E.X. Troopers 3DS is an anime-styled action game and a spin-off of Capcom's Lost Planet series. Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 3 exclusively in Japan, this decrypted ROM lets you experience the full Japanese release on Windows through the Citra emulator. The file is region-free, so you can load it regardless of your system's region settings.
This updated article covers the game's story, characters, combat systems, and what you need to know before downloading. You'll find the real file details, a direct download button, and practical guidance for getting the ROM running.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.0 (estimated) |
| File Size | 2.1GB |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Category | Action, Third-Person Shooter |
| License | Free |
| Developer | Berry |
What Is E.X. Troopers?
E.X. Troopers takes the Lost Planet universe and reshapes it for a younger, anime-loving audience. Capcom developed and published the title, giving it a cel-shaded visual style that stands apart from the gritty realism of the main series. The game launched on November 22, 2012, and never received an official Western release. That makes this decrypted JPN ROM one of the few ways English-speaking players can access the game on PC.
The setting is E.D.N. III, a frozen planet where snow pirates battle the Akrid, an alien species native to the world. You follow Bren Turner, a young cadet who arrives from the colony E.D.N. II to enroll at a military academy. The school framing gives the story a coming-of-age angle: Bren learns to fight, forms friendships, and uncovers larger conflicts tied to the planet's hostile ecosystem.
Story and Characters
Bren Turner is the central hero, and the narrative follows his training and field missions. Two supporting characters shape much of the plot:
- TeeKee — a female snow pirate with the rare ability to communicate with the Akrid. Her connection to the aliens complicates the human-versus-Akrid conflict.
- Gingira — a Vital Suit (VS) equipped with advanced AI. Gingira can talk with its pilot and refers to Bren as "Ace," giving the mech a personality rather than treating it as a simple tool.
The academy setting introduces classmates and instructors who round out the cast. Missions blend story cutscenes with combat encounters, and the anime presentation keeps the tone lighter than the mainline Lost Planet games.
Gameplay and Combat
E.X. Troopers is a third-person shooter at its core. You move Bren through snowy environments, fight Akrid creatures, and use a mix of firearms and melee attacks. The Vital Suit system adds a layer of variety: piloting a VS changes how you approach encounters, giving you heavier firepower and armor at the cost of mobility.
The game supports both on-foot combat and mech-based fighting. Enemy Akrid come in different forms, and boss encounters test your ability to switch tactics. The 3DS version uses the dual-screen setup for map and status information, while the PS3 version offers a traditional single-screen presentation. This ROM is the 3DS release.
Key Features
- Anime-styled presentation — cel-shaded graphics that set it apart from the main Lost Planet series.
- Third-person shooting — firearms and melee combat against Akrid enemies.
- Vital Suit piloting — control mechs with AI personalities, including Gingira.
- School-based story — a coming-of-age narrative starring Bren Turner.
- Region-free decrypted ROM — loads without region restrictions on Citra.
- Dual-language audio — original Japanese voice track with text in Japanese.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Unique anime take on the Lost Planet universe.
- Solid third-person shooting with mech combat variety.
- Region-free ROM works on Citra without region patching.
- Decrypted format simplifies loading compared to encrypted CIA files.
- Cons:
- Japanese-only release — no official English localization.
- Story and menus require Japanese reading ability or a fan translation.
- 2.1GB download is sizable for slower connections.
- Citra compatibility can vary by build and hardware.
Download and Installation Guidance
You can download the ROM from the button below. The file is 2.1GB, so make sure you have enough free disk space before you start. After downloading, extract the archive using WinRAR or 7zip.
To play, load the decrypted ROM in the Citra 3DS Emulator on Windows. Citra accepts decrypted .3ds and .cia files, and this ROM is provided in decrypted form to avoid the extra decryption step. If you enjoy other Japanese 3DS titles, you might also like Puyo Puyo Chronicles 3DS CIA & Decrypted (JPN) ROM or the English-patched Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters.
Trust Signals and Version Notes
This ROM represents the original Japanese release from November 22, 2012. No official patches or updates were issued for the Western market because the game was never localized. The version listed here (1.0) is estimated based on the original release, as no later version numbers are documented in the source material.
The developer field lists Berry, matching the source page's author credit. Capcom is the original game developer and publisher. The ROM is distributed as a free download for emulation purposes. Always verify your own emulator setup and keep your Citra installation updated to the latest stable build for the best compatibility.
If you encounter broken or dead links, report them through the reuploads page. If you like the game, support the developers by purchasing official releases where available.
Who Should Play E.X. Troopers?
This ROM appeals to Lost Planet fans curious about the spin-off, anime-style action game enthusiasts, and 3DS collectors who want to experience Japan-only titles. If you're comfortable navigating Japanese menus or using translation resources, the game offers a complete action experience. Players who need full English text should look for fan translation projects or consider other titles with official English support.
For a different pace, you can also explore Star Troopers – Combat Force Switch NSP, though note that it targets a different platform and genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E.X. Troopers 3DS Decrypted ROM free?
Yes, the download is free. The original game is a commercial Capcom release, so consider supporting official products where they are sold.
Can I play this ROM on Windows?
Yes. Use the Citra 3DS Emulator on Windows to load the decrypted ROM file.
Is the ROM region-free?
Yes, it is labeled region-free, so it should load regardless of your emulator's region configuration.
Does the game have English text?
No. This is the original Japanese release, so menus and dialogue are in Japanese.
What file size should I expect?
The download is 2.1GB. Ensure you have enough storage before downloading.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Download and use ROMs only in compliance with your local laws and the rights of the copyright holders.
