Xevious

{{short description|1983 video game}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox video game | title = Xevious | image = Xevious Poster.png | caption = North American arcade flyer | developer = Namco | publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Namco|NA|Atari, Inc.}} | designer = Masanobu Endō<br />Shigeki Toyama | composer = Yuriko Keino | artist = Hiroshi Ono<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/former-namco-pixel-artist-hiroshi-mr-dotman-ono-has-died/ |title=Former Namco Pixel Artist Hiroshi 'Mr. Dotman' Ono Has Died |website=Siliconera |date=October 17, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2021 |last=Kiya |first=Andrew}}</ref> | series = ''Xevious'' | platforms = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Arcade}}|NES, FM-7, PC-88, Atari 7800, Amstrad CPC, Sharp MZ, ZX Spectrum, Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari ST, Famicom Disk System, Sharp Zaurus, mobile phone, Game Boy Advance}} | released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|February 1983}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|JP/NA|February 1983<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |pages=52, 84 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n53}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Production Numbers|url=http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|publisher=Atari|year=1999|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510143012/http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>|EU|May 1983{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}}}} '''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 8, 1984<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|title=All Famicom games sorted from the latest release to the earliest|magazine=Famitsu|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015061257/https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>|NA|September 1988<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |publisher=Nintendo of America |title=NES Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611225644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |archive-date=June 11, 2014 }}</ref>}} '''FM-7'''{{vgrelease|JP|1984}} '''PC-88'''{{vgrelease|JP|1985<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sasaki |first1=Jun |title=あの名作シューティングがついにPC-88シリーズにも移植された！「ゼビウス」 |trans-title=That masterpiece shooting has finally been ported to the PC-88 series! |url=https://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/column/retrosoft/1111888.html |website=PC Watch |publisher=Impress Group |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423193127/https://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/column/retrosoft/1111888.html |archive-date=23 April 2020 |language=ja |date=19 March 2018}}</ref>}} '''7800'''{{vgrelease||November 1986<ref>{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/0ff414b0-9fe1-4d28-b14f-f3971bfeec3b |work=Computer Entertainer |volume=5 |issue=9 |date=December 1986 |page=14}}</ref>}} '''CPC'''{{vgrelease|EU|1986}} '''MZ'''{{vgrelease|JP|1986}} '''ZX Spectrum'''{{vgrelease|UK|February 1987<ref>{{cite news |last1=Berkmann |first1=Marcus |title=Xevious Review |url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/xevious.htm |agency=Your Sinclair |issue=14 |date=February 1987 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312081839/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/xevious.htm |archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>}} '''Apple II'''{{vgrelease||October 1987<ref>{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/a2f4762f-ed48-4e52-8a89-4e188cbc5409 |work=Computer Entertainer |volume=6 |issue=8 |date=November 1987 |page=14}}</ref>}} '''C64'''{{vgrelease||1987}} '''Famicom Disk System'''{{vgrelease|JP|May 18, 1990<ref>{{cite web |title=FAMILY COMPUTER Software List 1990 |url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTC1_FC1990.html |website=GAME Data Room |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210607/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_NTC1_FC1990.html |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |language=ja}}</ref>}} '''Zaurus'''{{vgrelease|JP|2001}} '''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|JP|2002}} '''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 14, 2004<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Craig |title=GBA SP Goes Back in Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/14/gba-sp-goes-back-in-time |website=IGN |date=January 14, 2004}}</ref>|NA|June 7, 2004<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Craig |title=NES SP and Games Ship Early |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/03/nes-sp-and-games-ship-early |website=IGN |date=June 3, 2004}}</ref>|EU|July 9, 2004<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |title=What's New? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/whatsnew-090704 |website=Eurogamer |date=July 9, 2004}}</ref>}} }} | genre = Scrolling shooter | modes = Single-player, multiplayer | arcade system = Namco Galaga }}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Xevious'''''|ゼビウス|Zebiusu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1983 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Namco for arcades. It was released in Japan and in North America by Atari, Inc. in February 1983. Controlling the Solvalou starship, the player attacks Xevious forces before they destroy all of mankind. The Solvalou has two weapons at its disposal: a zapper to destroy flying craft, and a blaster to bomb ground installations and enemies. It runs on the Namco Galaga arcade system.

