Revolgear Zero Review: A Solid Shmup Experience

2025 was a year that saw a surprising number of retro revivals from long-lost genres.

We saw Ninja Gaiden Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance bring back 2D action platformers in style. Marvel Cosmic Invasion led the way for the classic co-op beat 'em up experience, as did the indie sleeper hit Ra Ra Boom. If Revolgear Zero is any indication, 2026 could do the same for the shmup genre.

Over the years, it feels like shmups, also known as "shoot-'em-ups," have felt like they've fallen by the wayside. We can see their DNA in games like Vampire Survivors and Ball x Pit, or in classic indie twin-stick shooters like Enter the Gungeon, but those are their own genres. That classic, authentic old-school arcade experience is something you see more often in, well, arcades, rather than in something like Star of Providence.

With that in mind, Revolgear Zero feels like a wonderful breath of fresh air, delivering the classic, authentic old-school arcade experience I've been craving. Rather than deliver any new fancy bells or whistles in terms of genre innovation, it instead focuses on delivering that pure shmup experience that takes me back to my childhood, where I'd constantly dump quarters into Raiden II.

Revolgear Zero's Gameplay is Simple Yet Challenging

The gameplay of Revolgear Zero plays like a neat combination of a 2D side-scrolling platformer and a classic shmup. Instead of merely dodging incoming fire from enemies, of which there will be many, you're also dealing with the terrain in certain stages. This can range from branching pathways to a full-blown platforming-style climb while dodging the terrain itself.

It's something that constantly keeps gameplay fresh and engaging through subsequent playthroughs. Not only am I forced to stay on my toes and alert at all times, but the task at hand changes based on the stage. It's something that has me constantly coming back for more. Not just the actual shmup gameplay, but perfecting each run.

This ties directly into the gameplay as well. In addition to your traditional attack, you'll also have access to a burst attack that deals massive damage while protecting you from incoming attacks. As expected, this is ideal not only for protecting yourself from iconic bullet hell moments but also for quickly eliminating hordes of enemies.

You'll be able to refill the energy gauge needed to use this burst attack in two ways. First, if you take damage, the gauge will refill over time. Of course, that's not ideal since, well, you know, taking too much damage leads to your death, and it's not always easy to tell when you're at risk of dying, which is undoubtedly one of my biggest frustrations with the game. Thankfully, there's another way to refill the gauge, and that's with a third attack that can also refill the gauge, even if it leaves you extra vulnerable.

When you put everything together, Revolgear Zero delivers a delicate dance of balancing all your attacks to live through its most perilous moments. It's an addictive gameplay loop that has kept me coming back for more, no matter how much I keep dying.

Tinker, Tailor, Shmup, Spy

Ultimately, the name of the game in Revolgear Zero is indeed perfecting each run. Not necessarily to obtain a high score and arcade immortality via your initials, but to unlock and find the right ship configuration that suits your playstyle.

As you're dealing with the hordes of enemies, you'll acquire coins that you can use in the game's shop. The more enemies you kill in succession, the more coins you'll obtain. Utilize your charge beam, and you'll immediately start acquiring the most coins possible. It's a great way to reward players for playing efficiently, as not only will you obtain that precious shop currency to unlock ship configuration, but also extra lives. As we all know, those extra lives can be the most important upgrade you'll ever obtain, especially in higher difficulties.

To be perfectly honest, most of the fun I've had with Revolgear Zero has been experimenting with different ship builds and seeing which configurations I prefer. Given how each stage plays out differently, it's important to find setups that not only play to your personal strengths in a vaccuum, but also something that can handle everything the game throws at you. For example, there's one stage where I'm dealing with enemies coming from in front and behind me. As a result, I'm using a configuration with an alternate weapon loadout that shoots in both directions, allowing me to deal with all these enemies with ease.

Of course, what works for me may not work for you, and this is the biggest strength of Revolgear Zero. There's so much to tinker with that, just like the stage variety, it helps constantly keep things fresh. That's doubly important because, sadly, the amount of content that exists within the game is a little lacking.

Revolgear Zero Boasts Plenty of Gameplay Modes, But Most Feel Shallow

On paper, there's a lot of content available in Revolgear Zero.

After completing the game's Standard Mode, you'll gain access to play each stage individually, as well as a Boss Rush mode. Beyond that, there are 30 missions to choose from, co-operative play, an alternate gameplay mode that recharges your boost energy faster, and even a secret game mode to unlock.

Given how replayable the game already is, especially with the amount of customization you can do for your build-outs, you'd figure that all of the variety of modes is the icing on the cake. Sadly, that's not the case. Mission mode is a massive disappointment that never felt worth the effort.

Boss Rush is always a good time, especially if you're looking to test your limits in a more expedited manner. Still, I was hoping for a little more than what was available here. It's without a doubt the worst part of the game. I get that the game's launching at a discounted price, but there are so many other indie games that offer more bang for your buck.

Stylin', Profilin'

Thankfully, if you need some egging on to keep going, Revolgear Zero's soundtrack has you covered.

Despite the anime aesthetics of the game's characters, Revolgear offers a more classic retro arcade experience through its visuals and soundtrack. This is very much a game that looks, sounds, and feels like the arcade shmups of old that we fell in love with back in the day, and I am very much here for it.

This plays into the overall feel of the game; I mentioned at the top how the DNA of classic shmups has evolved into other genres that offer more gameplay depth today. Revolgear Zero instead trusts that the classic shmup gameplay and vibes can hold up well today. I'm happy to report that it is indeed the case.

It's a game that I can't put down, whether it's for some quick nightly sessions in bed or when I'm looking to pass the time before realizing I've been playing for a handful of hours without breaking a sweat.

Revolgear Zero is an enjoyable and satisfying retro shmup experience that will undoubtedly satisfy the genre's biggest fans. It's nowhere near as challenging as some of the genre's juggernauts, nor is it as impressive, but there's still plenty to enjoy here, especially at a discounted price tag. I just wish there were more to see and do in Revolgear Zero to attract those who aren't hardcore shump fans.