Let's dive into the different options available in the main and submenus available. (As updates are still being made to the game, keep in mind things may become out of date).

Choose from one of three aircraft using left/right controls, and use up/down to choose a special weapon that you will be able to deploy during gameplay. As you play the game over time, new special weapons will be unlocked to choose here as a result of gaining ? bonuses. You will be prompted to confirm your choice before the game starts after pressing 'Start Game.'

Each craft as it's own pros and cons, with different stat ratings for its speed, power, dodge and armoury. Each craft also has a different starting load out:
- Stinger - extra missile and max plasma +1
- Raptor - burst and magma +1
- Spartan - guns and lazer +1

Raptor MK3 (default option)
"A balanced, medium ship built for versatility. With moderate speed, firepower and defense, it's reliable in most combat scenarios. It's hull offers a decent chance to deflect enemy fire, making it a solid all-rounder."

Stinger M74
"A fast, nimble light ship built for hit and run tactics. While it lacks heavy firepower and armor, its high speed and unique hull design gives it an excellent chance to deflect enemy fire. Best suited for experienced pilots who rely on agility over brute strength.

Spartan NRD
"A slow moving fortress with overwhelming firepower and heavy armor. Spartan NRD trades agility for brute strength, crushing enemies head on. Its thick plating absorbs damage, though it rarely deflects incoming fire. Built to dominate the frontline."

Toggle for 1 Player or 2 Player play. Multiplayer is only available locally (not online).

You can map the controls for each player under the controls menu.

This option is yet to be built out. The developer has said (at the time of writing) that there will new non-story based modes in the future, including Random Waves.

The default game mode is Arcade. Replay in other modes to add new challenge and excitement to your gaming.

Arcade - "Built on the spirit of Project X E (1992), now evolved with modern mechanics, smoother flow, and fresh tactical depth."

Modern - "A modern take on Project X SE (1992) featuring new mechanics and a reworked shield system - take damage, lose energy and recover it over time."

Project X 1992 - "A faithful homage to Project X SE (1992). No gimmicks, no modern twists - just pure old-school shooting, true to the original formula."

The default difficulty level for the game is Arcade. Rookie is a great starting option to get used to the flow and mechanics of the game.

But once you've aced Arcade, why not up the stakes and try a harder mode next?

Rookie - "For new pilots. Slower enemies, forgiving damage, and plenty of power-ups. Learn the ropes and blast with confidence!"
Arcade - "Experience the game as it was meant to be. Pure, unfiltered action - true to the original vision."
Difficult - "For skilled pilots seeking a real challenge. More heat, more hustle - no training wheels here."
Insane - "Precision, mastery and nerves of steel required. This is where pilots become legends. A pure, intensified vision - true to the challenge it was always meant to be."
Impossible - "Beyond reason, beyond survival. Only the unyielding dare enter. A storm of endless fire - where even legends are unmade."

Check out the current high score for your game difficulty/mode!

If you're on the scoreboard, your name will be highlighted.

(K.I.A. means "Killed In Action." Your time only shows it you managed to finish all ten levels of the game).

The game options bundled into Project X give you a range of options to customise your game play from game difficulty and game mode to display, music and sound options.


The controls section enables you to change the control mapping for player 1 and player 2 (if playing multiplayer).


The default controller mapping is below:


See my other guide on Default controller settings to understand what each of the control elements mean.

Selecting game play will bring up set of options to customise your play.


Autofire - When on, if you hold down the fire button, weapons will fire repeatedly. When this is off, you will need to repeatedly press the fire button for rapid fire.

Overload - When on auto, the overload beam will automatically trigger during your gameplay. When on manual, you can trigger it yourself according to your own timing once it reaches 100%.

Special weapon - When on auto, the special weapon you choose for your ship in the hangar will be automatically triggered during gameplay. When on manual, you can trigger it yourself according to your own timing.

Weapon upgrade - When on auto, your armoury (at the bottom of the screen) will automatically upgrade. When on manual, you can trigger it yourself according to your features and weaponry preferences.

Skip get ready screen - When it is off, gameplay will pause between levels and only begin when you press the fire button.

Beginner tip
If you are new to Project X, having weapon options on auto can be useful to start with as there are so many things happening on screen. As you develop confidence, switching more options onto manual helps you refine your gameplay (such as saving the Overload and Special weapon for when there's a big bad boss in sight).

Graphic - choose between high, medium, low and steam deck
Filter - automatically set on scanline (no other option at time of writing). A scanline is an effect that mimics the horizontal line affect of old style games.
Filter strength - choose the strength of the scanline
Extra screen shake - automatically set to off. When on will give those explosions an extra shake.
Glow filter - makes bullets more visible (does not work with Graphic set to low)
Green orbs - adjust the appearance of the green orbs. Options may change in ongoing development. At time of writing the options are Round (default) Round C (has a C to indicate credits) and square.



Global volume - adjust the overall volume of the game
Music volume - adjust just the volume of the music
SFX volume - adjust just the volume of the sound effects
Speech volume - adjust just the volume of speech
Soundtrack - choose between the official and alternative soundtracks
Music title - choose between retro and modern
Floppy sound - choose whether to have the floppy disk loading sound on or off



High score - Choose between online or local high score
Show intro - When on, it gives you the story-based lead up to why you're on a mission in a Project X aircraft.
Show manual - When on, shows you a controller map and screen map before the game starts after pressing Start Game.
Show hangar at start - When on, takes you to the hangar to choose your aircraft after pushing 'Start Game'
Quick load - When on, skips the tribute screen and a disk loading screen before showing the main menu
Full screen - choose between full screen or window
Language - choose between English (default) and Polish
Default settings - this will reset ALL settings to default and restart your game