The game was designed by Masanobu Endō and a small team. Created to rival the success of ''Scramble'', it was originally themed around the Vietnam War and titled ''Cheyenne''. Endō wanted the game to have a detailed, integral storyline and a comprehensive world, and to be welcoming for newer players. Several enemies and characters were made to pay homage to other popular science fiction works, including ''Star Wars'', ''UFO'', ''Alien'' and ''Battlestar Galactica''.

''Xevious'' was praised for its detailed graphics, challenge and originality. It became an unprecedented success for Namco in Japan, with record-breaking sales figures making it the biggest game since ''Space Invaders''. The North American release paled in comparison, despite still selling 5,295 arcade units by the end of 1983. It has been listed among the most influential games in the shoot 'em up genre, establishing the template for vertically scrolling shooters and inspiring games such as ''TwinBee'' and ''RayForce''. It was ported to home systems, followed by several sequels and spin-offs, and is included in many Namco compilations.

==Gameplay== thumb|Approaching a group of flying enemies and two ground targets

''Xevious'' is a vertically scrolling shooter. The player controls a flying attack craft, the Solvalou, to destroy the Xevious forces plotting to take over Earth.<ref name="Guidebook"/> The Solvalou has two weapons: a zapper that fires projectiles at flying enemies,<ref name="FC manual">{{cite book |title=Xevious instruction manual (FC) |date=1984 |publisher=Namco |pages=9 |url=http://www.videogameden.com/fc/extra/xev.pdf}}</ref> and a blaster for bombing ground installations and vehicles.<ref name="FC manual"/> A reticle in front of the ship shows where bombs will land.<ref name="FC manual"/>

The game has a total of 16 connected areas, which loop back to the first after completing them all.<ref name="Guidebook"/> Dying about 70% through starts the player at the beginning of the next.<ref name="hardcore">{{cite news |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xevious/xevious.htm |title=Xevious |author=Savorelli, Carlo |work=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2010-02-02 |archive-date=2017-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612094653/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xevious/xevious.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Areas are geographically distinct, with features such as forests, roads, rivers, and mechanical structures. Certain areas have Nazca lines placed on the ground, some in the "condor" design.<ref name="hardcore"/>

The game becomes progressively more difficult as the player becomes more skilled. Once the player does well at destroying a certain enemy type, a more advanced enemy type replaces it.<ref name="hardcore"/> Destroying flashing-red "Zolback" radars found on the ground will cause the game to switch back to easier enemies.<ref name="hardcore"/><ref name="Guidebook"/>

Certain points in the game have a fight against the Andor Genesis mothership, which launch an endless stream of projectiles and explosive black spheres known as "Zakatos".<ref name="FC manual"/> The player can either destroy all four blaster receptacles or the core in the center to defeat it.<ref name="FC manual"/> Some parts of the game have hidden towers ("Sol Citadels"), which can be found by bombing specific parts of an area.<ref name="Guidebook"/> The Solvalou's bomb reticle flashes red when over one.<ref name="Guidebook">{{cite book |title=Xevious guidebook |date=1984 |publisher=Wasa |pages=40}}</ref> Yellow "Special Flags" from Namco's own ''Rally-X'' are found in a semi-random section of the area. Collecting one gives an extra life.<ref name="Guidebook"/>

==Development== ''Xevious'' was designed by Masanobu Endō, who joined Namco in April 1981 as a planner.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> He and a small team were assigned by Namco's marketing department to create a two-button scrolling shooter that could rival the success of Konami's arcade game ''Scramble'' (1981).<ref name="Interview Collection"/> Early versions of the game were named ''Cheyenne'' and took place during the Vietnam War, with the player controlling a helicopter to shoot down enemies.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> (The original name may refer to the Vietnam-era Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne advanced attack helicopter project.) After the development team was reshuffled and the project planner quit altogether, Endō became the head designer for the game.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> He learned programming on the job during production.<ref name="Interview Collection">{{cite web |title=Xevious - Developer Interview Collection |url=http://shmuplations.com/xevious/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505214857/http://shmuplations.com/xevious/ |archive-date=5 May 2019 |year=2015}}</ref>

Endō wanted the game to have a consistent, detailed world with a story that didn't feel like a "tacked-on extra", instead being an integral part of the game.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> The goal of the project was for the game to be inviting for newer players, and to become gradually more difficult as they became better at the game.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> Influenced by ray-tracing, Endō wanted the game's sprites to be high-quality and detailed, while also making sure they fit the limitations of the arcade board it ran on.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> The team used a method that involved giving each sprite different shades of gray, allowing sprites to display additional colors.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> Many of the sprites were designed by Endō himself, although some were done by Hiroshi "Mr. Dotman" Ono, including the player and the background designs.

