Rogue Flight - Review

When I heard about Rogue Flight, an arcade-style rail shooter inspired by classic Japanese anime and shmup games, I immediately thought, "Yes, please!" From my very first flight in the cockpit, it was clear that Rogue Flight was aiming to be a modern love letter to the anime and arcade space shooters of the '80s and '90s. And while it nails so many elements, it also has some rough edges. This review goes into what makes Rogue Flight a thrilling, nostalgic ride as well as where it could’ve used a bit more polish.

Game:  Rogue Flight
Platform: PC, XBOX Series X, PS5, Switch
Developer: Truant Pixel

Blast from the Past: Style and Visuals

First impressions? Rogue Flight is stunning. The game leans heavily into a retro-anime aesthetic, and I mean it when I say it feels like playing through a Miyazaki-inspired anime in space. It’s packed with vibrant colours, flashy lasers, and that high-octane, over-the-top action that makes you feel like you’re the hero of some long-lost VHS sci-fi classic. Truant Pixel’s commitment to the art style is serious, and it shows through the designs of both the enemies and the environments.

That said, they might’ve gone a bit overboard with the effects at times. I found myself squinting during some of the most intense combat sequences because the screen was practically drowning in neon lights, explosions, and particle effects. When your eyeballs are working overtime to keep track of what’s happening, it can pull you out of the experience. Still, there’s a lot to be said for how much the visuals of Rogue Flight set the tone—it’s like After Burner meets Akira, and that’s never a bad thing.

Gameplay: Fast, Fun, and Frustrating?

When it comes to gameplay, Rogue Flight absolutely captures the heart-pumping action of classic rail shooters. The controls are tight, responsive, and buttery smooth, making it a blast to dodge, dive, and spin through enemy fire. There’s this rush you get from chaining combos, blasting through squadrons of enemy ships, and avoiding incoming obstacles by the skin of your teeth.

That said, I have to agree with other players who noted that some stages can feel a bit empty. There are sections where the screen just doesn’t have enough to do aside from shooting at enemies for minutes on end. Some obstacles or environmental elements—asteroids, abandoned ships, or space debris—would have added much-needed excitement in certain levels. And, as a lover of all things explosive, I missed not having more frequent rocket pickups to amp up the chaos. The limited rockets kept me hanging for those moments of pure mayhem, and I could’ve used just a bit more of it to spice things up.

Story: Nostalgia with a Side of Cheese

Let’s talk story, because Rogue Flight tries to serve up a plot—sort of. Like many of the arcade classics it pays tribute to, the narrative isn’t ground-breaking. It follows your character’s journey as a pilot in a rebellion against a galactic empire, with anime-inspired characters popping up to deliver some truly dramatic (sometimes overdramatic) one-liners. The plot knows what it is and doesn’t try to be anything more than background to the action. If you’re here for the story, you may find yourself disappointed; but if you’re here for the action with a light dusting of retro narrative, it should be just right.

However, I can see where some might wish there was just a tad more depth. The characters are visually distinct and charismatic, but they’re not explored enough to add much emotional impact. As one reviewer mentioned, the game’s trailers lean heavily into the anime vibe, and while it’s fun, I’d love to see those characters in action a bit more rather than just hearing them over the intercom.

Roguelite Mode: A Work in Progress

I have to mention the roguelite mode, which is both exciting and a little undercooked. The roguelite elements give you a chance to level up between runs, adding a layer of strategy that has the potential to keep players hooked for much longer. However, the mode feels like a sketch of what could be a fantastic addition, rather than a fully fleshed-out experience. It adds some replay ability but lacks the variety needed to make it a standout mode in its own right.

Don’t get me wrong, the game’s core experience is solid enough without it, but with a few tweaks and additions, this roguelite mode could be a great reason to come back for more. If Truant Pixel ever decides to release an update with more content here, I’d be the first in line.

Soundtrack and Audio: That Sweet, Sweet Retro Wave

One area where Rogue Flight absolutely hits the mark is the soundtrack. It’s a total synth-wave throwback that feels perfectly tuned for the space-fighting vibe. Whether you’re cruising through asteroid fields or blasting enemy ships, the soundtrack keeps your adrenaline up and really brings out the retro charm. I have to say, I didn’t expect to be so swept up by the music, but it’s easily one of the game’s strongest features. The sound effects are punchy and satisfying, complementing each laser blast and explosion with the right amount of oomph.

Room for Improvement

While Rogue Flight nails many of the essentials, a few areas could benefit from more polish. For starters, the lack of variety in enemies and stages can make the campaign feel repetitive, especially in the longer missions. Adding more enemy types or mini-bosses would add some needed depth and break up the action in a way that keeps players engaged. Additionally, a few of the levels feel lengthy without enough to do aside from shooting waves of enemies. Some environmental interactions, like shooting down specific targets on a ship or navigating through hazards, would add to the excitement.

Finally, the limited rocket pickups feel like a bit of a tease. Rockets are one of the most fun tools in the game, but they’re so sparse that I was often left relying on my primary weapon for long stretches. Adding a few more power-ups along the way could make the battles feel even more intense and add to the chaos that fans of arcade shooters crave.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Homage with Room to Grow

Rogue Flight is like a fresh breath of nostalgia for fans of Star Fox, After Burner, and anime classics. Truant Pixel did a stellar job blending the old-school vibe with modern graphics and creating a game that’s genuinely fun to play. The adrenaline, the visuals, and that rad soundtrack make it a game worth experiencing, especially if you’re a fan of retro-inspired shooters.

However, it’s not perfect. The roguelite mode, while promising, needs a bit more substance, and the campaign could benefit from additional enemy types and obstacles. But despite these hiccups, Rogue Flight delivers where it counts. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it captures a nostalgic era without feeling like a pure copy.

If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane with a high-energy twist, Rogue Flight is definitely worth taking for a spin.