Retro/Grade

About

Retro/Grade flips the script on shoot 'em ups by making you fight backward. You control Rick Rocket as he dodges waves of enemies while reversing through levels to undo damage. Attacks happen in reverse too, timing fire to music beats becomes key as you rewind through chaos. The single-player campaign leans into this oddball concept with tight controls and a focus on rhythm that feels more puzzle than reflex. The game lets you play with a standard controller or a guitar-shaped one if you have one lying around. Its 2012 release date means it’s been forgotten by most, but the quirky blend of shooting and timing has earned it a small but dedicated following. The PlayStation 3 and PC versions run smoothly, and the whole experience clocks in at just a few hours. It’s a weird experiment that somehow works.