Xenophobe

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The Lynx instantly takes me back. My dad was barbecuing in the summer, a baseball game played on the TV, my dog Mac rested at my side, and I was locked in trying to wipe out alien infestations.

It was my first handheld system and it is still one of my most prized possessions from childhood. I poured countless hours into that little machine and no game gripped me more than Xenophobe.

It was the standout of the Lynx library then and it remains one of the most sought after cartridges by collectors today. What made it special was how much it packed into a portable format. Many players, myself included, argue it surpasses the arcade original.

The Lynx version manages to capture the arcade's frantic energy while adding its own unique portable charm, making it a standout title in the handheld's impressive library.

Xenophobe is a side-scrolling action game where players explore derelict space stations and abandon moons overrun with hostile alien creatures. The goal is to clear each station of the infestation before a countdown timer triggers the station’s self-destruct. 

Gameplay mixes methodical exploration with frantic combat, as you move from room to room battling aliens using both ranged and melee weapons, while collecting tools like keys, knives, and disks to access new areas or disable hazards.

If this sounds like a certain sci-fi classic, you wouldn’t be wrong. The game feels like an unofficial Aliens game, especially with the alien life cycle.

Does this sound familiar? They start out in large eggs, where spider-like creatures hatch and attach themselves to you. Later, they morph into large creatures with banana-shaped heads that can spit acid.

The game won’t win any points for originality, but that didn’t bug me as a kid. I actually got this game right around the time I discovered Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), so the premise of the game had me hooked.

As the aliens evolve, they move differently, take more hits, and become far more threatening. This mechanic adds to the game’s tension because the longer you take to clear a room, the more likely you’ll be facing tougher alien types instead of the weaker early-stage creatures. One alien, called the Festor, can even spawn new eggs to restart the cycle if you’re not careful.

It’s a fun twist that keeps the game from feeling mind-numbing. Stations sometimes span multiple levels, leave one alien alive on the first floor, clear out floors two and three, then come back and you might find a whole new infestation waiting for you because you weren’t thorough.

Xenophobe's visual presentation immediately impresses with detailed sprite work that showcases the Lynx's graphics capabilities. Environmental details like flickering lights, computer terminals, and industrial machinery create an authentic space station atmosphere that draws players deeper into the dystopian setting.

Different weapons, with different power and ranges, can be found randomly throughout levels. And a good supply of bombs helps as well.

Difficulty can spike when rooms have many aliens inside, but if you go slow and take your time, you shouldn’t have too many issues.

Another cool feature is that on the Lynx up to four players can link together, with one even taking control of the alien forces, adding a competitive twist that elevates the experience. I haven’t met many people who even had a Lynx, so trying this feature out might take some planning on your part.

There’s a little more meat on this cartridge than most hand held games at the time. Graphics and audio are among the best the Lynx had to offer and holds up pretty well today, especially when you compare it to the arcade original.

Xenophobe stands as probably the best conversion of the arcade game ever released on any console, earning praise from critics and collectors alike for its faithful adaptation and technical excellence. Its reputation has only grown stronger over time.

The legacy of the game extends beyond technical achievement to show what portable gaming could accomplish with proper development resources. Many reviews have argued it is even better than the arcade version, proving that thoughtful adaptations could surpass their source material.

Today, Xenophobe remains an essential experience for retro gaming enthusiasts, offering nostalgic appeal and genuinely engaging gameplay that still holds up. Whether you are discovering it for the first time or revisiting childhood memories, this alien-infested adventure delivers thrills that justify its enduring reputation.

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