Introduction
Released in 1987 by Bally Midway, Xenophobe is a side-scrolling arcade shooter that stood out for its unique split-screen multiplayer format, tongue-in-cheek sci-fi tone, and strategic gameplay. Set aboard a series of overrun space stations, players must clear each area of alien threats (known as Xenos) while navigating corridors, collecting items, and surviving increasing waves of enemies. With up to three players sharing the screen simultaneously, Xenophobe delivered both chaotic fun and a surprising level of strategy.
Development and History
- Developer: Bally Midway
- Publisher: Bally Midway
- Release Date: 1987
Xenophobe was developed during a creative peak for Bally Midway, when the company was experimenting with unique cabinet hardware and multiplayer formats. The game used custom three-player controls and an unusual horizontal split-screen, allowing each player to operate independently in the same environment.
The art direction and humor were influenced by 1950s sci-fi and horror tropes, while the gameplay borrowed from both action and light RPG elements—adding inventory items, different characters, and slight tactical depth.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
Players choose from a roster of humorous sci-fi characters and enter infested stations to eliminate alien threats.
- Split-Screen Action: Each of the three players has their own horizontal slice of the screen.
- Character Selection: Different characters have varying animations but similar core abilities.
- Weapons and Items: Players can pick up ray guns, grenades, health packs, and more.
- Station-Clearing Objective: Players must destroy all aliens or escape the station before it explodes.
Challenges
- Multi-Area Navigation: Each station contains multiple connected rooms, often requiring backtracking.
- Enemy Variety: Different types of Xenos with unique behaviors, including facehugger-like creatures and heavy melee aliens.
- Limited Resources: Strategic use of grenades and healing items is vital to survival.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
While not a massive hit, Xenophobe remains a cult classic thanks to its innovation and quirky tone:
- Early Split-Screen Multiplayer: One of the first arcade games to feature simultaneous, independent views for multiple players.
- Arcade Nostalgia: Known for its distinctive cabinet and alien-blasting aesthetic.
- Home Ports: Released on Atari 2600, NES, Amiga, and more—with varying levels of faithfulness.
- Influence on Co-Op Games: Helped establish the viability of simultaneous co-op in complex environments.
Fun Facts
- Character Names: Players can choose characters like Dr. Kwack, Mr. M.Brain, and Colonel Poupon.
- Title Pun: “Xenophobe” plays on fear of the unknown—specifically aliens.
- Cabinet Design: The original arcade cabinet supported three players side-by-side.
- Bonus Scoring: Players earn more points by picking up certain alien items instead of destroying them.
Conclusion
Xenophobe was a standout in the crowded arcade landscape of the late '80s. With its multi-character split-screen action, creative tone, and strategic gameplay, it offered a different kind of shooter experience—one that still resonates with retro gamers looking for something a bit offbeat.