Xenophobe

"One of the final 2600 games is a good one"

Introduction- After Nintendo had revived video games following the crash, Atari not only released the doomed Atari 7800, but also re-released the Atari 2600, now in a smaller, more streamlined package, and nicknamed it the 2600 Jr. With games becoming more and more evolved as the late-80's rolled on, Atari kept up with the times by releasing new 2600 games. These games had improved graphics, and looked especially great for the system they were on. The 2600 Jr. lived until 1990 in the U.S., but 1992 outside of the U.S., so the system lived either 13 or 15 years depending on how you look at it. Not bad for a system released in 1977, eh? One of the final U.S. games to be released for the system was a port of Bally's 1987 coin-op, Xenophobe, and while the game remains quite rare today, it's worth the search, as the game came out on top in almost all categories.

Gameplay (9/10)- One of the main draws of Xenophobe in the arcades was it's unique 3-player action. The screen was split into three sections, and players could either search space stations together or split up on their own. For home ports, the screen was obviously only divided into two sections. The main disappointment with the 2600 port is that two players can't play once. This hurts the score a little, though it is understandable, considering the hardware it was on. However, the game plays incredibly well. The object is to search space stations, collecting items and blasting away the alien scum you encounter. Find different weapons for added power (my favorite is the Poofer Gun). There are many levels, and some of them are quite big, making the quest long and difficult, but no less entertaining.

Story (7/10)- The story is obviously inspired by the movie Alien. Aliens have invaded various stations, and it's up to you to beam aboard, take out a set number, collect items, and beam back. If you take too long, you'll automatically beam back and the space station will self-destruct. The story is not that original, but is suitably cool for a 2600 game.

Graphics (10/10)- Wow! Looking at these today, you may not think much of these, but they're very impressive by 2600 standards. Your character is well animated, multi-colored, and looks good. The aliens also looks good, but most are single-colored. Not only that, but you get between level screens of the infested space station either passing by the mother ship you come from, or blowing up. This is followed by a 'ceremony' screen showing all the items you collected. Not only that, but during gameplay, there's a rising and lowering ''XENOPHOBE'' on the opposite half of the screen. The jammed a lot into this little 2600 cartridge, and although there's some flickering, it looks really good.

Sound (9/10)- There's no in game music. However, during the title screen, between level ceremony screens, and dying tune, there is the Xenophobe theme. It sounds great by 2600 standards, and is a little haunting. Good job here.

Replayability (8/10)- Replayability is very good, as shooting alien scum is endlessly fun. Once you get the poofer gun and learn the certain pattetrns, it becomes easier, but you'll want to play this game to the last level again (and again, the game wraps after the last level back to the first one, and since you probably paid a good chunk of change for this, you'll want to get your money's worth). It does get to the point where it become a little too easy, this hurts replayability a little, but you'll probably come back to it later.

Final Recommendation- A must buy. It will probably be expensive, but it's worth it, as this is a technically impressive 2600 title, and plays well to boot. This is definitely my favorite 2600 game. Pick this one up if you ever have the chance, you won't be disappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/11/03