Xenophobe

Bally Midway • 1987

Xenophobe — Title screen
Title screen
Xenophobe — Gameplay
Gameplay

Xenophobe delivers a unique cooperative shooting experience split across three distinct screens, allowing up to three players to battle hordes of alien creatures within a futuristic space station setting. Players navigate each screen individually, eliminating enemies and progressing through levels before moving on to the next station. A variety of weapons are available to use in this fight against extraterrestrial invaders, including an unusual "duck gun" adding some quirky charm to the gameplay. The game’s concept originally envisioned a treasure-hunting theme, but evolved into a science fiction spoof inspired by films like Alien. While development was hurried, resulting in some unfinished elements within the environment, Xenophobe offered players a fresh take on the platform/shooter genre with its split-screen multiplayer and distinctive aesthetic. The game’s name, derived from a psychological term meaning "fear of aliens," reflects the unsettling atmosphere as players work together to survive the alien onslaught. Released in 1987 by Bally Midway, Xenophobe remains a memorable arcade title for those seeking a frantic three-player cooperative experience.

Details

Manufacturer
Bally Midway
Year
1987
Players
3
Genre
Platform / Shooter Scrolling
Display
raster
Emulation status
good
MAME ID
xenophob

Machine data derived from the MAME project.