutal DNA of the 1988 original while injecting modern sensibilities. Whether you’re a veteran chasing high scores or a newcomer looking for a flashy entry into the genre, this modern revival proves that classic arcade magic can still thrive in 2026.

Platforms and price

Truxton Extreme is available digitally for $24.99 on PC (via Steam and GOG), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. For collectors, physical editions, including special Thunder Master editions, are available for the PlayStation 5 (standard, Thunder Master), Xbox Series X|S (standard, Thunder Master), and Nintendo Switch 2 (standard, Thunder Master).

I’m specifically reviewing the PC Steam version. There are minimal differences between the PC version and other platforms.

The story: Cyborgs, aliens, and despair

In 2200 AD, humanity’s population has ballooned to 30 billion across seven prosperous planets. Naturally, peace is shattered by “Geranium,” a terrifying, self-replicating alien machine lifeform.

In a desperate bid for survival, AI President Rose initiates a plan to turn elite pilots into cyborgs known as TATSUJIN. These pilots must cast aside their human bodies to pilot the advanced Javelion tactical fighters and save what’s left of humanity. The narrative unfolds across three character routes (Ash, Bergamot, and Cyrilla) using motion comic panels illustrated by manga artist Junya Inoue.

While it’s nice there’s a story and structure, these cut scenes are easy to skip for those of us who just want to start blasting. This is undeniably a controller-based game, so make sure you have one handy if you’re on PC.

Visuals and audio: Restrained 3D and synths

Although the display on my PC gaming desktop is 5,120 x 1,440, the game maxes out at 3,840 x 2,160 (4K). If you have a standard 16:9 display, you shouldn’t have to worry about any black borders.

The 2.5D/3D graphics are well-rendered and sufficiently sci-fi shiny. They’re perhaps a little too clinical (clean) looking, and restrained, at times, but I appreciate the excellent visibility in a bullet hell shooter as the enemy patterns and projectiles remain highly readable.

The audio is similarly a bit by-the-numbers, with not much personality, but it’s also not grating. The orchestral music and sound effects blend well by default, with the piano rhythms and energetic synths from original series composer Masahiro Yuge complementing the on-screen chaos.

Gameplay: Unapologetic arcade brutality

This type of game benefits from plenty of options and configuration possibilities, and in that regard, Truxton Extreme doesn’t disappoint. I particularly like the literal ruler option. It lets you precisely track your ship on the screen, making it easier to thread the needle through dense bullet curtains. You can only place this ruler on the top or bottom of the display, rather than the left or right. However, this is understandable, since your focus should remain firmly on the incoming projectiles.

I appreciate the main game modes: Heart Starter, a one level easy mode with unlimited lives for practice; Story, which is the core mode with motion comic cut-scenes; and Team, with two-player co-op, shared resources, and a rescue mechanic, making for a great time with a good friend or family member. After playing a bit of Story mode, Arcade mode unlocks, which lets you play through any of the stages you’ve previously reached.

Underneath its shiny new coat of paint, Truxton Extreme is a traditional, memory-testing retro shooter. You’re tasked with dodging countless projectiles while managing screen-clearing bombs and classic weapons like the Truxton Beam, the screen-spreading Thunder Laser, and the maneuverable Homing Shot.  You can play this with a D-Pad, but the game is clearly designed around analog movement. By default, I loved the smooth movement with the analog stick and sensed no delays.

Even running at the full 4K with all other options maxed on my desktop, the frame rate never wavered (in my case, 144 FPS). This type of game is not particularly demanding from a technical standpoint. Still, it’s nice to see it so well-optimized for modern gaming rigs, because any lag in a SHMUP is a killer.

I also tested the game on my Asus ROG Ally X handheld at its native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Using the 17W Performance mode on battery resulted in notable frame drops from the display’s 120 FPS potential. Switching to 25W Turbo mode on battery locked the game in at a steady 120 FPS. While the 13W Silent mode bopped around the 50s with the FPS limiter set to 60, using the 17W Performance mode with the same limiter gave me a locked 60 FPS.

It’s clear this was made with love by a team that genuinely understands the nuances of the SHMUP genre, like having a three second countdown after resume from a pause to get your bearings.

Should you buy Truxton Extreme?

Truxton Extreme succeeds because it knows exactly where the line is between challenge and spectacle. It brings a foundational franchise into 2026 with solid visuals, a soaring soundtrack, and a suite of smart new modes that cater to both hardcore veterans and curious newcomers. It requires patience, memorization, and quick reflexes, but the “one more go” arcade loop is as addictive as ever.

While I’m not going to pretend I’m some SHMUP master, I genuinely enjoy the genre. As such, I feel if you’re also a fan of the genre, or even just curious, this is a must-play and a solid Editor’s Choice.

Pros:

• Restrained 3D visual design keeps enemy patterns clean and readable.
• An enjoyable, high-energy soundtrack composed by series veteran Masahiro Yuge. 
• A wealth of varied game modes, including the excellent beginner-friendly Heart Starter and two-player Team co-op. 
• Classic, satisfying weapons like the Thunder Laser make a triumphant return.

Cons:

• The unforgiving checkpoint system in standard modes can turn learning boss patterns into tedious repetition. 
• Lack of more granular accessibility options (like a rewind feature or speed toggles) for players struggling with the difficulty.

Score: 8 (out of 10) [Editor’s Choice]

[Armchair Arcade and fullSTEAMahead365 review scale]