The high-difficulty 2D shoot-'em-up action game "XXXX," created by indie developer Modoki, is now available for demo on Steam. The game eschews exploration and standard minion battles, focusing instead on consecutive boss fights where players can only counterattack by catching the blue bullets fired by enemies.
In the story, the protagonist undergoes trials to fulfill the wish of saving their sister's life. Players will face formidable enemies themed around school elements such as stationery, musical instruments, and mannequins, dealing with their various attacks.
The protagonist has no conventional weapons; their only offensive option is to catch blue bullets at the right moment and fire them back. Players must identify bullet patterns and master the timing window for catching, turning the bosses' attacks into opportunities for counterattacks. This reversal of offense and defense forms the core mechanic.
Modoki positions this title as a high-difficulty challenge, emphasizing the sense of accomplishment after defeating bosses. The PC version of "XXXX" is scheduled for release within 2026.