Xenon 2 on the Sega Master System is one of those shooters that feels like it's actively trying to murder you—in the best way possible. You start off with this tiny ship that looks hilariously outmatched, and then the screen just fills with bullets, aliens, and neon explosions. The music’s got that late '80s synth vibe, which somehow makes dodging through walls of enemy fire feel cooler than it should.

What I love is how the power-ups work—you collect cash mid-level to buy upgrades between stages, which means you actually have to think about whether you want better guns, shields, or speed. First time I played, I blew all my credits on lasers and immediately regretted it when I couldn’t outrun the next boss. Classic mistake.

It’s tough as nails, but in that way where every death feels like your fault, not the game’s. If you’re into shmups that don’t hold your hand, this one’s a blast.