Difference between revisions of "Xenoblaster: Attack of the Xorg"
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| − | == | + | {{box |
| − | + | |header='''''Xenoblaster: Attack of the Xorg''''' | |
| − | [[File: | + | |file=[[File:xenotitle.gif|290px|border]] |
| − | + | |text= | |
| − | ''Xenoblaster'' is dozens of minutes of carefully animated cutscenes wrapped around four levels of yet another noble, if failed, attempt at a [[Game-Maker]] space shooter. In turn those four stages are wrapped around a single short, strange action-adventure segment with a character borrowed straight out of [[Sample]]. And every single bit of it is consciously quoted from ''Star Trek''. | + | '''Release type:''' [[Shareware]]<br /> |
| + | '''Release date:''' November 4, [[1995]][[Category: 1995]]<br /> | ||
| + | '''Levels:''' 5 (in demo version)<br /> | ||
| + | '''Author:''' [[Felix Leung]]<br /> | ||
| + | '''Registration bonus:''' Complete game, printed manual, customizable Boss Key, Windows icon, cheat codes, software support, add-ons<br /> | ||
| + | '''Registration price:''' $16-21<br /> | ||
| + | '''Related games:''' ''[[Sample]]'', ''[[Terrain]]'', ''[[Houses]]'' | ||
| + | }}''Xenoblaster'' is dozens of minutes of carefully animated cutscenes wrapped around four levels of yet another noble, if failed, attempt at a [[Game-Maker]] space shooter. In turn those four stages are wrapped around a single short, strange action-adventure segment with a character borrowed straight out of [[Sample]]. And every single bit of it is consciously quoted from ''Star Trek''. | ||
The outfits are Starfleet uniforms. The human character is named D.A.T.A., which clearly is completely different from Data. The info screens are based on the Starfleet touchscreen computer interface. Space is full of Romulan ships. And as for the Confederation’s greatest foe, the Xorg... | The outfits are Starfleet uniforms. The human character is named D.A.T.A., which clearly is completely different from Data. The info screens are based on the Starfleet touchscreen computer interface. Space is full of Romulan ships. And as for the Confederation’s greatest foe, the Xorg... | ||
| − | None of these borrowed elements would be important on their own, or even collectively, if they were just incidental. What makes this game so weird is that there is so little game, and what game is there is both very simple and very forgettable. That leaves the endless and meticulous cutscenes and scenario to carry the package. Even then it might be another thing entirely, had Leung gone for it and just made this a fan game. Instead he very slightly changes every proper name, and alters the player’s ship — despite its “Enterprise” file name — to more closely resemble a traditional space shooter vessel. | + | None of these borrowed elements would be important on their own, or even collectively, if they were just incidental. What makes this game so weird is that there is so little game, and what game is there is both very simple and very forgettable. That leaves the endless and meticulous cutscenes and scenario to carry the package. Even then it might be another thing entirely, had [[Felix Leung|Leung]] gone for it and just made this a fan game. Instead he very slightly changes every proper name, and alters the player’s ship — despite its “Enterprise” file name — to more closely resemble a traditional space shooter vessel. |
Despite this constant winking, the game seems to take itself and its dramatic premise rather seriously. The mind boggles at how to process this information. | Despite this constant winking, the game seems to take itself and its dramatic premise rather seriously. The mind boggles at how to process this information. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are some coincidental, yet weird, similarities to ''[[Explorer Jacko]]''. | ||
==Story== | ==Story== | ||
| Line 43: | Line 52: | ||
(To skip opening sequence from now on, press Esc once at the ''IT IS A TIME OF WAR....'' screen and wait.) | (To skip opening sequence from now on, press Esc once at the ''IT IS A TIME OF WAR....'' screen and wait.) | ||
| − | ===Starblade controls=== | + | === Starblade controls === |
'''Keypad''' or '''arrow keys''' to move. | '''Keypad''' or '''arrow keys''' to move. | ||
| Line 51: | Line 60: | ||
'''[ENTER]''' to fire Energy Torpedos (Start with 5) | '''[ENTER]''' to fire Energy Torpedos (Start with 5) | ||
| − | ===D.A.T.A. remote controls=== | + | === D.A.T.A. remote controls === |
'''Keypad''' or '''arrow keys''' to move. | '''Keypad''' or '''arrow keys''' to move. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 69: | ||
:'''[D]''' to shoot Lasers right. | :'''[D]''' to shoot Lasers right. | ||
| − | ==Credits== | + | == Credits == |
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Xenosprites.png|right]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Gameplay, design, graphics and sound by: [[Felix Leung]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Special Thanks to [[Recreational Software Designs]] for the use of their CAD Module ([[Game-Maker]]) that makes this game possible | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''XENOBLASTER(V1.2): Attack of the Xorg'', the name Digital Emotions and its diminutives Digitem and D.E., Copyright 1995 by Felix Leung. All rights Reserved. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Availability == | ||
