Twin-stick shooter Xaladia: Rise of the Space Pirates X2 announced for Switch

Aquire today announced Xaladia: Rise of the Space Pirates X2, a new twin-stick shooter for Switch. The game is on track to launch later in 2023.

Xaladia: Rise of the Space Pirates X2 is notable as it’s the first self-published release from Acquire. The company previously worked on the Octopath Traveler series, Tenchu, Way of the Samurai, and Akiba’s Trip.

Here’s an official overview of the game:

Captivate players with non-scrolling single-screen combat, flashy support attacks with armaments, and beautiful 3D graphics. Don’t miss the new sensation twin-stick shooter Xaladia!

As an elite special forces soldier of the planetary exploration team, you have traveled to numerous planets for survey missions and colonization throughout the galaxy. However, suddenly an enemy appears to obstruct your mission. The massive force, which covers the entire universe, turns out to be highly aggressive alien space pirates.

Headquarters issues an order to you, who is determined to fight to protect the planets: “While supporting planetary colonization, exterminate the enemy and return to Earth (base).”

In the year 21XX, the long struggle for cosmic supremacy between humanity and the space pirates begins.

Combat takes place on a single screen, and players fight against aliens while freely moving around the screen. As the combat becomes more intense on the screen, the sense of speed and presence increases.

In addition to the weapons that the player is equipped with, there are armaments that provide support attacks. By installing multiple armaments, the attacks against the aliens become more flashy. Different attacks are possible depending on the type and performance of the armaments, and the scene of explosions, lasers, missiles, etc. flying all over the screen is characteristic.

There are also elements that allow you to sweep the enemies in a satisfying way by raising your own ability values and weapon ability values. This allows you to enjoy more efficient and smooth gameplay.

The graphics, which are finely crafted down to the details such as background with depth, lighting, and effects, have become beautiful and powerful visuals.

Key Features

• Non-scrolling single-screen combat
• Flashy support attacks with various armaments
• Beautiful 3D graphics
• Upgrading abilities of soldiers, firearms, and craft weapons
• Stage generation system that changes the appearance pattern of planets and enemies every time you play
• Shooting game that incorporates retro feeling with modern visuals and systems

Have a look at the first trailer for Xaladia: Rise of the Space Pirates X2 below.