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Xain'd Sleena

Introduction

Xain'd Sleena is an arcade video game developed by Technos and released in 1986. The game features a unique blend of platformer and side-scrolling shooter genres. Initially known as Xain'd Sleena in Japan, the game underwent various title changes for its international releases, including Solar Warrior in the USA and Soldier of Light for European home computer ports.

Gameplay

The player assumes the role of Xain, a galactic bounty hunter tasked with liberating five different planets from oppressive evil forces. One notable aspect is that players can select the order in which they tackle the planets. However, the U.S. version, titled Solar Warrior, follows a predetermined sequence instead of offering a choice.

As Xain, players navigate horizontally and vertically scrolling stages, shooting enemies and avoiding hazards. Xain possesses multiple abilities, such as crouching, double crouching (prone), jumping, and double jumping. Some planets require defeating sub-bosses to progress. Certain enemies drop power-ups that alter Xain's default laser gun into various weapons, including a laser-grenade gun, a 2-way gun, a spreadfire gun, and a powerful bullet gun. Each weapon has distinct damage and directional firing capabilities.

At the end of each planet, players face off against a boss. Upon defeating the boss, players plant a bomb in the boss' base and must escape within a ten-second window aboard a starship.

The game's second half involves an interlude stage where players must battle waves of enemy ships while en route to the next planet. After three planets, players encounter an asteroid field and a massive mothership.

After liberating all five planets, players engage in a longer final stage set in a colossal metallic fortress. This stage features battles against bosses encountered on each of the five planets. Defeating these bosses is optional. Midway through this stage, players plant a bomb in the fortress core and have 60 seconds to reach the exit hangar and escape in a starship.

Reception

Xain'd Sleena received varying reviews from different publications. Game Machine, a Japanese gaming publication, ranked the game as the twelfth most successful table arcade unit in January 1987.

In the West, ACE magazine provided the Commodore 64 version with a score of 499 points and compared the gameplay to Firebird's Crosswize. The Games Machine evaluated the Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum versions, awarding scores of 70%, 77%, and 86%, respectively.

Despite differing opinions, Xain'd Sleena left an impression in the gaming community and garnered attention for its innovative blend of platformer and shooter elements.