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Thexder [Model SQF-TX]

Nintendo Famicom cart. published 39 years ago by Square Co., Ltd.

Listed in MAME

Thexder [Model SQF-TX] screenshot

Thexder © 1985 Square Company, Limited.

Thexder is a multi-scrolling action shooter, conversion of a popular Japanese action game. Thexder takes place in a distant future and the player assumes the role of an elite mecha pilot on a lone and perilous commando mission to save humanity. The objective of the game is to absolve several large maze-like bases and to destroy the enemy's mainframe computer. The humanoid combat vehicle is equipped with a powerful auto-targeting rifle gun (provided the enemies are near enough), as well as a limited particle shield allowing it to withstand damage from enemy fire for a short amount of time. But the battle robot comes with another ingenious feature - it is capable of transforming into a fighter-jet, zipping around at high speeds through small gaps and narrow corridors and able to reach areas the humanoid robot can't. However, the jet trades away speed and maneuverability for weaker weaponry and can only shoot forward... Another important aspect of the game is energy management (which also acts as health). The player starts his mission with two hundred energy units and using the shield (which drains thirty points) or getting hit by enemy fire significantly reduces it - energy depletes fast in Thexder and if the counter reaches zero, the robot goes to oblivion. Thankfully, some (rare) enemies release energy when destroyed and give the player temporary relief. Thexder consists of five different levels (then, they repeat until number 99, with colors, speed and monsters changes) and is single-player only.

Goodies for Thexder [Model SQF-TX]
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(members only)
TECHNICAL

Cartridge ID: SQF-TX

TRIVIA

Thexder was released on December 19, 1985 in Japan for 5500 Yen.

Thexder was originally developed by Game Arts in 1985. The first version was released for the NEC PC-8801 Japanese computer and the game soon became a hit. It was later ported to several Japanese systems. This Famicom port of Thexder has noticeable differences with the original game. There are only five levels (compared to sixteen) and the stage layout is different in many places. But the major departure from the original game is the auto-targeting laser which was replaced with a less effective and slower auto-targeting bullet gun.

Goodies for Thexder [Model SQF-TX]
Click to see more
(members only)
SCORING
Energy barriers 30 points.
Grey/Red squares 50 points.
Red crosses 30 points.
Spiderbots 40 points.
Energy pods 40 points (+16 energy).
Power bots 90 points (+14 energy).
Orbs 50 points.
Missiles 60 points.
Blue crosses 40 points.
Blue/red balls 60 points.
Small blue/red balls 50 points.
Arrowy thingamabobs 100 points (+20 energy).
Big grey/red squares 60 points.
Chip of the big structure 90 points.
TIPS AND TRICKS

INFINITE ENERGY
At the title screen, after powering on your console, hold Up+A, then reset. Release the buttons and hold Up+B, then reset. Release the buttons and hold Down+A, then reset. Release the buttons and hold Down+B, then reset. Release the buttons and hold Left, then reset. Release the button and hold Right, then reset. Release the button and hold Select, then reset. Release the button and hold Start, then reset. Start your game and you should have infinite energy.

VIEW END SCREEN
Power the console on, then on Controller 1 hold Left+A, press Reset, release the buttons, hold Right+A, press Reset, release the buttons, hold Up+A, press Reset, release the buttons, hold Down+A, press Reset, and finally hold START then press Reset.

VIEW HIDDEN CREDITS SCREEN
This is a really complicated code to do. You should use a Hori Card controller. You need to input this sequence: Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, Right, Down, Left & Up. But you can't just press the buttons, you have to hold a button, press and hold the next one, release the previous one, then hold the next one and release the previous one, etc, etc. For example, hold UP, then hold Right, release Up, then hold Down, release Right, then hold Left, release Down, etc.

STAFF
SOURCES

Game's ROM.
Game's description by Laurent Kermel; http://www.videogameden.com