Xexyz
Xexyz is a unique action-platformer and shooter hybrid developed and published by Hudson Soft for the NES, released in 1990, and it is a hidden gem that combines side-scrolling platforming with vertical-scrolling shooter sections, offering a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.
You play as a hero who must travel through a series of levels, fighting enemies and collecting power-ups, with a focus on action, exploration, and precision. The gameplay involves navigating through platforming levels, using a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies, and you also engage in vertical-scrolling shooter sections where you pilot a ship through space, providing a nice change of pace and variety.
A unique feature is the "hybrid" gameplay – the game seamlessly alternates between side-scrolling platformer levels and vertical-scrolling shooter levels, each with different controls, perspectives, and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout the adventure. The levels include various sci-fi and fantasy environments, each with unique enemies, obstacles, and challenging boss encounters.
The game features a health bar and a continue system, and you can also collect items to restore health and power-ups. The graphics are colorful and detailed, with a sci-fi fantasy theme and well-rendered sprites, and the backgrounds are varied and atmospheric. The music is fast-paced and energetic, with a catchy electronic soundtrack that matches the game's action-packed and adventurous tone.
Critics praised the hybrid gameplay, the variety of levels, and the overall fun and challenging experience, making it a hidden gem and a must-play for fans of action-platformers and shooters. It supports one player. Xexyz is a unique and engaging game that offers a great blend of platforming and shooting action.