‘Tis the season to be shmuppy
It may be the holidays, but that won’t stop the retro lovers over at Hamster from resurrecting another classic coin-op on PS4 and Switch. This week’s entry is a doozy, as Konami’s anime-infused shmupXexexjoins the Arcade Archives range.
Originally released in 1991,Xexexis a horizontally scrolling interstellar shmup inspired by some of the classics of the genre — including Irem releasesR-TypeandX-Multiply, as well as Konami’s ownGradius.The player takes up the role of a valiant space pilot on a mission to liberate the planet E-Square and rescue its leader — the fair princess Elaine — from the clutches of nefarious warlord Klaus. While the gameplay is almost identical to that ofR-Typein regards to pace, control, and even weapon mechanics,Xexexcame into its own thanks to its vibrant visuals, dazzling special effects, and its famous intermission, which sees a tearful Elaine begging the player for help. Only a monster would refuse to Insert Coins.
Check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuberMedia Pool.
WhileXexexwas a pretty popular title on the arcade scene, it surprisingly was not ported to any home platforms — particularly surprising given Konami’s penchant for bringing other arcade releases of the day, such asSunset Riders, Lethal Enforcers, Salamander, Contra, Rush’n Attacket al to Nintendo platforms. It would seem as if “Super Xexex” was an inevitability, but it was not to be.Xexexwould not receive a home port until 2007, when it was included in Japanese releaseSalamander Portablefor Sony PSP. As such, this Arcade Archives edition is the first official home release forXexex… Better late than never? I’m not sure. But at least the option is there for completionists.
Xexexis available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $8.