Many of the game's characters and structures were designed and refined by Shigeki Toyama, who previously worked on many of Namco's robotics for their amusement centers in the early 1980s.<ref name="Toyama">{{cite web |title=Shigeki Toyama and Namco Arcade Machines |url=http://shmuplations.com/shigekitoyama/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914183308/http://shmuplations.com/shigekitoyama/ |archive-date=14 September 2019 |year=2016}}</ref> The player's ship, the Solvalou, is based on the ''Nostromo'' space tug from ''Alien'', while several of the enemies are homages to starships from popular science fiction works, including ''Star Wars'', ''UFO'' and ''Battlestar Galactica''.<ref name="Toyama"/>

Concept art for the Andor Genesis mothership depicted it with a more circular design, nicknamed "Gofuru" due to it bearing resemblance to gofuru cookies.{{efn|''Gaufre'' means "waffle" in French, and the Japanese ''rōmaji'' of ''gaufre'' is ''gofuru'' according to Hepburn romanization.}}<ref name="Toyama"/> The design was changed to instead be the shape of an octagon as the hardware had difficulty displaying round objects, while still keeping much of its key features such as the central core and blaster receptacles.<ref name="Toyama"/> Endō created a fictional language during development called "Xevian" that he used to name each of the enemies.<ref name="Interview Collection"/>

The blaster target for the Solvalou, which flashes red when over an enemy to signal the player to fire a bomb at it, was added to make it easier to destroy ground targets.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> While programming it, Endō thought it would be interesting to have the blaster target flash over a blank space where an enemy wasn't present, leading to the addition of the Sol citadels.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> Namco executives expressed displeasure towards the idea, with Endō instead claiming they were simply a bug in the program and leaving them in the code.<ref name="Interview Collection"/>

The Special Flag icons from ''Rally-X'' were added due to Endō being a fan of the game.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> The game was originally named ''Zevious'', the "X" being added to make it sound more exotic and mysterious, with the metallic logo paying homage to the pinball table ''Xenon''.<ref name="Interview Collection"/> Location testing for ''Xevious'' was conducted in December 1982, and the game was released in Japan in January 1983.<ref>{{cite book |last=Akagi |first=Masumi |url=https://archive.org/stream/ArcadeGameList1971-2005#page/n54/mode/1up |title=ナムコ Namco; Namco America; X |work=アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005) |edition=1st |publisher=Amusement News Agency |date=13 October 2006 |pages=53, 126, 166 |isbn=978-4990251215 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=『ナムコミュージアム VOL.2』は、この6タイトル |url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/nm/vol2.php |publisher=Bandai Namco Entertainment |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903061537/https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/nm/vol2.php |archive-date=3 September 2019 |language=ja |date=February 1996}}</ref> In the months following, Atari, Inc. acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute it in North America, advertising it as "the Atari game you can't play at home".<ref name="hardcore"/>