| + | |||
| + | Available on several shareware compilation CD-ROMs, including: | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: Cream of the Crop 11|Cream of the Crop #11]]'''[[Category: Cream of the Crop 11]] (February 1996), | ||
| + | * Public Software Library's '''[[:Category: PSL Monthly 4-03: Words, Graphics|PSL Monthly #4-03: Words, Graphics]]'''[[Category: PSL Monthly 4-03: Words, Graphics]] (March 1996), | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: The ASP Collection: May 1996 Edition|The ASP Collection: May 1996 Edition]]'''[[Category: The ASP Collection: May 1996 Edition]] (May 1996), | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: The ASP Collection: June 1996 Edition|The ASP Collection: June 1996 Edition]]'''[[Category: The ASP Collection: June 1996 Edition]] (June 1996), | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: The Aztech Hall of Fame Game Cube Collection|The Aztech Hall of Fame Game Cube Collection]]'''[[Category: The Aztech Hall of Fame Game Cube Collection]] (October 1996), | ||
| + | * Public Software Library's '''[[:Category: PSL Monthly 4-08: Games, Sound|PSL Monthly #4-08: Games, Sound]]'''[[Category: PSL Monthly 4-08: Games, Sound]] (1996), | ||
| + | * Aztech's '''[[:Category: Games Pack Disc 2|Games Pack Disc 2]]'''[[Category: Games Pack Disc 2]] (1997), | ||
| + | * PC-Ohio's '''[[:Category: Shareware Extravaganza 8|Shareware Extravaganza 8]]'''[[Category: Shareware Extravaganza 8]] (1997), | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: PC Team CD 12|PC Team CD 12]]'''[[Category: PC Team CD 12]] (????), and | ||
| + | * '''[[:Category: PC Team CD HS 04|PC Team CD HS 04]]'''[[Category: PC Team CD HS 04]] (????). | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Archive History == | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Mike Perrucci]] discovered ''Xenoblaster'' in a CD-ROM shovelware archive and submitted it on July 13, 2010. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Links == | ||
| + | |||
| + | <videoflash>8RzLkzClnj4</videoflash> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Interviews / Articles === | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [http://www.diygamer.com/2010/08/gamemaker-archive-part-15-easiest-lifting/ The Easiest Lifting (DIYGamer)] | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Listings === | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [http://archive.org/details/XenoblasterAttackOfTheXorg archive.org entry] | ||
| + | * [http://www.demu.org/resource/XenoblasterAttackOfTheXorg demu.org entry] | ||
| + | * [http://www.scovetta.com/archives-show.html?url=aHR0cDovL2FyY2hpdmVzLnNjb3ZldHRhLmNvbS9wdWIvYXNwY2Q5NjA1L1BST0dSQU1TL0dBTUVUSU1FL1hCTEFTVEVSLlpJUA==&url_signature=5755f2c16cbc87bcdb277bbde4b5f53287838fbf&filename=eGJsYXN0ZXIuemlw&filename_signature=ff91f48a36e7576b999609ce9c1fcb9e6b50ef1e&description=WGVub2JsYXN0ZXIgMS4yMCAmbHQ7YXNwJmd0OyBEb3M=&description_signature=e8d35d49c7e00f6c5ca8b53dbb2654c5d6ef9675&dir=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zY292ZXR0YS5jb20vYXJjaGl2ZXMvYXNwY2Q5NjA1L1BST0dSQU1TL0dBTUVUSU1FL3BhZ2UtMw==&dir_signature=a6d81ff5f8319136537e843aaa340d695186256c Michael V. Scovetta: The Archives entry] | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Social Media / Discussion === | ||
| − | + | * [http://www.abandonia.com/vbullet/showthread.php?t=15058 Abandonia forum thread] | |
| − | + | === Misc. Links === | |
| − | '' | + | * [http://www.giffer.com/public/dos/pgam4/gam40137.htm The GIFfer's File Warehouse] |
| + | * '''[http://www.aderack.com/game-maker/java/xenoblaster.php Play ''Xenoblaster'' online]''' | ||
| − | ==Downloads== | + | == Downloads == |
| − | * [http://www.aderack.com/game-maker/downloads/xenoblaster.zip Xenoblaster: Attack of the Xorg] | + | * '''''[http://www.aderack.com/game-maker/downloads/xenoblaster.zip Xenoblaster: Attack of the Xorg]''''' (610.3 kB) |
| + | * [[Media:XenoSpaceMap.png|Levels 1-2, 4-5 map]] (89.0 kB) | ||
| + | * [[Media:XenoCubeMap.png|Level 3 map]] (54.1 kB) | ||
| − | [[Category:Game-Maker games]][[Category:varied perspective]][[Category: | + | [[Category: Game-Maker games]] |
| + | [[Category: Shareware]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Felix Leung]] | ||
| + | [[Category: varied perspective]] | ||
| + | [[Category: shooters]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Tributes]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Experimental]] | ||
| + | [[Category: New discoveries]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Complete games]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Compilation CD-ROMs]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Ontario]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Canada]] | ||
| + | [[Category: DIYGamer]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:28, 7 September 2016
Xenoblaster is dozens of minutes of carefully animated cutscenes wrapped around four levels of yet another noble, if failed, attempt at a Game-Maker space shooter. In turn those four stages are wrapped around a single short, strange action-adventure segment with a character borrowed straight out of Sample. And every single bit of it is consciously quoted from Star Trek.
