Xenomorph (video game)
Encyclopedia
Xenomorph is a 1990 video game published and developed by Pandora for MS-DOS
, Amiga
, Atari ST
and Commodore 64
.
, viewed from a first-person perspective with an icon-driven interface that drew comparisons with Dungeon Master. The storyline is influenced by the early Alien
franchise. The player controls a janitor who wakes to find the crew of his ship, the Mombassa Oak, have been killed by a computer malfunction during a two-year research mission. The janitor pilots the ship to a nearby mining platform, Astargatis, to find that the human population has vanished. The player must search the platform for microchips and fuel rods that can be used to repair the Mobassa Oak. In addition, the player must defend himself against the aliens that are responsible for the attack on Astargatis. The player needs to manage weapons, medical supplies, keycard access, food, energy, and radiation levels in order to survive.
Critics pointed out that drawing a map is important in progressing in Xenomorph, as it is easy to get lost or miss an important location.
awarded 83%, finding the 3D view to be well implemented, and the weapons and equipment to be varied, well-designed and graphically impressive. The lack of a wide variety of sound effects was criticized, as was the lack of an "outer-space" atmosphere.
MS-DOS
MS-DOS is an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly used member of the DOS family of operating systems, and was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s to the mid 1990s, until it was gradually superseded by operating...
, Amiga
Amiga
The Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...
, Atari ST
Atari ST
The Atari ST is a home/personal computer that was released by Atari Corporation in 1985 and commercially available from that summer into the early 1990s. The "ST" officially stands for "Sixteen/Thirty-two", which referred to the Motorola 68000's 16-bit external bus and 32-bit internals...
and Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
.
Gameplay
Xenomorph is a science-fiction role-playing video gameRole-playing video game
Role-playing video games are a video game genre with origins in pen-and-paper role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, using much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics. The player in RPGs controls one character, or several adventuring party members, fulfilling one or many quests...
, viewed from a first-person perspective with an icon-driven interface that drew comparisons with Dungeon Master. The storyline is influenced by the early Alien
Alien (franchise)
The Alien film series is a science fiction horror film franchise, focusing on Lieutenant Ellen Ripley and her battle with an extraterrestrial lifeform, commonly referred to as "the Alien"...
franchise. The player controls a janitor who wakes to find the crew of his ship, the Mombassa Oak, have been killed by a computer malfunction during a two-year research mission. The janitor pilots the ship to a nearby mining platform, Astargatis, to find that the human population has vanished. The player must search the platform for microchips and fuel rods that can be used to repair the Mobassa Oak. In addition, the player must defend himself against the aliens that are responsible for the attack on Astargatis. The player needs to manage weapons, medical supplies, keycard access, food, energy, and radiation levels in order to survive.
Critics pointed out that drawing a map is important in progressing in Xenomorph, as it is easy to get lost or miss an important location.
Critical reception
Xenomorph was critically well received. C&VG highlighted the well-drawn aliens and scenery, addictiveness, and atmosphere of solitude. Some jerky animation was criticised, but overall the Amiga and Atari versions were awarded 90%. Amiga FormatAmiga Format
Amiga Format was a British computer magazine for Amiga computers, published by Future Publishing. The magazine lasted 136 issues from 1989 to 2000. The magazine was formed when, in the wake of selling ACE to EMAP, Future split the dual-format title ST/Amiga Format into two separate publications...
awarded 83%, finding the 3D view to be well implemented, and the weapons and equipment to be varied, well-designed and graphically impressive. The lack of a wide variety of sound effects was criticized, as was the lack of an "outer-space" atmosphere.