PlayStation

Xevious 3D/G+

Many arcade classics have been resurrected on the Playstation with fancy 3D graphics and improved audio, but few manage to improve on the original in terms of pure gameplay. That said, Xevious 3D/G+ is a very pleasant surprise.

If any classic game deserves to be brought into the polygon age, it's Namco's Xevious. Already ahead of its time when released, Xevious is the perfect contender for a face-lift. Thankfully, Namco has retained the gameplay elements that made the original so compelling.

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Namco has included both Xevious and Super Xevious emulators in this package, and as if THREE games weren’t enough, there’s also a “completely rearranged” version of the original, Xevious Arrangement, which also includes two-player simultaneous play. Casual Xevious players may not notice the differences between the first three games, but die hard fans of the series will easily spot the subtle, but very welcome, changes between Xevious (original), Super Xevious (slightly different, more difficult) and Xevious Arrangement. Arrangement boasts more detailed graphics, powerups (of the 1942 or Twin Eagle variety), and more outstanding music. The riff that plays when you meet the first mothership in Arrangement is downright frightening! (Note: it’s supposed to startle the player, so that’s a big compliment.) Shoot ‘em up fans’ game libraries are NOT complete without a copy of Xevious 3D/G+.

If you are a fan of the classic Xevious games, you should be happy with this collection. If not, you will get a few hours of fun -- but it will start to wear off real quick. Before you buy, I suggest a rental so you can decide if the games are really as cool as you remember them.

If you always liked the old shooting games like these, your decision will have already been made and you'll be getting good value for your money. But if you have no interest in the retro side of the package, there is nothing here which makes Xevious 3D/G any better than Ray Storm which has been confirmed for a UK and so will cost you about £30 less.

Namco's latest PlayStation release is not only an accurate conversion but also serves as a perfect homage to the series. As well as Xevious 3D/G, the package contains the original Xevious, Super Xevious and Xevious Arrangement. Only the first 3D title in the series, the five-year-old Solvalou, fails to make an appearance.

All in all, Xevious 3D/G+ is an OK purchase for fans of old-school shooters. But if you're simply thirsting for a good 3D shooting experience, your money would be better spent elsewhere.