Thexder was a fairly simple 8-bit action game from the mid 80's featuring a robot that could transform into a jet. Literally out of the blue Thexder NEO has arrived. This update to the original game is published by Square Enix, developed by Zereo and is only available for purchase through the PlayStation store.
The Game
Thexder NEO is a game that is rare in our modern age, there are no story elements, none at all. The only inkling to a story is the listing on the PSN showing the background of the game as:
'During a routine survey, the interstellar weapons platform Laevina detects Nedium, an asteroid of unknown origin, and soon finds itself in the grip of the planetoid's ultramagnetic field. Shipwrecked atop an impregnable fortress of rock, the starship turns to its last resort - the Hyper Dual Armor prototype Thexder.'
None of this is referenced in the game, there are not even static cut scenes or information screens. When you start the game you are presented with an option to select Easy or Normal then the action starts. This is a true throwback to the twitch games of the 80's where high scores where all that was important. Unfortunately by today's standards it just makes the game very simple and not one you grow terribly attached to.
The Gameplay
Thexder NEO is an incredibly simple game from a design standpoint. You can move, jump, shoot, raise a shield and change to a ship with simple button presses. Controlling Thexder is seamless and intuitive, moving and jumping around is animated well and controls are responsive.
When you fire lasers in your robot form you automatically track and hit enemies and objects in your view, there is no manual aiming at all. As a ship you can only fire straight ahead, but you have full movement in any direction as the fast flying ship to quickly get enemies in front of you.
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Article comments
1 - Antonio Peace
Great review Michael. I myself try often to play Thexder NEO online with little to no luck as far as finding people online. Maybe we crossed each other, my PSN name is R-O-Ofaliss. I've played 5 matches total and as it stands im 4-1-0.