Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari Lynx, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Atari Games
- Publishers: Domark Ltd.
Xybots (1987): A Classic Sci-Fi Shooter
Xybots is a sci-fi shooter with pseudo-3D environments explored from a third-person perspective. The game was released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. It can be played by one or two players; the two-player mode takes place on a split screen.
The player(s) control a lone hero or a pair of heroes who must move through a series of underground mazes, killing the bad guys and collecting health and other bonuses from flying saucers. The game is designed to be played co-operatively, although bullets from one player can harm the other.
Xybots was developed by the Bitmap Brothers, a UK-based video game development company. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best sci-fi shooters of the 1980s.
Gameplay
Xybots is a fast-paced, action-packed shooter. The player(s) must move through a series of underground mazes, killing the bad guys and collecting health and other bonuses. The mazes are filled with a variety of enemies, including robots, aliens, and giant spiders. The player(s) must use a variety of weapons to defeat the enemies, including guns, lasers, and grenades.
The game is designed to be played co-operatively, although bullets from one player can harm the other. This can lead to some hilarious moments, as players try to avoid shooting each other while they’re trying to kill the bad guys.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Xybots are impressive for a game released in 1987. The game uses a pseudo-3D engine to create a realistic and immersive environment. The character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and atmospheric.
The sound in Xybots is also top-notch. The game features a catchy soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s sci-fi atmosphere. The sound effects are also well-done, and they help to create a sense of tension and excitement.
Overall
Xybots is a classic sci-fi shooter that is still fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced action, co-operative gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review
I give Xybots a score of 8/10. The game is a classic sci-fi shooter that is still fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced action, co-operative gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Xybots
Here are a few tips for playing Xybots:
- Use cover. The mazes in Xybots are filled with obstacles that you can use to take cover from enemy fire. Use these obstacles to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to retreat if you’re getting overwhelmed.
- Work together. If you’re playing co-op, it’s important to work together with your partner. Coordinate your attacks, and cover each other’s backs.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Xybots has a variety of weapons and power-ups. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
- Have fun! Xybots is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. So relax, have fun, and shoot some bad guys!
Trivia
Here are a few trivia facts about Xybots:
- The game was originally called “Xybex.”
- The game was inspired by the arcade game Gauntlet.
- The game was developed by the Bitmap Brothers, a UK-based video game development company.
- The game was released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST.
- The game was a critical and commercial success.
- The game is still considered to be one of the best sci-fi shooters of the 1980s.
Review Score
8/10