Are you up for some pixel-heavy, side-scrolling anime shooter action? Nitro Express certainly ticks a lot of those boxes. Developer Grayfax Software — known for their RPG Orangeblood — has teamed up once again with longtime publishing partner PLAYISM to bring their second commercially published Pixel Game Maker MV title.
According to Grayfax, Nitro Express draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the somewhat obscure Xbox Live Arcade title Shoot Many Robots, Elevator Action Returns, and Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors. One look at the trailer and you can clearly see those influences at work.
So what can you expect? In an interview a while back with Automaton Media, Grayfax spoke candidly about his likes and dislikes in modern game design: “Personally, I want to eliminate as many elements as possible when complex and delicate controls are required. If I can’t execute something at 100%, I end up feeling frustrated, I don’t like that. I also don’t enjoy outlandish settings that only exist to serve gameplay gimmicks. I want to avoid those too.”
Grayfax opts for a more visceral sensation when it comes to Nitro Express. “We especially value the satisfying reaction when you hit or destroy an enemy. Most of the enemies in this game are mecha, because it feels natural for them to explode and break apart when defeated. It’s definitely more satisfying when an enemy bursts into pieces in a flashy way but that kind of response would feel off if a human exploded just from being shot with a small-caliber gun.”
The game throws you into high-action shoot ’em up combat as part of Nitro City’s Atypical Vehicle Disposal Squad, tasked with taking down rogue drones known as “Companions.” You’ll have access to an arsenal of 12 unique gadgets, from EMPs and RC drones to turrets and anti-tank missiles. Weapon handling matters too. Heavier guns benefit from proper stance and aim, while SMGs let you stay mobile. Armored enemies like tanks and helicopters require serious firepower, pushing you to mix strategy with chaos. Optional radio chatter delivers story beats along the way, but it’s easy to skip for players who prefer to stay in the action.
The game is available in the Steam shop right now with a 10% discount for €11,51.
