Difference between revisions of "Xenon 2: Megablast"
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{{Bob | {{Bob | ||
| bobscreen=Xenon2 Title.png | | bobscreen=Xenon2 Title.png | ||
− | | publisher=[[Virgin Games]] | + | | bobscreen2=Xenon2 SMS Title.png |
− | | developer=[[The Bitmap Brothers]], [[The Assembly Line]] | + | | tab1=Mega Drive |
+ | | tab2=Master System | ||
+ | | publisher={{company|[[Virgin Games]]}} | ||
+ | {{company|[[Image Works]]|system=SMS|region=first release}} | ||
+ | | developer={{company|[[The Bitmap Brothers]]}}, {{company|[[The Assembly Line]]}} | ||
+ | {{company|[[Data Design Interactive]]|system=SMS}} | ||
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Master System]] | | system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Master System]] | ||
− | | | + | | originalsystem=[[Amiga]], [[Atari ST]] |
| sounddriver= | | sounddriver= | ||
| peripherals= | | peripherals= | ||
| players=1-2 | | players=1-2 | ||
− | | genre= | + | | genre=Arcade{{fileref|Xenon2 SMS EU Box Imageworks.jpg}} |
| releases={{releasesMD | | releases={{releasesMD | ||
− | | md_date_eu=1992- | + | | md_date_eu=1992-10{{magref|megatech|8|20}}<!--1992-02{{magref|mm|17|50}} 1992-03{{magref|segapower|26|11}} --> |
| md_code_eu=T-70076-50 | | md_code_eu=T-70076-50 | ||
− | | md_rrp_uk=34.99{{ | + | | md_date_uk=1992-11-12{{magref|ctw|413|28}}<!--1991-12-01{{magref|gamesx|32|6}}, 1992-01{{magref|segapro|4|7}}, 1992-02{{magref|mm|17|50}}, 1992-03{{magref|segapower|26|11}}, 1992-10{{magref|megatech|8|20}}--> |
+ | | md_code_uk=T-70076-50 | ||
+ | | md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|mm|17|50}}{{magref|segapower|28|36}} | ||
| md_date_au=199x | | md_date_au=199x | ||
+ | | md_date_se_r=199x | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{releasesSMS | {{releasesSMS | ||
− | | sms_date_eu=1991-10{{ | + | | sms_date_eu=1991-10{{magref|segapro|1|9}}{{magref|segapower|22|16}} |
− | |||
| sms_code_eu=27012-50 | | sms_code_eu=27012-50 | ||
+ | | sms_date_uk=1991-11-21{{magref|ctw|363|27}}<!--1991-10{{magref|segapro|1|9}}{{magref|segapower|22|16}}--> | ||
+ | | sms_code_uk=27012-50 | ||
+ | | sms_rrp_uk=29.99{{magref|segapro|1|39}}{{magref|raze|6|16}} | ||
| sms_type_eu_1=Virgin Games | | sms_type_eu_1=Virgin Games | ||
− | | sms_date_eu_1=1992 | + | | sms_date_eu_1=1992-11-05{{magref|ctw|411|10}} |
| sms_code_eu_1=27038-50 | | sms_code_eu_1=27038-50 | ||
+ | | sms_type_uk_1=Virgin Games | ||
+ | | sms_date_uk_1=1992-11-05{{magref|ctw|411|10}} | ||
+ | | sms_code_uk_1=27038-50 | ||
+ | | sms_date_au=199x | ||
+ | | sms_code_au=FXEN00SEC | ||
+ | | sms_date_pt=199x | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | | otherformats={{NonSega|ARC|Amiga|ST|CDTV|IBMPC|GB|JAG|PC9801UX|X68}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a scrolling shoot-'em-up developed by [[The Bitmap Brothers]] and [[The Assembly Line]] and published by [[Image Works]] (and later [[Virgin Games]]) for a variety of systems including the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Master System]]. It is the sequel to 1988's home computer game ''Xenon'', which was also the first game by Bitmap Brothers. | {{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a scrolling shoot-'em-up developed by [[The Bitmap Brothers]] and [[The Assembly Line]] and published by [[Image Works]] (and later [[Virgin Games]]) for a variety of systems including the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Master System]]. It is the sequel to 1988's home computer game ''Xenon'', which was also the first game by Bitmap Brothers. | ||