==Ports== The first home conversion of ''Xevious'' was for the Family Computer in 1984, being one of the system's first third-party titles. Copies of the game sold out within three days, with Namco's telephone lines being flooded with calls from players in need of gameplay tips.<ref name="Narusawa">{{cite book |last1=Narusawa |first1=Daisuke |title=The Namco Book |date=1 March 1991 |publisher=JICC Publishing Bureau |isbn=978-4-7966-0102-3}}</ref> The Famicom version was released internationally for the Nintendo Entertainment System by Bandai, in North America and PAL regions. In 1986, it was ported to the Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum by U.S. Gold,<ref name="hardcore"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Amstrad%20Cent%20Pour%20Cent/amstradcpc_numero02/Amstrad%20100%20%25%20-%20n%C2%B0002%20-%20mars%201988%20-%20page%20124%20et%20page%20125.jpg |title=Banal, Banal? Banal! | magazine={{ill|Amstrad Cent pour cent|lt=Amstrad Cent pour cent|fr|Amstrad Cent pour cent}}|issue=2| date=March 1988|page=125|publisher={{ill|Média Système Édition|lt=Média Système Édition|fr|Média Système Édition}}}}</ref> who later ported it to the Commodore 64 in 1987.<ref name="YS"/> Atari Corporation published an Atari 7800 version as one of the system's 13 launch titles in 1986.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Atari unveils advanced video game that is expandable to introductory computer |publisher=Atari, Inc. |url=http://www.atari7800.org/museum/PressDoc1s.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428091904/http://www.atari7800.org/museum/PressDoc1s.htm |archive-date=28 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2010 |date=21 May 1984}}</ref> A version for the Apple II was released in 1987. The Famicom version was re-released as a budget title for the Famicom Disk System in 1990.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography |author-link1=Tokyo Photographic Art Museum |title=Family Computer 1983 - 1994 |date=2003 |publisher=Otashuppan |location=Japan |isbn=4872338030}}</ref> Versions for the Atari 2600 and Atari 5200 were completed but never released;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Mike |title=Ancient Atari 2600 Arcade Port Pops Up, And It's So Bad |url=https://kotaku.com/ancient-atari-2600-arcade-pops-up-and-its-so-bad-1717759403 |website=Kotaku |date=14 July 2015 |access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> the 2600 port was programmed by Tod Frye.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Once Upon Atari: The Agony and the Ecstasy Video Review |magazine=Next Generation |issue=40|publisher=Imagine Media |date=April 1998|page=20}}</ref>

Three mobile phone versions were released; the first for J-Sky in 2002, renamed ''Xevious Mini'', the second for i-Mode the same year, and the third for EZweb in 2003. The NES version was re-released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004 as part of the ''Classic NES Series'' line. The arcade version was released for the Xbox 360 in 2007, featuring support for achievements and online leaderboards.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seff |first1=Micah |title=Xevious and Rush 'n Attack Hit XBLA This Week |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/21/xevious-and-rush-n-attack-hit-xbla-this-week |publisher=IGN |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110141456/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/21/xevious-and-rush-n-attack-hit-xbla-this-week |archive-date=10 November 2019 |date=21 May 2007}}</ref> The NES version was released for the Wii's Virtual Console in 2006 and Wii U in 2013, and was also added to the Nintendo Classics service in March 2023. The arcade version was released for the Wii's Virtual Console in 2009,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Spencer |title=Namco Bandai Backs Virtual Console Arcade In A Big Way |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/26/namco-bandai-backs-virtual-console-arcade-in-a-big-way/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923000456/https://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/26/namco-bandai-backs-virtual-console-arcade-in-a-big-way/ |archive-date=23 September 2019 |date=26 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=2023-03-16 |title=Nintendo expands Switch Online library with more Game Boy classics and Kirby |url=https://www.polygon.com/2023/3/16/23642900/nintendo-switch-online-march-2023-games |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as Hamster Corporation's ''Arcade Archives'' series (alongside ''Pac-Man'') for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arcade Archives XEVIOUS |url=https://www.arcadearchives.com/en/title/aca-175/ |access-date=2025-06-25 |language=en}}</ref> A remake for the Nintendo 3DS developed by Arika was released by Nintendo in 2011 as part of the 3D Classics series, named ''3D Classics: Xevious'', which took advantage of the handheld's stereoscopic 3D display.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ishaan |title=3D Classics: Xevious Flies To The eShop [Update 2] |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/21/3d-classics-xevious-and-nintendo-video-app-fly-to-the-eshop/ |website=Siliconera |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

