XENOFLEKT’s Steam demo is available now, and it has a rather unusual request for anyone who’s spent years mastering bullet hell games… stop trying to avoid the bullets!
Instead, developer Catoio Software wants you to fly directly into them.
That might sound like terrible advice, but it’s the mechanic that gives XENOFLEKT its identity. Rather than weaving between endless waves of enemy fire, you’ll dash into incoming projectiles to parry them, sending them hurtling back at your attackers. Every successful deflection not only damages your enemies but also repairs your ship, transforming what would normally be a mistake into one of your most powerful tools.
Outside of combat, the roguelite progression offers plenty of room for experimentation. You begin each run by choosing a ship hull and weapon before expanding your build between waves with satellites and modules that can dramatically change how your dashes, movement, deflections, and weapons behave. The developer says combining these systems can create hundreds of different synergies, encouraging players to approach each run a little differently.
Players who stick with the demo will also get a taste of the game’s long-term progression. Void shards earned during runs can be spent in the Vault to unlock new ships, weapons, and satellites, giving future attempts even more variety.
It’s a unique twist on the bullet hell formula so why not go and take a look at the Steam demo today.