Title: Viral Reload EX
Developer: Retrocade Media
Publisher: Flynn’s Arcade
Available On: July 23, 2026
Platforms: Steam and Nintendo Switch
Reviewed On: Switch 2

Introduction

Viral Reload EX is a 2D retro arcade vertical shoot’em up classic forged in the 16-bit era style.

Synopsis

You play as Bimmy, as well as a small talking octopus, who shrink to the microscopic level to take out infections inside the bodies of a rock band.

Analysis

A former member named Kyle Kaboom of the band Chainsaw Cannonball, decides to kidnap his former band members. He ends up infecting them with fatal viruses, which will need to be remedied. Bimmy shrinks down alongside his Octopus friend and must eliminate the infection, save the band, and all before Kyle destroys the moon.

The gameplay

Viral Reload EX starts off with story mode in the year 2063 where a former band member of Chainsaw Cannonball seeks to destroy his former band members as well as blow up the moon. After infecting them with deadly biological threat, Bimmy suits up, shrinks down, and begins whittling away at the infection. Can Bimmy and an Octopus save the band members, let alone earth’s only rocky satellite?

Bimmy pilots a vessel known as the Viral Unit, after shrinking down you will control the ship as waves upon waves of enemies confront you. Story mode contains 9 different levels with 9 different bosses. As you progress in the story a total of 19 cutscenes are reviled to further its plot.  

The ship you control moves quite fast so the waves of enemies that you encounter can be tough to avoid. Enemies, which are purple, red, green, etc. type blobs and shapes, have a variety of tactics to hurt your cause. Energy bullets are the main offensive, which spray in various patterns towards you. The other main weapon type is lasers which certain enemies procure.

To combat the bacteria the game uses a hold and gun method. Keep your finger on the button to allow a continuous onslaught towards the enemies. Most games of this genre give you additional upgrades to your gun and possibly a heavier set caliber of weapons as well to take on harder enemies while progressing, but this game does not. However, what it does include is a dash ability that when used, phases through bullets, lasers, and enemies momentarily. This provides some defense but must be timed to use before another attempt.

Other additions to the game are Arcade mode, which is basically a endless run for high-score and Boss rush mode. You can play a shared-screen multiplayer experience. Online leaderboards showcase accomplishments and if you want a switch up to the visuals you can use CRT filters. The game also features vertical monitor support.

Final Score

Viral Reload EX takes the vertical shoot’em up formula and takes some of your traditional power-up arsenal away and provides a dash mechanic to both make things more challenging but also provide you with the opportunity to master it. This is certainly a unique way to provide something different within this well-established arcade genre.

While playing this game, patterns are key to advance, but that is just half of the formula. While recognizing the patterns and avoiding continuous projectiles is important, what is almost equally important is the use of the dash mechanic. If you can do so you can go far into these stages. The fun that lies in this game is the continuing improvement of yourself and striving to get farther into the game. My only real issue is the lack of checkpoints in the game. As a parent and a busy adult this always is an issue, especially if I put it down and someone else wants to play Switch 2 later. I either must try and beat it, which ends up with me feeling rushed and I end up failing or I need to let someone else play and lose the progress altogether. I feel like frequent checkpoints or the ability to do a quick save at some point would be a great add on for parents.

When enjoying a game, all you really need is fun, and this game has that core experience. If you enjoy fast-paced gaming and recognizing patterns while mastering techniques to avoid death, this game has much to offer. Try out this interesting title and see if you have what it takes to save the moon.

Image Source: Taken by Author

Share your reactions below or join the conversation on the Boss Rush Discord.

Shane Kelley is a Senior writer for Boss Rush Network, as well as a writer for Another Zelda Podcast. His favorite game is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. You can find him on X or Bluesky to talk video games, Marvel, cribbage, and axe throwing. Also at his website, Stillsaneshane.com