''Xevious'' is included in Namco compilations including ''Namco Museum Vol. 1'' (1995), ''Namco Museum Battle Collection'' (2005),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |title=Namco Museum Battle Collection |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3143275&did=1 |website=1UP.com |access-date=30 August 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603183328/http://www.1up.com/reviews/namco-museum_2 |archive-date=3 June 2016}}</ref> ''Namco Museum 50th Anniversary'' (2005),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aaron |first1=Sean |title=Namco Museum: 50th Anniversary Review (GCN) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/09/namco_museum_50th_anniversary_retro |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100735/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/09/namco_museum_50th_anniversary_retro |archive-date=26 September 2017 |date=3 September 2009}}</ref> ''Namco Museum Remix'' (2006), ''Namco Museum DS'' (2007), ''Namco Museum Virtual Arcade'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Geddes |first1=Ryan |title=Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/06/namco-museum-virtual-arcade-review |website=IGN |access-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616231512/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/06/namco-museum-virtual-arcade-review |archive-date=16 June 2019 |date=6 November 2008}}</ref> and ''Namco Museum Essentials'' (2009).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roper |first1=Chris |title=Namco Museum Essentials Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/21/namco-museum-essentials-review |website=IGN |access-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429211839/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/21/namco-museum-essentials-review |archive-date=29 April 2019 |date=21 July 2009}}</ref> The PlayStation home port of ''Xevious 3D/G'' includes the original ''Xevious'' as an extra, alongside its sequels ''Super Xevious'' and ''Xevious Arrangement''.<ref name="EGM94">{{cite magazine |title=Xevious 3D: You've Come a Long Way, Baby |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=94 |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=May 1997 |page=109}}</ref> It is included as one of the five titles in ''Microsoft Revenge of Arcade'', released for Windows in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bates |first1=Jason |title=Revenge of Arcade |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/01/revenge-of-arcade |publisher=IGN |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110152827/https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/01/revenge-of-arcade |archive-date=10 November 2019 |date=1 August 1998}}</ref> The 2005 GameCube game ''Star Fox: Assault'' includes the NES version as an unlockable extra, awarded by collecting all silver medals in the game.<ref>Namco Ltd. (2005). Star Fox Assault instruction booklet. Nintendo of America. pp. 7, 29, 34–35.</ref> For the game's 30th anniversary in 2012, it was released for iOS devices as part of the ''Namco Arcade'' compilation.<ref>{{cite web |author=Spencer |title=Namco's iPhone Arcade Games Are So Retro You Need To Insert Credits To Play Them |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2012/01/26/namcos-iphone-arcade-games-are-so-retro-you-need-to-insert-credits-to-play-them/ |website=Siliconera |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Video game reviews | title = | Allgame = ARC: 4/5<ref name="Allgame">{{cite web |last1=Alan Weiss |first1=Brett |title=Xevious - Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=451&tab=review |website=Allgame |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114201855/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=451&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |year=1998}}</ref><br />NES: 4/5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14556&tab=review |title=Xevious (NES) Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115034930/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14556&tab=review |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />Atari 7800: 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=8631&tab=review |title=Xevious (Atari 7800) Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114130442/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=8631&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | IGN = XBLA: 6/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last1=Millar |first1=Jonathan |title=Xevious Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/25/xevious-review |website=IGN |access-date=5 May 2007}}</ref> | rev1 = ''Commodore User'' | rev1Score = C64: 6/10<ref name="CU"/> | rev2 = ''Nintendojo'' | rev2Score = GBA: 7.5/10<ref name="Nintendojo">{{cite web |last1=Jacques |first1=William |title=Classic NES Series: Xevious - Review |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/GBA/view_item.php?1094918038 |website=Nintendojo |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107204020/http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/GBA/view_item.php?1094918038 |archive-date=7 January 2006 |date=11 September 2004}}</ref> | YSinclair = ZX: 8/10<ref name="YS"/> }}

The arcade game received positive reviews upon release.<ref name="CU">{{cite magazine |last1=Lacy |first1=Eugene |title=Xevious |magazine=Commodore User |date=20 December 1986 |issue=40 (January 1987) |pages=26–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/commodore-user-magazine-40/page/n25/mode/2up}}</ref> ''Computer & Video Games'' magazine praised the game's thrilling action and impressive graphics, recommending it to players fond of titles such as ''Zaxxon'' and ''Scramble'',<ref name="CVG">{{cite magazine |title=Aliens Take a Tumble: Xevious |magazine=Computer + Video Games |issue=20 (June 1983) |date=16 May 1983 |page=31 |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/177/495 |access-date=9 November 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916021921/https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/177/495 |archive-date=16 September 2019}}</ref> while ''Electronic Games'' found that the realistic graphics and intense action made ''Xevious'' an easy recommendation to fans of the genre. ''Joystik'' stated that the game was superior to titles ''Zaxxon'' and ''Tron'', specifically in its graphics and gameplay.<ref name="Joystik">{{cite news |title=Xevious |url=https://archive.org/details/joystik_magazine-1983-10/page/n23?q=xevious |access-date=9 November 2019 |agency=Joystik |volume=2 |edition=Special |date=October 1983 |pages=40–43}}</ref>

