Summary

• Release Year: 1990
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: Amiga, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
• Developers: Pandora
• Publishers: Pandora

Xenomorph (1990): A Classic Horror Game That Still Holds Up Today

Xenomorph is a classic horror game that was released in 1990 for the Amiga and Atari ST. The game is set on the Atargis mining station, which has been overrun by deadly xenomorphs. The player takes control of a lone survivor who must find the parts to repair their crippled ship and escape the station.

Xenomorph is a top-down shooter with a focus on stealth and survival. The player must explore the station, avoiding or fighting xenomorphs, and collecting key items. The game’s atmosphere is tense and terrifying, and the xenomorphs are truly horrifying.

One of the things that makes Xenomorph so effective is its use of sound. The game’s soundtrack is minimal, but it is used to great effect to create a sense of dread and isolation. The sound of the xenomorphs’ footsteps is particularly chilling, and it can be truly terrifying to hear them approaching in the darkness.

The graphics in Xenomorph are also impressive for their time. The game’s environments are dark and detailed, and the xenomorphs are rendered in gruesome detail. The game’s use of light and shadow is also effective, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and tension.

Xenomorph was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its atmosphere, graphics, and gameplay. It was also one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.

Today, Xenomorph is still considered to be one of the best horror games ever made. The game’s atmosphere, graphics, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is still a terrifying experience to play today. If you are a fan of horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Xenomorph.

Gameplay

Xenomorph is a top-down shooter with a focus on stealth and survival. The player takes control of a lone survivor who must explore the Atargis mining station, avoiding or fighting xenomorphs, and collecting key items.

The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn. The player can move their character with the arrow keys or the joystick, and they can shoot with the spacebar or the fire button. The player can also use the tab key to switch between weapons.

Xenomorph’s gameplay is challenging and rewarding. The player must carefully explore the station, avoiding or fighting xenomorphs, and collecting key items. The game’s levels are large and complex, and there is a lot of backtracking involved. However, the game’s difficulty is fair, and the player is always given a chance to learn from their mistakes.

Story

Xenomorph’s story is simple but effective. The player takes control of a lone survivor who must find the parts to repair their crippled ship and escape the Atargis mining station. The game’s story is told through environmental storytelling, and the player is left to piece together the events that led to the station’s downfall.

The game’s story is not particularly deep, but it is effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. The player is constantly reminded that they are alone and vulnerable, and that they must do whatever it takes to survive.

Graphics and Sound

Xenomorph’s graphics are impressive for their time. The game’s environments are dark and detailed, and the xenomorphs are rendered in gruesome detail. The game’s use of light and shadow is also effective, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and tension.

Xenomorph’s sound design is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is minimal, but it is used to great effect to create a sense of dread and isolation. The sound of the xenomorphs’ footsteps is particularly chilling, and it can be truly terrifying to hear them approaching in the darkness.

Overall

Xenomorph is a classic horror game that still holds up today. The game’s atmosphere, graphics, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is still a terrifying experience to play today. If you are a fan of horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Xenomorph.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

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