Xevious-New_Balance Commodore 64 game

Xevious

Xevious is a classic vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game developed and published by Namco in 1982. It was released in Japan and Europe by Namco and in North America by Atari, Inc. In the game, players control the Solvalou starship, tasked with thwarting the Xevious forces before they annihilate humanity. The Solvalou possesses two vital weapons: a zapper for airborne threats and a blaster to obliterate ground installations and enemies. The game operates on the Namco Galaga arcade system.

Gameplay

Xevious is a vertically scrolling shooter where players pilot the Solvalou, an airborne attack craft, to repel the encroaching Xevious forces bent on Earth's conquest. The Solvalou boasts two weapons: a zapper for aerial foes and a blaster for ground targets. A targeting reticle indicates the bomb-drop point.

The game encompasses 16 interconnected areas, looping back to the first after all are completed. Dying about 70% through restarts the player at the next area. Each area has distinct features, from forests and rivers to mechanical structures. Some areas feature Nazca lines in "condor" patterns.

Xevious progressively increases difficulty as players improve. Mastering specific enemy types leads to more challenging adversaries. Destroying red "Zolback" radars found on the ground resets the difficulty. Certain points include battles against the Andor Genesis mothership, which spews projectiles and "Zakatos" spheres. The player must destroy the core or blaster receptacles to defeat it. Hidden towers ("Sol Citadels") can be uncovered by bombing specific parts of an area. Yellow "Special Flags" offer extra lives.

Development

Xevious was designed by Masanobu Endō and a small team at Namco. Initially conceived around the Vietnam War and titled "Cheyenne," the game underwent changes in theme and design. It aimed for a detailed story, world, and accessibility for new players. Homages to popular science fiction works like Star Wars, UFO, Alien, and Battlestar Galactica are evident in the game's enemies and characters.

Shigeki Toyama, who worked on Namco's early '80s amusement center robotics, contributed to character and structure design. The Solvalou design is influenced by the Nostromo space tug from Alien. Xevian, a fictional language created by Endō, named in-game enemies.

Xevious was well-received for its graphics, challenge, and originality. It achieved immense success in Japan, setting records. However, its North American release, though still notable, didn't reach the same heights. It's regarded as one of the most influential games in the shoot 'em up genre, setting a template for vertically scrolling shooters.

Legacy

Xevious is considered one of the first games to feature a boss fight, pre-rendered graphics, and a storyline. It profoundly influenced future developers, with notable figures like Bubble Bobble's creator Fukio Mitsuji and Rez's producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi citing it as an inspiration.

Sequels and spin-offs followed, including Super Xevious (1984), Vs. Super Xevious (arcade, 1984), Xevious Fardraut Saga (MSX2, 1988), and more. It also spawned novels, a CGI film, and a soundtrack album by Haruomi Hosono of Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Xevious has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, shaping the shoot 'em up genre and inspiring countless titles in the process.

Commercial Performance

Xevious was a massive success in Japan, with record-breaking sales. In North America, it achieved moderate success, selling over 5,000 arcade units by the end of 1983. The Famicom version was a massive hit, boosting system sales significantly. It became the console's first killer app.

Xevious's popularity led to high score tournaments and strategy guidebooks in Japan. It also sold well in North America and worldwide, cementing its status as a classic.

Ports

Xevious saw various home conversions, including versions for the Family Computer (NES), Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 7800, and more. It was re-released on modern platforms like the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Switch.

Xevious is a cornerstone of Namco compilations, showcasing its enduring appeal.