The outfits are Starfleet uniforms. The human character is named D.A.T.A., which clearly is completely different from Data. The info screens are based on the Starfleet touchscreen computer interface. Space is full of Romulan ships. And as for the Confederation’s greatest foe, the Xorg...
None of these borrowed elements would be important on their own, or even collectively, if they were just incidental. What makes this game so weird is that there is so little game, and what game is there is both very simple and very forgettable. That leaves the endless and meticulous cutscenes and scenario to carry the package. Even then it might be another thing entirely, had Leung gone for it and just made this a fan game. Instead he very slightly changes every proper name, and alters the player’s ship — despite its “Enterprise” file name — to more closely resemble a traditional space shooter vessel.
Despite this constant winking, the game seems to take itself and its dramatic premise rather seriously. The mind boggles at how to process this information.
There are some coincidental, yet weird, similarities to Explorer Jacko.
Contents
Story[edit]
There was a time of peace, but it seems so long ago.
The United Alliance, consisting of all the intelligent life in this sector of the galaxy, had enjoyed a prolonged period of peace.
But a menace arises that threatens the way of life for all species.
They are the Xorg.
The Xorg are a cybernetic species that "absorb" other cultures into theirs because they believe it makes life better for all.
What or whom they do not absorb, they either destroy or brainwash.
The casualties have been devastating. The Human Confederation is all that remains of the United Aliance
The Confederation is mounting a final assault against the Xorg. As the last surviving captain with battle experience, you must buy us some time.
At your disposal is the newly built Confederate Starfighter STARBLADE undergoing final construction at Earth Spacedock.
The fate of all intelligent life in the galaxy is in your hands.
Instructions[edit]
On each level, destroy all the Stargates to prevent Xorgian ships to enter the sector and to pass the level.
(To skip opening sequence from now on, press Esc once at the IT IS A TIME OF WAR.... screen and wait.)
Starblade controls[edit]
Keypad or arrow keys to move.
[SPACEBAR] to fire Lasers
[ENTER] to fire Energy Torpedos (Start with 5)
D.A.T.A. remote controls[edit]
Keypad or arrow keys to move.
- [W] to shoot Lasers up.
- [A] to shoot Lasers left.
- [S] to shoot Lasers down.
- [D] to shoot Lasers right.
Credits[edit]
Gameplay, design, graphics and sound by: Felix Leung
Special Thanks to Recreational Software Designs for the use of their CAD Module (Game-Maker) that makes this game possible
XENOBLASTER(V1.2): Attack of the Xorg, the name Digital Emotions and its diminutives Digitem and D.E., Copyright 1995 by Felix Leung. All rights Reserved.
Availability[edit]
Available on several shareware compilation CD-ROMs, including:
- Cream of the Crop #11 (February 1996),
- Public Software Library's PSL Monthly #4-03: Words, Graphics (March 1996),
- The ASP Collection: May 1996 Edition (May 1996),
- The ASP Collection: June 1996 Edition (June 1996),
- The Aztech Hall of Fame Game Cube Collection (October 1996),
- Public Software Library's PSL Monthly #4-08: Games, Sound (1996),
- Aztech's Games Pack Disc 2 (1997),
- PC-Ohio's Shareware Extravaganza 8 (1997),
- PC Team CD 12 (????), and
- PC Team CD HS 04 (????).
Archive History[edit]
Mike Perrucci discovered Xenoblaster in a CD-ROM shovelware archive and submitted it on July 13, 2010.
Links[edit]
Interviews / Articles[edit]
Listings[edit]
Social Media / Discussion[edit]
Misc. Links[edit]
Downloads[edit]
- Xenoblaster: Attack of the Xorg (610.3 kB)
- Levels 1-2, 4-5 map (89.0 kB)
- Level 3 map (54.1 kB)
