Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Program Techniques Ltd.
- Publishers: Mastertronic
Xcel: A Challenging and Addictive Action-Puzzle Classic
Released in 1985 by Interplay Productions, Xcel is a unique and challenging action-puzzle game that quickly gained a cult following among gamers. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy music, Xcel has stood the test of time as a beloved classic.
Gameplay
Xcel is played on a single-screen grid, where the player controls a small square that can move up, down, left, and right. The goal of the game is to clear the screen of all the colored blocks by matching three or more of the same color together. To do this, the player must move their square into the blocks and push them into other blocks of the same color.
The game starts out slowly, with only a few blocks on the screen. However, as the player progresses, the game gets increasingly more difficult, with more blocks appearing on the screen and the blocks moving faster. The player must also contend with obstacles such as bombs and walls, which can make it more challenging to clear the screen.
Graphics and Sound
Xcel’s graphics are simple yet effective. The game’s world is rendered in a vibrant and colorful palette, and the blocks and obstacles are all clearly distinguishable. The game’s music is also catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency as the player tries to clear the screen.
Legacy
Xcel was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has remained popular with gamers over the years. The game has been ported to numerous platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC. Xcel has also been featured in several video game compilations and retrospectives.
Xcel’s legacy is as a challenging and addictive action-puzzle game that helped to define the genre. The game’s simple yet effective gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy music have made it a beloved classic among gamers of all ages.
Tips for Playing Xcel
Here are a few tips for playing Xcel:
- Plan your moves ahead. It’s important to think ahead and plan your moves carefully. Try to anticipate where the blocks will move and how you can best position your square to clear them.
- Use the walls to your advantage. The walls can be used to trap blocks and prevent them from moving. This can be helpful for setting up combos and clearing the screen more quickly.
- Don’t be afraid to use bombs. Bombs can be used to destroy blocks and clear the screen more quickly. However, be careful not to use them too often, as they can also damage your square.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to improve at Xcel is to practice. The more you play, the better you will become at planning your moves and clearing the screen quickly.
Conclusion
Xcel is a challenging and addictive action-puzzle classic that has stood the test of time. With its simple yet effective gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy music, Xcel is a game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for gamers of all ages.
Review Score
7.5/10
