A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX

 Xbox 360
A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX Image
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18 Ratings

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  • Summary: In the year 2060 Earth has reached the stars, during that time an alliance was formed with a Robotic Alien race which the humans call Atzai. The Atzai gave humans the means to end the pollution plaguing their planet by building the Minos Space Station, which the waste of Earth is used toIn the year 2060 Earth has reached the stars, during that time an alliance was formed with a Robotic Alien race which the humans call Atzai. The Atzai gave humans the means to end the pollution plaguing their planet by building the Minos Space Station, which the waste of Earth is used to form efficient forms of energy for space travel. For once Earth was at peace, and a strong bond forged between Human and Machine. However not all Atzai agreed with helping the warmonger human race, and slowly rebel factions formed inside the Atzai ranks.
    Now the year is 2094 and the rebel faction Leader Zytron has attacked and taken control of all the machines onboard the Minos station. Atzai Command receives a distress call from Dr. Julia Carson a chief engineer revealing that there are still survivors on board at that Zytron has a secret Extinction Agenda for mankind. Atzai Command sends their best option to infiltrate and retake Minos from enemy hands, with the priority of saving the hostages at all cost.
    Take control of Ares and newcomer Taurus for two separate story arcs, and uncover the conspiracy behind Zytron's invasion of Minos Station.
    Ares is a combat specialist built to run faster, jump higher, and fire quicker. And Taurus who is a battle veteran built for giving and taking damage with his tank like body. Together with their orbital handler Valkyl, they must race against the clock to save the survivors and stop Zytron's Extinction Agenda at any cost.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Game Over Online
    Oct 7, 2013
    85
    If you’re on the fence about it, try the free trial – you’ll get to play through the first stage, including a boss battle, and get a perfect idea for how the game feels.
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    Oct 7, 2013
    80
    As it stands, A.R.E.S Extinction Agenda EX is a highly polished 2D platforming shooter that is able to seamlessly blend influences from three great franchises and turn it into a fun and unique experience in itself. A.R.E.S. doesn’t redefine the genre, but it doesn’t have to because of how well-executed it is.
  3. Gaming Age
    Oct 8, 2013
    75
    This isn’t what I’d label a long-lasting or memorable experience by any means, but if you’re hankering for some old-school 16-bit action this week, it’s worth the $14.99 asking price.
  4. ZTGD
    Oct 10, 2013
    75
    It does have it’s moments of difficulty, but fans of side-scrolling shooters looking for a decent romp through a Mega Man-esque experience should take a look at A.R.E.S.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 18, 2013
    70
    Off-pissing checkpoints aside, it's slick and grueling old-school for the 'core. [Christmas 2013, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GameSpot
    Oct 3, 2013
    60
    It's a capable homage to a beloved 16-bit franchise, complete with attractive visuals and great audio, but the overall package is best suited to those who are eager for new challenges to keep them busy after they've worked through the readily available and more affordable library of older fare that already covered the same ground.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine
    Oct 4, 2013
    40
    Dedicated fans of punishing classics like Mega Man might’ve relished the sense of accomplishment, but even they’ll grow tired of the drudgery, despite some tense boss battles against huge machines.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. rygar666
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    This game is old school fun... I picked it up because my friend said he played the original version and the EX was supposed to have moreThis game is old school fun... I picked it up because my friend said he played the original version and the EX was supposed to have more gameplay. I agree that soundtrack kicks butt- and couldn't put the game down until I finished it. I just wish it was even longer.… Expand
  2. gamerx666
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    ARES isn't perfect- but is perfect for what it IS. The game is a fun ride that doesn't coddle the player, but gives a sense of accomplishmentARES isn't perfect- but is perfect for what it IS. The game is a fun ride that doesn't coddle the player, but gives a sense of accomplishment when you do succeed. Pick it up and rock out with the soundtrack. … Expand
  4. susan88
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    My BF bought it, and I find myself playing it more than he does. I feel a little badly about that. It is really simple and fun to play. I'mMy BF bought it, and I find myself playing it more than he does. I feel a little badly about that. It is really simple and fun to play. I'm torn whether I like playing as ARES or Tarus more.… Expand
  5. spacedgamer
    Oct 12, 2013
    9
    Solid. Ignore the haters. This is a throwback to games when they were less forgiving. If you can't handle a moderate challenge this may notSolid. Ignore the haters. This is a throwback to games when they were less forgiving. If you can't handle a moderate challenge this may not be for you. However, if you want a decent romp definitely pick this one up.… Expand
  6. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    6
    I picked up this game at a considerable discount, thanks to the developer's decision to "celebrate" the release of Mighty No. 9. I played theI picked up this game at a considerable discount, thanks to the developer's decision to "celebrate" the release of Mighty No. 9. I played the original version of this game some years ago, but didn't get around to playing this version until today.

    At the end of my run as ARES, I was ready to give Extinction Agenda EX a thumbs down, and maybe I still should: It's one of the jankiest run-and-gun games I have ever played. Asthetically, it's fine: The music is excellent and the sprite work fairly appealing. Aiming and shooting is just fine thanks to the mouse, but the jumping controls are uniquely unresponsive and occasionally just fail to work at all. ARES' air dash move is especially difficult to use properly. I must have wasted an hour of the two hours it took to finish the game just falling into pits. It's also rather difficult to avoid damage, and if not for the in-built repair ability, I probably would not have gotten anywhere. I imagine I had a similar experience playing the first version of this game, but that was back in 2011 so I don't remember for sure. Nostalgia makes every game seem better I guess, because I gave that game a positive review just yesterday. But playing it again was not nearly as fun.

    Then, I played Tarus, the new playable character to this version of the game. And let me tell you, playing Tarus is like playing a different game entirely, and a better one at that. ARES' unwieldy air-dash is replaced with a much simpler to use mid-air hover move, which allows you to fly around for a short duration. At least once jump segment that gave me no end of trouble with ARES can be bypassed using Tarus entirely: Though Tarus' cutscenes differ from ARES, the levels do not. His "limit break"-type move, instead of a smart bomb like ARES, is a invulnerability shield. His weapons, while shorter-ranged and slower then ARES', do considerably more damage. All this meant that my run as Tarus took about half the time, give or take a few minutes. I've never seen a disparity between two characters in the same game this huge before. If you get this game, get it on sale like I did, and don't even bother playing as ARES- Tarus is your bot.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2013