The Therapist Gamer

Xeodrifter is a Metroidvania-style game, meaning the entire game is explorable from the beginning but you acquire new abilities throughout the game that enable you to reach new areas.  

 

The game is actually very similar to the original Metroid.  Your main ability is to shoot straight ahead but you can earn upgrades that modify your weapon, such as rapid fire, increased damage, or having the bullets move in different patterns.  You can actually switch how the upgrade points are used at any time, so there's no commitment when choosing an upgrade.  I thought this was a pretty cool gameplay mechanic that I wish more games included.

 

There are bosses throughout the game, but a small twist is that it's always the same enemy.  However, each time you encounter the boss it also has new abilities and it's generally tougher.  I suppose I would have preferred a wider array of boss fights, but they still worked out pretty well in this game.

 

There are many hidden areas throughout the game with special rewards.  I like this type of things in RPGs because there's a sense of having an advantage if you've been diligent enough to search the environment.

 

Even though the game mechanics were fairly standard, I think they work together quite well and made for a game that was enjoyable.  The game isn't short, but it isn't too long either.  Give it a try if you want a few afternoons of old school gameplay!