Review by p13z on 21 Nov 2013 (Rating: 5)
A vertically scrolling shooter, a bit like Zynaps or R-Type turned sideways.
The graphics and presentation are also up to R-Type or Zynaps standard. Xecutor also goes one better, and has a two player option, which really adds to the game.
The one thing that lets it down is the insane difficulty curve, getting past the first level is quite a task. There is not much in the way of a slow start or gentle introduction. Avoiding the alien hoards and getting trapped by the backgrounds, while trying to spot stray bullets amongst the scrolling stars is far from easy. Add the very unforgiving collision detection, and it is difficult to the point where some less skilled (ahem) players may want to resort to a couple of POKEs to progress. Once you get the hang of it, and collect some brutal power-ups, things do get a little bit easier.
The game is not very long, the levels just loop round, and all feature the same 'boss'. This may be a classic case of compensating for lack of content by increasing the difficulty. Understandable though, and forgiveable, for a 48k game that looks so good.
Xecutor [ACE Software]
by Cybadyne (Christian F. Urquhart, Mike Smith)
A sort of slightly harder vertical Zynaps, delightfully drawn and coloured, with nice music.
Unluckily, it's affected by the restart-over-a-bullet syndrome, although it doesn't happen very often. Interesting end-of-level boss. It's very nice.
4/5
