Xevious (USA)

What is Xevious (USA)?

Xevious (USA) is a groundbreaking vertical-scrolling shooter originally released in arcades and later ported to the Atari 7800. As a pilot of the Solvalou fighter ship, you battle the alien Xevious armada across hostile landscapes. Known for pioneering dual-layer shooting mechanics (air and ground targets) and introducing hidden secrets, it's a quintessential classic that defined the shoot-'em-up genre with its strategic action and iconic enemy designs.

Game Features

• Dual combat system: Fire zapper shots at airborne foes while dropping bombs on ground installations
• Strategic gameplay: Balance offense and evasion with enemy patterns requiring precise timing
• Hidden bases: Discover camouflaged Xevious strongholds for bonus points
• Signature enemies: Battle memorable foes like Andor Genesis motherships and Zelda shield generators
• Progressive difficulty: Intensifying waves and enemy formations as you advance
• Distinct visual style: Recognizable minimalist landscapes with scrolling terrain details

How to Play Xevious (USA)?

1. Movement: Use arrow keys or WASD to maneuver your Solvalou ship across the screen
2. Air attacks: Press Z key to fire zapper shots at flying enemies (like Sol fighters)
3. Ground attacks: Press X key to drop bombs on tanks, turrets, and hidden bases
4. Dual targeting: Simultaneously track airborne threats while bombing ground targets
5. Avoid collisions: Dodge enemy projectiles and terrain obstacles – one hit ends your run
6. Destroy motherships: Focus fire on large Andor Genesis carriers for massive points
7. Survive waves: Clear sectors to progress, with increasing speed and enemy density

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy for high scores?
Prioritize bombing hidden bases (look for faint ground markings) and chain enemy kills without getting hit. Destroying Andor Genesis motherships yields huge bonuses.

Why can't I damage certain ground targets?
Some installations like Zelda generators require multiple bomb hits. Position your ship directly above them and time drops carefully between enemy fire.

Are there any power-ups or extra lives?
No power-ups exist – survival depends entirely on skill. Extra lives are awarded at specific score thresholds (typically every 20,000 points).