Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Hewson Consultants
Exolon (1987): A Classic Arcade Adventure
Released in 1987, Exolon is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game developed and published by Taito. Players take control of a lone spaceship on a mission to destroy the evil Exolon empire. The game is known for its intense action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound.
Gameplay
Exolon is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up game. The player controls a spaceship that can move left, right, and up and down the screen. The ship is equipped with a laser cannon that can be fired in eight directions. The player must use the laser cannon to destroy waves of enemy ships and other obstacles.
The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The player must defeat a boss enemy at the end of each stage in order to progress.
Graphics and Sound
Exolon’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game features detailed sprites and backgrounds, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy tunes and sound effects that add to the overall atmosphere.
Critical Reception
Exolon was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its intense action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound. Sinclair User awarded the game a “Classic” rating, while Your Sinclair called it a “Mega-Game.”
Legacy
Exolon is considered to be one of the classic shoot ’em up games of the 1980s. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Atari ST. Exolon has also been included in a number of retro video game compilations.
The Making of Exolon
Exolon was developed by a team of programmers and artists at Taito. The game was directed by Kazuyuki Fukushima, who had previously worked on the classic arcade game Bubble Bobble.
Fukushima wanted to create a shoot ’em up game that was both challenging and visually appealing. He drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including the Star Wars films and the anime series Space Battleship Yamato.
The development of Exolon took approximately two years. The team worked hard to create a game that was both fun and challenging. They also paid close attention to the game’s graphics and sound, which were considered to be some of the best in the industry at the time.
Impact on the Shoot ‘Em Up Genre
Exolon had a major impact on the shoot ’em up genre. The game’s intense action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound set a new standard for the genre. Exolon also helped to popularize the use of power-ups in shoot ’em up games.
Exolon’s influence can be seen in many later shoot ’em up games, including Gradius, R-Type, and Thunder Force. The game is still considered to be one of the best shoot ’em up games ever made.
Conclusion
Exolon is a classic arcade shoot ’em up game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s intense action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Exolon is a true classic of the 1980s video game era.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
