Random Game O' the Day: Xenophobe

[digitalpress]

The random game generator chooses Xenophobe for Atari 7800, let's expand this to include all of the versions of Xenophobe.

The original arcade game allowed three players to duke it out in split-screen action, attempting to clear each spaceship of bad guys, find the exit and move to the next ship. Lots of cool little items, interesting character design (same style as Arch-Rivals and Pigskin Footbrawl), and the head-to-head feature made this game quite the arcade sleeper.

So what did you think of the home versions? Which have you played? Which did the best to recreate the arcade experience or were any of them actually BETTER than the arcade? Write your own mini-review here!

DP Guide sez:

Xenophobe (Atari 2600, by Atari) $25/R5
Based on the 1987 Bally Midway coin-op. c1987 Bally Midway, 1990 Atari. #CX26172.

Xenophobe (Atari 7800, by Atari) $20/R4
Based on the 1987 Bally Midway coin-op. #CX7858.

Xenophobe (Lynx, by Atari) $15/R
Based on the 1987 Bally Midway coin-op. #PA2026.

Xenophobe (Nintendo NES, by SunSoft) $3/R3
Based on the 1987 Bally Midway coin-op. Released 12/88. c1988 Sun Electronics, 1987 Bally Midway. #NES-XE-USA.

http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/arcade/xenophob.png

[Tempest]

Xenophobe was an awesome arcade game, but far too rare. I only saw it once at a bowling alley, but my friends all had a blast playing it. I haven't played the arcade version in a long time, but I recall reading somewhere that there were extra items in the game that didn't do anything because they ran out of time to impliment them. Anyone know what these objects are?

The 2600 version is OK, but probably could have been a little better. I think the 2600 could have handled simultaneous two player action like Motorodeo did. If it's only one player at a time why have the split scren anyway? The 2600 version is really a mixed bag, some graphics are pretty good while others are downright lously (look at your ship before each stage). I also find this version a bit too easy and have rolled the score before. Oh and there's also a small graphics glitch next to the elevator (your character lowers a scanline or two when he approaches it). The box art is awesome though, my favorite 2600 picutre of all time.

The 7800 version is pretty decent, but could have been alot better. I consider it a small improvement over the 2600 version but not up to the standards it should have been.

The NES version is an abomination. I consider the 2600 version better than this crappy monocolored turd fest. Four levels, bland colors, and sub-par graphics do not make for a good NES game. Ick shoot it!

The Lynx version is AWESOME! This is my favorite version not only because its so close to the arcade, but because it allows for a second player to play as a Snoterpillar. I love this game, I just wish I could beat it. Definetly my favorite Lynx game of all time, and one of the reasons I bought one back in the day.

Tempest

[Scoots]

I reviewed the NES version here (http://www.fatmangames.com/systems/browsegame.asp?gameid=5448). Mediocre at best, though I loved the arcade version.

[RJ]

Great game. I've only played the 7800 home version, w/ my nephew when he was barely old enough to hold a Pro-Line. Inevitably the station would self-destruct (we'd take too long) & he'd imitate the SFX of the explosion!

Never had much luck w/ the arcade version. The control was too difficult (the stick had like 2 or 3 buttons on it?) Good grief, as in the pic above, the instructions were literally ON-SCREEN to reduce confusion. Didn't work for me...

[portnoyd]

I love the game so much, that I bought the dedicated cab! Thanks Stiphy, you "da man".

dave

[IntvGene]

The Lynx version is AWESOME! This is my favorite version not only because its so close to the arcade, but because it allows for a second player to play as a Snoterpillar. I love this game, I just wish I could beat it. Definetly my favorite Lynx game of all time, and one of the reasons I bought one back in the day.

Exactly my sentiments! One of the best titles for the Lynx. Theres' nothing like seeing a Snotepillar using the elevator... The game is difficult though, especially one player. Get two of your friends together and it is much more beatable. I think there are 23 levels before you fight the Queen.

I never liked playing the Arcade version much because of the "Gauntlet" effect-- losing health too quickly, and just pouring quarters into the machine. But, one of the great later 80's arcade games. I really liked the interesting use of splitting the screen 3-ways, and awesome joysticks.

[Aswald]

Never really liked the 7800 version- too much was missing.

[davidbrit2]

Xenophobe was one of the best Lynx games made. My cousin and I played that a ton with our Lynxes hooked together. We managed to beat it a few times, as I recall. Xybots is also a hell of a link game.

[Daniel Thomas]

Xenophobe is one of those games that just worked perfectly on the Lynx. The game just played to the handheld's strengths. Of course, having the ability to play four players, playing as the alien, and added characters and powerups is just further proof -- this is how you handle an arcade conversion.

This is one of those games I'd love to see on the GBA. Too bad Xenophobe never found the audience it deserved.

[lionforce]

I bought, played and killed the score on the NES version. now that I look back on the old days, my patience for games was definitely at a higher level than it is now because that game was pretty mediocre, I remember being about 7 or 8 and playing that game straight until the score could not go any higher and I got pissed off because there was no cool ending, the game just kept going and going even though the score stopped LOL

[le geek]

I bought the 2600 version direct from atari in a bulk deal for $10, and then sold it because it sucked! DOH! Wish I'd kept it... At least I kept Road Runner!

Cheers,
Ben