Expendable, developed by Rage Software and now available on Steam through Funbox Media Ltd, is a loud, unapologetically arcade-style shooter that feels like a time capsule from the late 1990s. Originally released during an era when Dreamcast and PC action games were increasingly embracing 3D technology, it carried forward the spirit of classic run-and-gun shooters—simple objectives, frantic pacing, and a heavy emphasis on spectacle. The narrative framework is mostly decorative, framing you as a cybernetically enhanced commando deployed to distant worlds to eliminate alien forces and rescue human hostages, but the game understands its priorities: the action comes first, and everything else exists to support it.
The core gameplay loop centers on pushing forward through linear levels packed with enemies, environmental hazards, explosive containers, and destructible scenery. Movement and aiming are straightforward, allowing players to immediately grasp the controls, and the camera angle—hovering above and slightly behind the character—gives the experience a blend of twin-stick shooting and third-person perspective. Enemies swarm in large numbers, often arriving from multiple directions, which keeps the momentum high and encourages constant firing, strafing, and repositioning. The gunplay is intentionally exaggerated: bullets and rockets leave trails of fire, explosions fill the screen, and physics react dramatically to destruction. Even when the objectives are simple—reach an extraction point, wipe out a nest of creatures, free civilians—the chaos makes moment-to-moment gameplay exciting.
Weapons and power-ups play a crucial role in shaping the feel of Expendable. Standard rifles quickly give way to flamethrowers, energy cannons, grenade launchers, and screen-clearing special attacks. Because ammo is plentiful and enemies are relentless, the game invites players to constantly rotate through weapons rather than hoard them. Combined with destructible environments, these tools turn each stage into a playground of collapsing structures and cascading explosions. This commitment to over-the-top action gives the game a distinct identity, separating it from more tactical shooters of its time and aligning it closer to coin-operated arcade design, where sensory overload was part of the appeal.
Visually, Expendable reflects its era, but in a way that still has charm. Textures and models are unmistakably late-’90s, with chunky enemy designs and sharp-edged environmental details, yet the art direction remains cohesive and bold. Neon lighting, industrial corridors, alien landscapes, and metallic debris create a gritty sci-fi aesthetic that pairs well with the relentless combat. The real star, however, is the effects work—particle bursts, flames, sparks, and collapsing scenery were eye-catching at the time and still provide a satisfying impact today. The soundtrack leans into electronic and industrial tones, reinforcing the militaristic sci-fi mood, while the sound effects—especially explosions—remain weighty and satisfying.
The Steam version functions primarily as a preservation release, offering modern OS compatibility rather than a remaster or overhaul. That means some elements may feel dated to new players, particularly movement responsiveness, enemy variety, level pacing, and visual fidelity. The difficulty curve can also be uneven, with sudden difficulty spikes or overwhelming encounters that seem designed for arcade sensibilities rather than balanced progression. Repetition is another factor—levels follow similar structural patterns, and enemy behavior rarely evolves dramatically. For players accustomed to modern progression systems, dynamic AI, or narrative-driven shooters, the simplicity may feel limiting.
However, these qualities are also part of the game’s enduring appeal. Expendable doesn’t demand time investment, mechanical mastery, or emotional connection—it offers immediate gratification. It’s a game built for short bursts of cathartic destruction, especially when played cooperatively, which remains one of its strongest features. With a friend, the chaos becomes even more enjoyable, as the screen erupts with overlapping firepower and environmental damage. For players who grew up during the late ’90s or who have a soft spot for retro run-and-guns, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of a gaming era defined by arcade pacing and explosive design choices.
Ultimately, Expendable succeeds by staying true to what it was always meant to be: a fast, noisy, straightforward shooter that prioritizes fun over complexity. It won’t satisfy those seeking deep mechanical nuance or narrative depth, but it thrives as a throwback action experience—easy to pick up, satisfying to blast through, and full of chaotic charm. As a preserved slice of gaming history, it stands as a reminder of how exhilarating simplicity can be, and for fans of classic sci-fi shooters, it remains a worthwhile trip back through time.
Rating: 7/10