− | The game was notable for its soundtrack, an arrangement by David Whittaker of the 1988 song ''Megablast (Assault on Precinct 13)'' (which is also where the game's subtitle comes from), originally from British group Bomb the Bass. ''Megablast'' theme is based on the theme song of the 1976 film by John Carpenter, ''[[wikipedia:Assault on Precinct 13 (1976 film)|Assault on Precinct 13]]'' (or more specifically, the 1983 disco version), with samples from the 1969 song ''You Can Make it if You Try'' by Sly & the Family Stone. | + | The game was notable for its soundtrack, an arrangement by [[David Whittaker]] of the 1988 song ''Megablast (Assault on Precinct 13)'' (which is also where the game's subtitle comes from), originally from British group Bomb the Bass. ''Megablast'' theme is based on the theme song of the 1976 film by John Carpenter, ''[[wikipedia:Assault on Precinct 13 (1976 film)|Assault on Precinct 13]]'' (or more specifically, the 1983 disco version), with samples from the 1969 song ''You Can Make it if You Try'' by Sly & the Family Stone. |
− | While North America and Japan got some of the other versions of the game, the Sega versions remained exclusive to Europe. | + | While North America and Japan got some of the other versions of the game, the Sega versions remained exclusive to Europe. [[PCM Complete]] was set to publish the Mega Drive port in Japan{{fileref|93WinterCatalogueTVGameWorld JP.pdf|page=25}}, but the version was cancelled. |
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
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The [[Sega Master System]] version omits player bullets during heavy processor workload, several bosses have been removed and the final stage is also missing. | The [[Sega Master System]] version omits player bullets during heavy processor workload, several bosses have been removed and the final stage is also missing. | ||
+ | ==Production credits== | ||
+ | {{creditstable| | ||
+ | *'''Designed by:''' [[The Bitmap Brothers]] | ||
+ | *'''Programmed by:''' Patricia Curtis, [[The Assembly Line]] | ||
+ | *'''Graphics by:''' Mark Coleman | ||
+ | *'''Music from:''' Bomb the Bass | ||
+ | *'''Sound programming:''' [[John M. Phillips]] | ||
+ | | console=MD | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | ===Uncredited=== | ||
+ | {{creditstable| | ||
+ | *'''Music arrangement:''' [[David Whittaker]] | ||
+ | | console=MD | ||
+ | }} | ||
==Magazine articles== | ==Magazine articles== | ||
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}} | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}} | ||
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{{gallery | {{gallery | ||
|{{gitem|Xenon2SMSSMDAdvert.jpg|UK print advert}} | |{{gitem|Xenon2SMSSMDAdvert.jpg|UK print advert}} | ||
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|{{galleryPrintAd | |{{galleryPrintAd | ||
|text=Mega Drive/Master System print advert | |text=Mega Drive/Master System print advert | ||
− | + | |cvg|132|2-3 | |
+ | }} | ||
+ | |{{galleryPrintAd | ||
+ | |megaforcees|7|56-57 | ||
+ | |hobbyconsolas|14|10-11 | ||
}} | }} | ||
|{{galleryPrintAd | |{{galleryPrintAd | ||
− | + | |gamepower|2|59 | |
|text=Master System print advert | |text=Master System print advert | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Physical scans== | ==Physical scans== | ||
===Mega Drive version=== | ===Mega Drive version=== | ||
− | {{ratings | + | {{ratings|MD}} |
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{{Scanbox | {{Scanbox | ||
| console=Mega Drive | | console=Mega Drive | ||
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| cart=Xenon2 MD EU Cart.jpg | | cart=Xenon2 MD EU Cart.jpg | ||
| manual=Xenon 2 Megablast MD EU Manual.pdf | | manual=Xenon 2 Megablast MD EU Manual.pdf | ||
+ | | item1=Xenon2 MD EU pcb.jpg | ||
+ | | item1name=PCB | ||
}}{{Scanbox | }}{{Scanbox | ||
| console=Mega Drive | | console=Mega Drive | ||
− | | region= | + | | region=SE rental (HENT black) |
− | | cover= | + | | cover=Xenon2 MD SE Rental Cover.jpg |
| cart= | | cart= | ||
− | |||
}}{{Scanbox | }}{{Scanbox | ||
| console=Mega Drive | | console=Mega Drive | ||
− | | region= | + | | region=AU |
− | | cover= | + | | cover=Xenon2 MD AU Cover.jpg |
− | | cart= | + | | cart=Xenon2 MD AU Cart.jpg |
+ | | manual=Xenon2 MD AU Manual.jpg | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Master System version=== | ===Master System version=== | ||
− | {{ratings | + | {{ratings|SMS}} |
