RiftStar Raiders

Good graphics. Controls are good for an action game: course and fine thrust, dash, dodge, two weapon slots, grappling hook. You shouldn't have to be told to use a gamepad on this, it's a TWIN STICK SHOOTER. It's hard though. You have to develop skill with fine maneuvering to avoid traps/sensors. Combat requires you to make effective use of dodge/dash and counterfire. You ambush slower enemies and have to be aggressive with the more nimble enemies. Opportunities to develop play style with different weapon types. Be prepared to go through the whole mission then get killed at the end, and just give it another go. I bought it a while ago and it sat in my library. I'm getting around to it and it's growing on me. If you are looking for casual, look elsewhere.

RiftStar Raiders is a fast-paced top-down space shooter that blends arcade-style combat with light RPG progression and cooperative play, aiming to modernize the twin-stick formula with loot systems and mission structure. Developed by Climax Studios and published by Vision Games Publishing LTD, the game positions players as freelance pilots operating on the fringes of a galaxy torn apart by war. Rather than focusing on a single heroic narrative, it frames its action around mercenary survival, profit, and escalating chaos, giving the experience a gritty sci-fi tone that supports its relentless combat focus. The core premise revolves around a large-scale conflict against an alien hive known as the WarSwarm, alongside clashes with rival factions and heavily armed human forces. Players take on contracts across a series of missions, each set in compact but hostile space environments filled with enemies, turrets, environmental hazards, and objectives that must be completed under constant pressure. This mission-based structure gives the game a clearer sense of progression than endless survival shooters, with each stage pushing players deeper into the conflict and gradually raising the sta…

It's a shame this never really took off - Riftstar Raiders is a fun co-op space shootem-up with light RPG elements and varied missions. Definitely recommended if you've got a buddy to run through the game with.

**MESSAGE FOR THE DEVELOPERS** I got this during the last sale, but unfortunately had to return it because it would get the black screen right after launching. I left a comment in the discussions, but just realized it was under someone else’s comment, so if you see this, do you know what would cause that? I’d like to get it again if I can get it working, but I tried everything from file verification to redownload to restarting the pc (I think I even fiddled with the compatibility options) but no luck. Thanks

can't play

Awesome shooter and nice and crisp in 4k. I didn't see any glitches or anything bad...cool atmosphere, etc.. The bases you have to destroy kinda remind me of a 3d version of Zanac on the nes. You'll need a controller. There's different button profiles as well... I like how you earn cash during campaign events to upgrade your ship, even if you fail. That way you can try again with an improved load out. It's kinda hard to control the ship but if you're patient you can last and heal up. The ship you first get sucks as it should since it will improve as you get new parts.