Rex Rocket is a 2D action adventure platformer developed for PC that draws directly from the design principles of classic NES titles. Players control either Captain Rexford or Rexanna as they navigate a sprawling starship filled with interconnected rooms, hazards, and enemies. The core loop centers on precise jumping, shooting, and exploration, with upgrades and collectibles that encourage backtracking through previously visited areas.
Gameplay
The platforming combines standard movement with a distinctive downward laser shot that provides an aerial boost on each jump. Wall jumping and shooting integrate into the movement set, allowing players to reach new heights or clear paths through groups of foes. Over 100 handcrafted levels connect throughout the S.S. Montana, creating opportunities for route selection that can lead to additional collectibles or increased danger.
Defeating bosses grants new weapons and upgrades, while Info Nodes scattered across the ship provide details on characters, enemies, and weapons. Pixel art and animations cover hundreds of unique characters and environmental details, supporting the retro aesthetic throughout the experience. The chiptune soundtrack by Saskrotch accompanies the action with 37 original tracks that match the 8-bit inspiration.
Exploration rewards careful navigation, as alternate paths often hide power-ups or shortcuts. Puzzles mix platforming challenges with environmental hazards, and the difficulty curve builds toward demanding encounters with flame-throwing machines and swarms of possessed crew members.
Game Modes
Rex Rocket operates entirely as a single-player experience. There are no multiplayer options or separate modes beyond the main campaign. Progress occurs through sequential exploration of the starship, with the ability to revisit areas after acquiring new abilities. The structure supports a linear story progression while allowing nonlinear detours for completionists seeking all collectibles and Info Nodes.
Story and Setting
The narrative places players in Earth's distant future aboard the S.S. Montana, where bio-engineered Terra-Oozlings escape during a routine mission and corrupt the ship's AI. Rex Rocket must contain the outbreak, rescue the cryo-sleeping crew, and restore control. Quirky characters and light humor appear through dialogue and environmental storytelling, contrasting the central man-versus-machine conflict.
Gender selection between Rexford and Rexanna affects only the player character's appearance and pronouns, leaving all other mechanics unchanged. The setting remains consistent across playthroughs, focusing on the starship's various decks and the escalating threats from the rogue AI.
Is It Worth Playing?
Rex Rocket suits players who enjoy challenging retro-style platformers with exploration elements. Its 71 percent positive rating from 186 Steam reviews reflects appreciation for the handmade pixel art, responsive controls, and cohesive chiptune score among fans of the genre. The game launched in 2014 and remains available as a complete title without ongoing updates or seasonal content.
Those seeking precise platforming, boss fights, and a self-contained adventure will find the experience rewarding, particularly if they appreciate the influence of Mega Man and Metroid. Newcomers to the style may encounter a steep difficulty curve that rewards persistence and pattern recognition. The low price point and focused design make it accessible for short or extended sessions dedicated to clearing the starship.