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− | }} | ||
{{Scanbox | {{Scanbox | ||
| console=Master System | | console=Master System | ||
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| carttop=Xenon 2 (Virgin) SMS EU Cart Top.jpg | | carttop=Xenon 2 (Virgin) SMS EU Cart Top.jpg | ||
| manual=Xenon 2 (Virgin) SMS EU Manual.pdf | | manual=Xenon 2 (Virgin) SMS EU Manual.pdf | ||
+ | }}{{Scanbox | ||
+ | | console=Master System | ||
+ | | region=PT (Virgin Games) | ||
+ | | cover= | ||
}}{{Scanbox | }}{{Scanbox | ||
| console=Master System | | console=Master System | ||
| region=AU (Image Works) | | region=AU (Image Works) | ||
− | | cover= | + | | cover=Xenon2 SMS AU imageworks cover.jpg |
| cart=XenonII SMS AU Cart.jpg | | cart=XenonII SMS AU Cart.jpg | ||
| manual=Xenon 2 SMS AU Manual.pdf | | manual=Xenon 2 SMS AU Manual.pdf | ||
+ | }}{{Scanbox | ||
+ | | console=Master System | ||
+ | | region=AU (Virgin Games) | ||
+ | | cover=Xenon2 SMS AU virgin cover.jpg | ||
+ | }}{{Scanbox | ||
+ | | console=Master System | ||
+ | | region=AU (Classics) | ||
+ | | cover=Xenon2 SMS AU classics cover.jpg | ||
+ | | cart=XenonII SMS AU Cart.jpg | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Technical information== | ==Technical information== | ||
− | + | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}} | |
− | {{ | ||
− | {{ | ||
− | |||
− | }} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
+ | {{NECRetro|italics=yes}} | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
{{Xenon2Omni}} | {{Xenon2Omni}} |
Latest revision as of 19:52, 11 July 2024
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Xenon 2: Megablast | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher: Virgin Games Image Works (first release) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers, The Assembly Line Data Design Interactive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Original system(s): Amiga, Atari ST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genre: Arcade[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of players: 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.
Xenon 2: Megablast is a scrolling shoot-'em-up developed by The Bitmap Brothers and The Assembly Line and published by Image Works (and later Virgin Games) for a variety of systems including the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Master System. It is the sequel to 1988's home computer game Xenon, which was also the first game by Bitmap Brothers.
The game was notable for its soundtrack, an arrangement by David Whittaker of the 1988 song Megablast (Assault on Precinct 13) (which is also where the game's subtitle comes from), originally from British group Bomb the Bass. Megablast theme is based on the theme song of the 1976 film by John Carpenter, Assault on Precinct 13 (or more specifically, the 1983 disco version), with samples from the 1969 song You Can Make it if You Try by Sly & the Family Stone.
While North America and Japan got some of the other versions of the game, the Sega versions remained exclusive to Europe. PCM Complete was set to publish the Mega Drive port in Japan[13], but the version was cancelled.
Contents
Gameplay
The game is a typical vertical shoot-'em-up: move around the screen with the D-pad and shoot with , collecting credits dropped from enemies which can then be spent in a shop in exchange for weapon upgrades. Your ship continuously moves upwards, however it is also possible for reverse for a short period of time (as some of the forks in the road lead to dead-ends).
History
Legacy
According to Mike Montgomery from the Bitmap Brothers, 32X and Mega-CD ports were considered, but no publisher could be found.
Versions
The Sega Mega Drive version is the more faithful port of the game, although there is heavy slowdown and sprite flickering. The color palette is also overly saturated, with too much blue and green compared to the grays of the original. The final stage (mechanical world) is completely missing from the game.
