[img width=225 height=310]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/xexyztitle.jpg[/img]

Most people familiar with the NES know that it has many underrated games for it. I have not had a chance to play the entire library yet, but as of this writing, Xexyz is in my opinion the MOST underrated NES game.





Xexyz has a lot going for it. Solid action platforming, above par shmup stages, massive and visually pleasing boss fights, interesting powerups, elements of exploration, sexy 8-bit babes in hot tubs,  two distinctly contrasting art-styles/settings and pretty decent music to top it all off. I wouldn't say that it does any one of these things perfectly, but it does do every single one of them extremely well and much better than most games that only focus on a couple of those aspects.

One of the first things I noticed when playing Xexyz for the first time was the interesting mesh of Sci-Fi mixed with traditional fantasy. This helps to keep levels interesting and not too repetitive. You go from exploring very mechanical fortresses to flying straight through a beautiful lush island setting. It also provides some unique airships such as the robot-manta-dolphin-unicorn you fly in the fourth stage.

[img width=256 height=232]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/xexyzboss.gif[/img][img width=256 height=232]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/xexyzflying.gif[/img]

Each level has its own platforming and its own shmup stages. The platforming stages have unique weapon powerups special to that stage and the shmup stages have unique ships with different methods of firepower.

Xexyz also features a lot more story than many NES games. There is a cast of characters that help you through each level by giving advice/hints, selling items or giving powerups. They are extremely necessary as you progress and really help give the game a sense of purpose lacking in many other NES titles (why am I killing turtles and mushroom men exactly?).

[img width=256 height=224]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/xexyzplatform.gif[/img]

As I stated above, Xexyz does not do anything perfectly. However, it does everything it tries to (and that is a lot) well above the average for the time. Add to the mix the cart can easily be had for $5 or less online and you have tons of reasons to pick this one up.

Final Score - 9/10

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