Xevious

Xevious is a vertically scrolling shooter where you pilot the Solvalou spacecraft to defend Earth from the Xevious alien force. The ship is equipped with two weapons: a forward-firing Zapper for aerial enemies and a Blaster bomb for ground installations. The game scrolls continuously over varied terrain including forests, deserts, and airstrips featuring Nazca Line-style drawings. There are no discrete levels; action moves through 16 areas, looping after area 7. Aerial enemies include fighters and exploding spheres, while ground targets include stationary bases, moving vehicles, and the giant Andor Genesis mothership. Hidden "Special Flags" grant extra lives when bombing specific ground spots.

Atari 7800

Released in November 1986 by Atari Corporation as a launch title. The 7800 version is considered a faithful port of the arcade original, retaining the two-weapon system and full 16-area structure. It preserves the arcade's brutal difficulty level, which many veterans prefer. Graphics are functional and capture the arcade feel, though sprites are smaller and less colourful than the NES version. The soundtrack uses the 7800's TIA sound chip, which some critics find "grating on the ears." Controls support the standard one-button joystick. Critical reception has been positive, with users describing it as an "excellent port" that fits perfectly within the 7800's arcade-focused library.