''Amusement Life'' praised its detailed backgrounds, fast-paced gameplay and sense of mystery, labeling it a masterpiece and one of the best games of 1983.<ref>{{cite news |title=EXCITING NEW VIDEO GAME - ギャラガ |url=https://archive.org/details/amusement-life-magazine-14/page/n22?q=%E3%82%AE%E3%83%A3%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AC |access-date=22 September 2019 |agency=Amusement Life |issue=14 |date=February 1982 |page=21 |language=ja}}</ref> In 1998, ''Allgame'' called it one of the more "polite" shoot'em ups for its detailed visuals, challenge and unique enemy designs, finding it to have a "charm" unmatched by other games of the genre.<ref name="Allgame"/>

Home versions of ''Xevious'' received praise for their faithfulness to the original. ''Your Sinclair'' commended the ZX Spectrum version's accurate conversion of the arcade original, while also praising its fast-paced gameplay and "enthralling" experience.<ref name="YS">{{cite news |last1=Berkmann |first1=Marcus |title=Xevious Review |url=http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/xevious.htm |access-date=9 November 2019 |agency=Your Sinclair |issue=14 |date=February 1987 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312081839/http://www.ysrnry.co.uk/articles/xevious.htm |archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref> ''Nintendojo'' greatly praised the ''Classic NES Series'' version for its gameplay and multiplayer mode, favorably comparing it to games such as ''Gradius''.<ref name="Nintendojo"/> They felt that its responsive controls and "chaotic" difficulty made it one of the best titles released under the label.<ref name="Nintendojo"/>

Some home releases were met with a more mixed reception for their overall quality and lack of bonus features. Reviewing the Nintendo Entertainment System release, German publication ''Power Play'' found the game to be "too old", suggesting that readers instead try out titles such as ''Gradius''.<ref name="Power Play">{{cite news |author1=MH |title=Xevious |url=http://www.kultpower.de/archiv/heft_powerplay_1989-06_seite56 |access-date=9 November 2019 |agency=Power Play |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208102948/http://www.kultpower.de/archiv/heft_powerplay_1989-06_seite56 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |page=57 |language=de}}</ref> They also disliked the game's lack of power-ups and for areas being too long.<ref name="Power Play"/> ''GameSpot'' applauded the Xbox 360 digital version's emulation quality and usage of online leaderboards,<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web |last1=Gerstmann |first1=Jeff |title=Xevious Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xevious-review/1900-6171444/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=23 May 2007}}</ref> but ''IGN'' and ''GameSpot'' both disliked the lack of improvements made over previous home releases and bonus content.<ref name="IGN"/><ref name="GameSpot"/>

Retrospectively, ''Xevious'' has been seen as the "father" of vertically scrolling shooters, and one of the most influential and important games of the genre. In 1995, ''Flux'' magazine rated the game 88th on their list of the "Top 100 Video Games", saying that it "ushered in a new age of scrolling overhead shooters", with its "detailed graphics, multi-level targets and catchy theme music."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 1995 |title=Top 100 Video Games |url=https://archive.org/details/flux-issue-4/page/n31/mode/2up |journal=Flux |publisher=Harris Publications |issue=4 |pages=32}}</ref> In 1996, ''Next Generation'' ranked it number 90 in their list of the "Top 100 Games of All Time", praising its art direction, intense gameplay and layer of strategy.<ref name="NGen21">{{cite magazine |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=Next Generation |issue=21 |date=September 1996 |page=39}}</ref> ''Gamest'' magazine ranked it the second greatest arcade game of all time in 1997 based on reader vote, applauding its pre-rendered visuals, addictive nature and historical significance.<ref name="Gamest1997">{{cite book |title=Reader's Choice of Best Game |publisher=Gamest |isbn=9784881994290 |page=48}}</ref>

Japanese publication ''Yuge'' found the Famicom home port to be one of the system's best and most memorable titles for its faithful portrayal of the original.<ref name="usedgame07"/> ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' applauded the game for setting up the template for future games of the genre, namely ''TwinBee'', ''RayForce'' and ''Raiden DX''.<ref name="hardcore"/> They also praised the game's detailed graphics, difficulty and impressive enemy intelligence for the time.<ref name="hardcore"/> ''IGN'' labeled it the ninth greatest Atari 7800 game of all time for its gameplay and overall quality.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buchanan |first1=Levi |title=Top 10 Atari 7800 Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/09/top-10-atari-7800-games |publisher=IGN |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010231611/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/09/top-10-atari-7800-games |archive-date=10 October 2018 |date=9 May 2008}}</ref>

