CULTIC, A Retro Shooter That Feels Fresh.

Some games rely on nostalgia. CULTIC uses it as a foundation before building something that stands proudly on its own.

Inspired by legendary 90s shooters, CULTIC delivers fast-paced combat, chunky weapons and a gritty pixel-art style that immediately grabs your attention. Yet beneath the retro visuals is a surprisingly polished and modern shooter that’s difficult to put down.

Gameplay & Combat

From the opening moments, CULTIC throws you into brutal firefights where movement is just as important as accuracy. Standing still usually ends badly, encouraging you to constantly strafe, dodge and search for cover.

Every weapon feels satisfying. Whether you’re blasting enemies apart with the shotgun or carefully picking targets at range, the gunplay has real weight behind it. Enemies react convincingly to your attacks, making every encounter feel rewarding.

The levels are packed with secrets and hidden areas, giving you plenty of reasons to explore rather than simply sprinting to the exit.

Visuals & Atmosphere

This is where CULTIC really shines.

The pixel-art graphics perfectly capture the look of classic PC shooters while adding modern lighting and effects that make every environment feel alive. The dark, creepy locations create a constant sense of tension without relying on expensive visuals.

Instead of feeling outdated, the retro presentation becomes one of the game’s biggest strengths. It gives CULTIC its own identity while proving that great art direction often matters more than cutting-edge graphics.

Audio

Weapons sound powerful, enemies are unsettling, and the soundtrack does an excellent job of maintaining the game’s oppressive atmosphere.

Everything works together to keep you immersed from beginning to end.

What We Liked

• Fantastic retro-inspired art style.
• Excellent weapon variety and satisfying combat.
• Smooth controls on Xbox.
• Rewarding exploration with plenty of hidden secrets.
• Modern gameplay wrapped in a classic presentation.

What Could Be Better

• The difficulty can spike unexpectedly in certain encounters.
• Players unfamiliar with old-school shooters may need time to adjust to the faster pace.
• Navigation can occasionally become confusing when searching for the next objective.

Final Verdict

CULTIC is proof that retro shooters are far from outdated. It captures everything that made classic FPS games memorable while adding enough modern ideas to feel fresh in 2026.

The old-school artwork gives the game enormous personality, but it’s the responsive combat and excellent level design that kept bringing me back for another level. If you’re a fan of classic shooters – or simply want something different from today’s blockbuster FPS games – this is an easy recommendation.

WildStarGaming Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   90–100%

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