ExZeus: The Complete Collection brings together two classic 3D rail shooters in a single package for Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. Players take control of massive fighting robots to repel waves of alien invaders threatening Earth in fast-paced, on-rails action sequences. The collection emphasizes arcade-style shooting where the camera follows a predetermined path through each stage while the player dodges projectiles and targets enemies.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around piloting giant mechs through linear stages filled with enemy forces. Movement relies on the left stick or directional pad for positioning, with dedicated buttons for dodging left or right. Primary fire handles standard shots, while a lock-on system deploys homing missiles that drain a separate energy meter. Charged special attacks become available once a gauge fills, and mega bombs clear the screen when collected or purchased.
Gold pickups appear frequently from destroyed foes and can be spent between stages on upgrades such as extended energy reserves, extra shields, additional bombs, or health refills. Three distinct robots appear in the first game, each with varying balances of speed, armor, weapon power, and other attributes that influence how players approach encounters. The sequel shifts to a single fused mech but introduces segments where the robot operates on the ground in close-quarters combat or commandeers vehicles for different movement and attack options.
Stages feature varied backdrops including city streets, forests, mountains, deserts, and underwater areas. Players must manage multiple meters simultaneously while aiming for enemy weak points during intense sections. The experience stays strictly single-player with no online features or competitive elements.
Game Modes
The collection offers two separate campaigns that function as independent single-player experiences. The first campaign follows a straightforward rail-shooter structure across multiple stages that each conclude with a large boss encounter. The second campaign expands the formula with mixed gameplay segments inside longer levels, including on-foot brawling sections and vehicle-based sequences alongside the traditional flying portions.
Both campaigns progress through a series of linear levels without branching paths or alternate routes. Progression involves surviving enemy waves, collecting resources, and defeating bosses by targeting exposed vulnerabilities while avoiding patterned attacks. No additional modes such as survival challenges, time trials, or multiplayer options exist beyond these core campaigns.
Story and Setting
The narrative begins in 2102 when an asteroid unleashes alien attacks that devastate surface civilization. Survivors retreat underground while the Governing Council launches Operation ExZeus, deploying experimental robots to counter the invaders known as Diadora. The sequel occurs a century later after a period of peace, when new threats in the form of destructive pods force the reactivation of the project and the creation of a combined robot called Minos.
Players witness these events through brief introductory sequences before entering the action. The focus remains on the mechanical battles rather than deep character development or branching story choices.
Is It Worth Playing?
This package suits players who enjoy retro arcade rail shooters and do not mind dated presentation or occasional control quirks. The boss encounters stand out as particularly engaging due to their scale and the need to learn attack patterns. Sessions tend to be short, with each campaign completable in a few hours, making the bundle suitable for quick playthroughs or repeated attempts to improve scores.
Critics and players note the lack of modern extras such as galleries, leaderboards, or difficulty adjustments, which keeps the focus narrow. Those seeking polished visuals or extensive content may find the experience basic. Fans of on-rails mech combat who appreciate the genre's arcade roots will likely find value in the inexpensive collection and its emphasis on straightforward shooting action against alien hordes.
