Xevious [Model NXV-4900]

Xevious © 1984 Namcot (Namco ltd label for home releases)

Xevious is a vertical shooter by Namco and is the conversion of their classic arcade game originally released in December 1982 (Japan; USA = February 1983).

The game is set on planet Xevious where the enchant super-computer GAMP has awakened after thousands of years of sleep. SOL towers appear from all over the world and signal the imminent invasion.

Attack drones, planes, amphibious vehicles and large fortresses; now swarm the land and must be stopped. The player takes control of the heavily armed Solvalou fighter equipped with surface bombs and a standard gun.

Enemies attack on two different levels, some are airborne whereas others are ground targets. Ground enemies such as tanks and guard towers can only be destroyed with bombs and the aid of a rather small crosshair. This target system is at the core of the gameplay and flashes red when a bomb thrown down.

Xevious features some unique enemies - mysterious ground installations such as the Solbak don't attack but are designed to gather information about the player's fighter - destroying them temporary decreases the enemy's attack power. Each stage in Xevious scrolls continuously and there is no break between them. Area's borders are indicated by thick forests and this is where the player is sent back when shot down (unless he proceeded further than 70% of this area).

The game features 10 areas (which loop back to the first stage) and a double player mode (alternated turns).