M2’s Tokihiro NAITO and Skipmore announce pixel art ‘puzzle adventure shooter’ XeGrader plus for PC

Tokihiro NAITO, a game designer and director who works for M2, has announced XeGrader plus, a fantasy “puzzle adventure shooter” with pixel art by Skipmore. It will be available for PC via Steam. A demo is due out in June.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

A fantasy shooter where exploration and puzzles are keys to victory. In a world of meticulous pixel art, uncover secrets hidden in every stage. Collect powerful upgrades, defeat fantasy monsters with precise shooting, and forge the world’s fate!

“Discovery” Through “Adventure“: Save the World!

This game is a “Puzzle Adventure Shooter” that blends the excitement of classic retro shooters with deep mystery-solving. Simply defeating enemies won’t be enough to bring peace back to this world. Your wisdom and courage are the keys to awakening the lost order.

World: A High Fantasy Shrouded in Darkness

The story takes place in a high fantasy world suddenly overrun by legions of monsters. From familiar creatures like Slimes and Kobolds to denizens of the dark like Zombies and Vampires, a variety of enemies stand in your way. Players can choose to play as either a “Male Warrior” or a “Female Warrior” (stats are identical) and embark on a perilous journey to save the world.

Features: A Growth System Powered by Mystery

The only way to strengthen your character is by solving the “mysteries” hidden throughout each stage. Solve every puzzle to gain ultimate power! Remember that feeling in legendary games where you’d find a bonus by flying through a volcanic crater? That sense of surprise and discovery is woven into every stage. Observe, experiment, and experience the joy of finding hidden power-ups with your own hands.

Visuals and Sound: Retro x Modern

• Golden Age of Pixel Art – Exquisite pixel art by Skipmore, reminiscent of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
• Atmospheric Effects – Modern lighting and shadow effects add depth to the nostalgic adventure world.
• Superb Sound – Dramatic music by Tadahiro Nitta colors your journey. Chiptunes and melodies leveraging the texture of FM synthesis will heighten the excitement of your adventure.

Downloadable Content: Recreating Retro Modes that Pushed Hardware to the Limit

XeGrader PC-8001mkII version (2024) and MSX2 version (2025). We have recreated the visuals and sound of these two versions on Steam, utilizing the constraints and characteristics of each machine. Enjoy the unique texture and gameplay of each hardware.

• MSX2 – Released as a physical package in 2025. Experience a detailed world drawn with a unique color palette. The sound is equivalent to PSG.
• ORIGIN (PC-8001mkII) – Distributed in 2024 through a reward system. You can vaguely experience music performance with only 4 colors and the pseudo-pulse vibration of the BEEP speaker.

Steam Deck Verified

This game is fully compatible with Steam Deck. It features specific support for touch panel operation during name entry, allowing for intuitive and comfortable play via a dedicated user interface. Enjoy the detailed pixel art world anytime, anywhere—whether on the go or relaxing at home—and dive deep into your “Puzzle Adventure.”

Development Team

• Planning and Production: Toshihiro Naito (the Hydlide series, etc.)
• Pixel Art: Skipmore (Kamiko, Fairune, etc.)
• Sound: Tadahiro Nitta (Xak, Illusion City, etc.)

Watch a trailer below.

Steam Trailer