Overview
Xenon 2: Megablast brought the Bitmap Brothers’ metallic aesthetic to the shoot-em-up genre. Its power-up shop system, where players purchased upgrades between levels, added strategy to reflexes. The licensed Bomb the Bass track “Megablast” announced a new era of game audio.
Fast facts
- Developer: The Bitmap Brothers.
- Publisher: Image Works.
- Music: David Whittaker (adapting Bomb the Bass).
- Release: 1989.
Gameplay innovations
| Feature |
Implementation |
| Shop system |
Buy upgrades between levels |
| Weapon variety |
Multiple simultaneous weapons |
| Bi-directional scrolling |
Screen moves up AND down |
| Collectibles |
Currency and instant power-ups |
The shop
| Item |
Effect |
| Side Shot |
Diagonal fire |
| Rear Shot |
Backwards fire |
| Speed Up |
Movement boost |
| Power Up |
Damage increase |
| Extra Life |
Additional chance |
Colin the shopkeeper became iconic.
Weapons
| Weapon |
Behaviour |
| Laser |
Straight, powerful |
| Homing |
Seeks enemies |
| Cannonball |
Slow, devastating |
| Side arms |
Additional turrets |
Visual style
| Element |
Characteristic |
| Palette |
Metallic, chrome |
| Enemies |
Organic/mechanical hybrid |
| Explosions |
Large, satisfying |
| Boss design |
Screen-filling |
The soundtrack
“Megablast” by Bomb the Bass:
- First major licensed game track
- Sample-based on Amiga
- Added production value
- Marketing hook
Reception
| Publication |
Score |
| Amiga Power |
90% |
| ST Format |
92% |
| Zero |
95% |
Level design
| Level |
Theme |
| 1 |
Organic caves |
| 2 |
Mechanical |
| 3 |
Underwater |
| 4 |
Fire |
| 5 |
Final boss |
Legacy
Xenon 2 established:
- Shop systems in shooters
- Licensed music in games
- Bitmap Brothers brand
- European shoot-em-up style
See also