Review: Thexder Neo (PSP).
| Game Name: | Thexder Neo. |
| Platforms: | Playstation Portable. |
| Publisher(s): | Square Enix. |
| Developer(s): | Game Arts. |
| Genre(s): | Arcade shooter. |
| Release Date: | 01/10/2009. |
| ESRB Rating: | Everyone. |
Thexder Neo is a remake of a classic 80’s side scrolling action shooter developed by Game Arts. Originally released way back in 1985 for NEC’s PC-8801, the original game became a huge hit in Japan and was later ported to the MSX before being signed up by Sierra Entertainment for conversions to popular platforms overseas such as the Amiga and IBM PC.
The original Thexder on the MSX platform.
The player takes control of a laser firing robot who can also transform into a jet fighter. Essentially the game play revolves around the navigation of the levels whilst either avoiding or destroying the various enemies the game throws at you.
Whilst there is no limit to the amount of times that Thexder can transform from one form to another, the player must take into account the limitations of the laser. The weapon fires in any direction whilst in robot mode (auto tracking the enemies), but whilst in jet mode the beam only fires straight ahead.
Thexder in ‘Jet’ mode.
The level design is deliberately laid out so that in some sections you must transform into the jet to progress, whether to navigate small gaps and tunnels or due to hazards which sap the player’s energy on the ground. This dynamic essentially forms the core of the game play.
Thexder does have access to a recharging shield which can help in certain sections and this can be used in either robot or jet mode. Thexder’s enemies come in large numbers and move very quickly, and it is because of this that perhaps Thexder should be considered a very old school game; its not an easy ride and I can certainly understand why the developers of this remake have included an easy mode this time around.
One of the games larger boss enemies.
For the price, the game itself certainly looks the part and if this is your kind of game then it certainly is fun to play. However it’s not a game I can see the mainstream enjoying, shooters are hardly in vogue especially those which are arguably niche.
Priced at £6.99 the game isn’t expensive but I do recommend you think hard about whether this type of experience is for you as the game can be rather challenging and at times frustrating.
It’s a great remake and it is essentially the same game as the original with a few extras bolted on (the layouts of the levels from what I can remember are more or less the same); it just isn’t a game everyone will enjoy in today’s market.
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