Overview
Xenon 2: Megablast brought the Bitmap Brothers’ metallic aesthetic to the shoot-em-up genre. Its power-up shop system, where players purchased upgrades between levels, added strategy to reflexes. The licensed Bomb the Bass track “Megablast” announced a new era of game audio.
Fast facts
- Developer: The Bitmap Brothers.
- Publisher: Image Works.
- Music: David Whittaker (adapting Bomb the Bass).
- Release: 1989.
Gameplay innovations
| Feature | Implementation |
|---|
| Shop system | Buy upgrades between levels |
| Weapon variety | Multiple simultaneous weapons |
| Bi-directional scrolling | Screen moves up AND down |
| Collectibles | Currency and instant power-ups |
The shop
| Item | Effect |
|---|
| Side Shot | Diagonal fire |
| Rear Shot | Backwards fire |
| Speed Up | Movement boost |
| Power Up | Damage increase |
| Extra Life | Additional chance |
Colin the shopkeeper became iconic.
Weapons
| Weapon | Behaviour |
|---|
| Laser | Straight, powerful |
| Homing | Seeks enemies |
| Cannonball | Slow, devastating |
| Side arms | Additional turrets |
Visual style
| Element | Characteristic |
|---|
| Palette | Metallic, chrome |
| Enemies | Organic/mechanical hybrid |
| Explosions | Large, satisfying |
| Boss design | Screen-filling |
The soundtrack
“Megablast” by Bomb the Bass:
- First major licensed game track
- Sample-based on Amiga
- Added production value
- Marketing hook
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|
| Amiga Power | 90% |
| ST Format | 92% |
| Zero | 95% |
Level design
| Level | Theme |
|---|
| 1 | Organic caves |
| 2 | Mechanical |
| 3 | Underwater |
| 4 | Fire |
| 5 | Final boss |
Legacy
Xenon 2 established:
- Shop systems in shooters
- Licensed music in games
- Bitmap Brothers brand
- European shoot-em-up style
See also