Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
X-Out: A Deep Dive into the Underwater Shoot-‘Em-Up Classic
Released in 1990, X-Out is a horizontally scrolling shoot-’em-up game that takes place in an underwater setting. Players control a submarine and must battle their way through eight levels, defeating waves of enemy submarines, ships, and other hazards.
One of the unique features of X-Out is its shop system. Between levels, players can visit a shop and use their game score to purchase new submarines and equipment. The submarines come in four different variants, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players can also purchase additional weapons, such as sonic waves, powershots, and target-seeking missiles.
Another unique feature of X-Out is its satellite system. Players can purchase auxiliary satellites and specify their movement pattern, which can be circular orbits, vertical and horizontal movements, or an intercepting action. These satellites can provide the player with additional firepower or protection.
X-Out was praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music. It was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
X-Out is a horizontally scrolling shoot-’em-up game. The player controls a submarine and must battle their way through eight levels, defeating waves of enemy submarines, ships, and other hazards.
The player’s submarine is equipped with a one-way, two-way, or three-way fire weapon. The player can also purchase additional weapons, such as sonic waves, powershots, and target-seeking missiles.
The player can also purchase auxiliary satellites and specify their movement pattern. These satellites can provide the player with additional firepower or protection.
Levels
X-Out has eight levels, each with its own unique theme and enemies. The levels are:
- Level 1: The Coral Reef
- Level 2: The Sunken City
- Level 3: The Abyss
- Level 4: The Underwater Volcano
- Level 5: The Lost City of Atlantis
- Level 6: The Alien Base
- Level 7: The Final Battle
- Level 8: The Bonus Level
Bosses
Each level of X-Out features a boss battle. The bosses are large and powerful enemies that require the player to use all of their skills and weapons to defeat them.
The bosses in X-Out include:
- Level 1: The Giant Squid
- Level 2: The Sea Serpent
- Level 3: The Kraken
- Level 4: The Underwater Volcano
- Level 5: The Giant Crab
- Level 6: The Alien Mothership
- Level 7: The Final Boss
Shop
Between levels, the player can visit a shop and use their game score to purchase new submarines and equipment. The submarines come in four different variants, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players can also purchase additional weapons, such as sonic waves, powershots, and target-seeking missiles.
The player can also purchase auxiliary satellites and specify their movement pattern. These satellites can provide the player with additional firepower or protection.
Graphics
X-Out’s graphics were praised for their detail and color. The game’s underwater setting is rendered in vibrant blues and greens, and the enemy submarines and ships are all unique and well-designed.
Music
X-Out’s music is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The game’s main theme is particularly memorable.
Reception
X-Out was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music. It was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
X-Out has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and PlayStation. It has also been released on the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.
Legacy
X-Out is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-up games of all time. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music. The game has also been influential on other shoot-’em-up games, such as the Gradius series and the R-Type series.
X-Out remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by many fans around the world. The game’s unique gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music make it a classic that is still worth playing today.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
