Xevious (USA)

What is Xevious (USA)?

Xevious (USA) is a vertically scrolling shooter arcade classic ported to the Atari 7800. As a Solvalou pilot, you battle the alien Xevious forces across hostile landscapes. This iconic 1983 title pioneered the shoot-'em-up genre with its dual-weapon system, strategic bombing mechanics, and relentless enemy waves. Its distinctive blend of air-to-air combat and ground target destruction set a benchmark for future games.

Game Features

• Dual combat systems: Fire air-to-air shots at flying enemies and drop bombs on ground targets
• Strategic bombing: Destroy hidden bases marked by flashing crosshairs for bonus points
• Signature enemies: Battle Andor Genesis motherships, Sol towers, and Zoshi fighters
• Progressive difficulty: Intensifying enemy patterns and boss encounters across 16 looping areas
• Hidden bonuses: Discover camouflaged Xevious flagships for massive score multipliers

How to Play Xevious (USA)?

1. Movement: Use arrow keys or WASD to maneuver your ship across scrolling terrain
2. Air attacks: Press Z key to fire lasers at airborne enemies (unlimited ammo)
3. Ground bombing: Press X key to drop bombs on tanks, turrets, and hidden bases
4. Target priority: Watch for flashing indicators revealing hidden ground installations
5. Survival tactics: Avoid collisions with terrain and enemy bullets; bombs destroy ground targets only
6. Boss encounters: Defeat the Andor Genesis mothership at the end of each area to progress

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I destroy flashing ground targets?
Hitting these hidden bases reveals point-boosting Xevious flagships. Destroy them quickly for massive 10,000-point bonuses before they escape!

Why can't my bombs hit flying enemies?
Bombs only affect ground targets, while lasers exclusively hit aerial foes. Mastering this dual-weapon dynamic is key – time your bomb drops when passing over tanks and installations.

How does the difficulty scale in later stages?
After Area 16, the game loops with increased enemy speed, denser bullet patterns, and more aggressive boss attacks. Survival demands precise dodging and target prioritization.