Re-creating the Megablast theme on the Amiga was considered a substantial technical achievement in 1989, as while parts of the song were stripped out (most notably the introduction), the majority of the song remains in-tact (albeit with some slight differences due to using Amiga-generated waveforms for the instruments). This includes the samples, which although are heard at a lower quality than the source material, made Xenon II one of the first games to faithfully re-create a commercial song with non-expanded Amiga hardware.
However, despite this being one of the main selling points for Xenon II, the Mega Drive version omits all sampled audio, leaving a purely synthesized tune with gaps where the samples used to be. It also plays slightly too fast.
The Sega Master System version omits player bullets during heavy processor workload, several bosses have been removed and the final stage is also missing.
Production credits
- Designed by: The Bitmap Brothers
- Programmed by: Patricia Curtis, The Assembly Line
- Graphics by: Mark Coleman
- Music from: Bomb the Bass
- Sound programming: John M. Phillips
Uncredited
- Music arrangement: David Whittaker
Magazine articles
- Main article: Xenon 2: Megablast/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
also published in:
- Hobby Consolas (ES) #14: "Noviembre 1992" (1992-xx-xx)[14]
Physical scans
Mega Drive version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
69 | |
---|---|
Based on 23 reviews |
Master System version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
73 | |
---|---|
Based on 23 reviews |
Master System, PT (Virgin Games) |
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Technical information
- Main article: Xenon 2: Megablast/Technical information.
References
NEC Retro has more information related to Xenon 2: Megablast
|
- ↑ File:Xenon2 SMS EU Box Imageworks.jpg
- ↑ MegaTech, "August 1992" (UK; 1992-07-20), page 20
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-11-16), page 28
- ↑ Mean Machines, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-27), page 50
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sega Power, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-06), page 36
- ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 9
- ↑ Sega Power, "September 1991" (UK; 1991-08-01), page 16
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1991-11-18), page 27
- ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 39
- ↑ Raze, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-02-28), page 16
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-11-02), page 10
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-11-02), page 10
- ↑ Sega '93 Winter Catalogue: TV Game World, page 25
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Noviembre 1992" (ES; 1992-xx-xx), page 10
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 270
- ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "August 1992" (JP; 1992-07-08), page 28
- ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 137
- ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 118
- ↑ Game Power, "Gennaio 1993" (IT; 199x-xx-xx), page 62
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1993" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 78
- ↑ Joypad, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-1x-xx), page 48
- ↑ Joystick, "Décembre 1992" (FR; 1992-1x-xx), page 201
- ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
- ↑ Mega, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-15), page 66
- ↑ Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 65
- ↑ Mega Fun, "11/92" (DE; 1992-10-xx), page 38
- ↑ Mean Machines, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-27), page 48
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 143
- ↑ Power Play, "2/93" (DE; 1993-01-xx), page 142
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
- ↑ Sega Pro, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-10), page 42
- ↑ Sega Force, "2/92" (SE; 1992-11-19), page 15
- ↑ Sega Force, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-04-01), page 81
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 233
- ↑ Video Games, "2/93" (DE; 1993-01-27), page 88
- ↑ Zero, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 61
- ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Februar 1992" (DE; 1992-01-10), page 129
- ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 147
- ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 163
- ↑ Game Power, "Gennaio 1992" (IT; 199x-xx-xx), page 36
- ↑ Gamers, "Februar/März 1992" (DE; 1992-xx-xx), page 48
- ↑ Games-X, "5th-11th December 1991" (UK; 1991-12-05), page 26
- ↑ Game Zone, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-08), page 24
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Abril 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 161
- ↑ Joypad, "Octobre 1991" (FR; 1991-09-17), page 110
- ↑ Joystick, "Septembre 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 190
- ↑ Mega Force, "Septembre/Octobre 1991" (FR; 1991-09-13), page 94
- ↑ Mean Machines, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-27), page 78
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 137
- ↑ Player One, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
- ↑ Player One, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-07-10), page 134
- ↑ Sega Power, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-04), page 20
- ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 38
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 31
- ↑ Sega Pro, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-18), page 31
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
- ↑ Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 29
- ↑ Supersonic, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 18
- ↑ Video Games, "3/91" (DE; 1991-09-06), page 78
Xenon 2: Megablast | |
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Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information |
- 1-2 player games
- EU Mega Drive games
- UK Mega Drive games
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- Stubs
- Credits without source
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- Xenon 2: Megablast