===Commercial performance=== ''Xevious'' was an unprecedented success for Namco in Japan. In its first few weeks on the market, it recorded record-breaking sales figures that hadn't been seen since ''Space Invaders'' in 1978.<ref>{{cite book |title=ARCADE GAMERS White Paper Vol . 1 |date=2010 |publisher=Media Pal |isbn=978-4896101089 |page=10}}</ref> It was the top-grossing table arcade cabinet on Japan's ''Game Machine'' arcade charts in November 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos) |magazine=Game Machine |issue=213 |publisher=Amusement Press |date=1 June 1983 |page=29 |lang=ja |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19831115p.pdf#page=15}}</ref> In North American arcades, it was a more moderate success, reaching number four on the ''Play Meter'' arcade charts in July 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 15 Arcade Games |magazine=Video Games |date=September 1983 |volume=1 |issue=12 |page=82 |url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_Volume_1_Number_12_1983-09_Pumpkin_Press_US/page/n81/mode/1up}}</ref> Atari sold 5,295 ''Xevious'' arcade cabinets in the US by the end of 1983, earning about $11.1 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|11,100,000|1983}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}){{inflation/fn|US}} in US cabinet sales revenue.<ref name="atari_production">{{cite web |title=Atari Production Numbers Memo |url=http://www.atarigames.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:atari-production-numbers-memo&catid=5:atari-inter-office-memos&Itemid=5 |publisher=Atari Games |access-date=18 March 2012 |date=4 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120084806/http://www.atarigames.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47%3Aatari-production-numbers-memo&catid=5%3Aatari-inter-office-memos&Itemid=5 |archive-date=20 January 2013}}</ref>

The Famicom version sold over 1.26 million copies sold in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan Platinum Game Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml |website=The Magic Box |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801030711/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=1 August 2019}}</ref> jumping system sales by nearly two million units.<ref name="usedgame07">{{Cite magazine |author=遠藤昭宏 |title=ユーゲーが贈るファミコン名作ソフト100選 アクション部門 |date=June 2003 |magazine=ユーゲー |publisher=キルタイムコミュニケーション |issue=7 |pages=6–12}}</ref> The game's immense popularity led to high score tournaments being set up across the country, alongside the creation of strategy guides that documented much of its secrets and hidden items.<ref>{{cite news |title=ゼビウス |url=https://archive.org/details/amusement-life-magazine-11/page/n22?q=%E3%82%BC%E3%83%93%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9 |access-date=9 November 2019 |agency=Amusement Life |issue=11 |date=October 1983 |pages=21–22}}</ref> The NES version went on to sell {{nowrap|1.5 million}} game cartridges worldwide.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sheff |first1=David |title=Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World |year=1994 |orig-year=1993 |publisher=Vintage Books |isbn=978-0-307-80074-9 |chapter=Inside the Mother Brain |page=72 |chapter-url=https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=72 |quote=Namco sold 1.5 million copies of a game called "Xevious". A new Namco building was nicknamed the Xevious Building because the game had paid for its construction costs. |access-date=2021-01-02 |archive-date=2021-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102104823/https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=72 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Legacy== {{see also|List of Xevious media}}

''Bubble Bobble'' creator Fukio Mitsuji and ''Rez'' producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi cite ''Xevious'' as having a profound influence on their careers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fukio "MTJ" Mitsuji - 1988 Developer Interview |url=http://shmuplations.com/bubblebobble/ |access-date=8 November 2019 |agency=BEEP! |year=1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008222008/http://shmuplations.com/bubblebobble/ |archive-date=8 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-03-17-recollections-of-rez |title=Recollections of Rez |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=2016-03-17 |access-date=2016-03-17 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322185636/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-03-17-recollections-of-rez |archive-date=2016-03-22}}</ref>

''Xevious'' is credited as one of the first video games to have a boss fight,<ref name="Gamest1997"/><ref name="hardcore"/> pre-rendered graphics<ref name="NGen21"/> and a storyline.<ref name="Gamest1997"/> In 1985, Roger C. Sharpe of ''Play Meter'' magazine stated that the "dimensionalized, overhead perspective of modern, detailed graphics was launched with ''Xevious''."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sharpe |first1=Roger C. |title=Critic's Corner |magazine=Play Meter |date=July 15, 1985 |volume=11 |issue=13 |pages=25–31 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b3/PlayMeter_US_Volume_11_No._13.pdf#page=23}}</ref>

