X-Out
Cover art
Developer(s)Arc Development
Rainbow Arts
Platform(s)Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum,
Release1989: C64
1990: Amiga, ST, Spectrum, CPC
Genre(s)Scrolling shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

X-Out is a horizontally scrolling shooter with eight levels set underwater. It was released by Rainbow Arts in 1989 for the Commodore 64, and in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

At the time of release, it was unclear if the title was pronounced cross out or ex out,[1] but the cassette version of the Commodore 64 version displays "Loading Crossout" at the beginning of the loading process. In both Amiga and C64 versions, the synthesized voice in the introduction says, "Get ready for Crossout." The sequel, Z-Out, abandons this pronunciation pattern.

On 13 January, 2022, Ziggurat Interactive announced that they had acquired the rights to the game.[2]

Gameplay

Before starting the game and between levels, the player visits a shop and uses their game score to purchase new submarines and equipment. The submarines come in four different variants, and additional purchases act as additional "lives". Each can be equipped with a one-way, two-way or three-way fire weapon of increasing power (and thus cost). Secondary weapons include sonic waves, power-shots and target-seeking missiles. The player can also purchase auxiliary satellites and specify their movement pattern, which can be circular orbits, vertical and horizontal movements, or an intercepting action.

Reception

Your Sinclair gave the ZX Spectrum version a score of 84%, highlighting the comprehensive shop sequence and large, well-animated enemies. Criticisms included the monochrome graphics which were said to be a little confusing, and the lack of a sense of danger.[1]

A retrospective review for the Amiga version from HonestGamers scored the game 4/5, praising some of the game's atypical design choices, but complaining that the final stage outstays its welcome.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 Bielby, Matt (March 1990). "X-Out review". Your Sinclair. No. 51. p. 56.
  2. ↑ @playziggurat (January 13, 2022). "Rainbow Arts classic X-Out is now part of the Ziggurat catalog!" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 March 2023 – via Twitter.
  3. ↑ Hartley, Gary (December 2020). "X-Out review". HonestGamers.
  • X-Out at Amiga Hall of Light
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