===Sequels and spin-offs=== ''Super Xevious'' was released in 1984. The difficulty was increased to appeal to more advanced players, alongside new enemy types and characters that reset the player's score when shot.<ref name="hardcore"/> A similarly titled game was released in 1986 for the Family Computer, ''Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo'', which intermixed puzzle elements with the standard ''Xevious'' gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savorelli |first1=Carlo |title=Super Xevious: GAMP no Nazo |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/super-xevious-gamp-no-nazo/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=10 December 2013}}</ref> An arcade version of this game was also released, known as ''VS. Super Xevious'', running on the Nintendo VS. System arcade system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vs. Super Xevious |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=13050 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> An arcade spin-off title starring one of the enemies from ''Xevious'', ''Grobda'', was released in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grobda |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8015 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

Two games for the MSX2 and PC-Engine were released in 1988 and 1990 respectively - ''Xevious Fardraut Saga'' and ''Xevious Fardraut Densetsu'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savorelli |first1=Carlo |title=Xevious: Fardraut Saga (PC-Engine) |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xevious-fardraut-saga-pc-engine/ |website=Harccore Gaming 101 |access-date=10 December 2014}}</ref> both of which include a remade port of the original alongside a brand-new story mode with new enemies, boss fights and power-up items.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savorelli |first1=Carlo |title=Xevious: Fardraut Saga |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xevious-fardraut-saga/ |website=Harccore Gaming 101 |access-date=10 December 2013}}</ref> A 3D rail-shooter spin-off, ''Solvalou'', was published in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solvalou |url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9618 |website=Killer List of Video Games |access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> In 1995, two arcade sequels were released - ''Xevious Arrangement'', a remake of the original with two-player co-op,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savorelli |first1=Carlo |title=Xevious Arrangement |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xevious-arrangement/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=10 December 2013}}</ref> and ''Xevious 3D/G'', a 3D game with 2D gameplay - both of these titles were soon released in 1997 for the PlayStation, compiled into ''Xevious 3D/G+'', alongside the original ''Xevious'' and ''Super Xevious''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=IGN Staff |title=Xevious 3D/G+ |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/06/12/xevious-3dg |website=IGN |date=11 June 1997}}</ref> A final follow-up was released in 2009, ''Xevious Resurrection'', exclusively as part of the compilation title ''Namco Museum Essentials'', which includes two-player simultaneous co-op alongside a number of other features.<ref>{{cite web |author=Spencer |title=New Xevious Bundled With PSN Namco Museum |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2009/01/28/new-xevious-bundled-with-psn-namco-museum/ |website=Siliconera |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=28 January 2009}}</ref>

===Music and books=== In 1991, a three-part ''Xevious'' novel was published, titled ''Fardraut'' - the books documented the lore of the ''Xevious'' video game series, including its characters, backstory and events. The books were republished fifteen years later in 2005.<ref name="hardcore"/> A 2002 CGI film adaptation was released in Japan, produced during a collaboration between Namco and Japanese company Groove Corporation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Namco Announces Xevious CG Movie |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/08/namco-announces-xevious-cg-movie |website=IGN |date=8 February 2002 |access-date=8 February 2002}}</ref>

A ''Xevious''-themed soundtrack album was produced by Haruomi Hosono of Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1984, titled ''Video Game Music''. Compiled with music from other Namco video games, such as ''Mappy'' and ''Pole Position'', it is credited as the first video game soundtrack album.<ref name="Gamest1991">{{cite book |title=The Most Loved Games!! Best 30 Selected By Readers |publisher=Gamest |page=7 |edition=6th}}</ref> ''Xevious'' also spawned the first gameplay recording for a video game<ref name="Gamest1991"/> and the first television commercial for an arcade game.<ref name="museum">{{cite news |url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10505 |title=Xevious |work=The International Arcade Museum |access-date=2012-11-20}}</ref> Music from the game was used during the video game-themed television series ''Starcade''.<ref name="museum"/>

== Notes == {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{KLOV game|id=10505}}

{{Xevious Series}} {{Bandai Namco franchises}}

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