Approach any computer games addict and ask him or her 'What is the most popular type of game?' and he will say 'Arcade'. Baffle that person even more by inquiring 'What is the most popular type of arcade game?' and you'll more than likely get the reply 'Vertical scrollers'. So, a signed photograph of Jonny 'Babyface' Riglar to the first SU reader who can shout out what kind of game Xen is. That's right, it's a vertically scrolling shoot-'em-up. You fly your ship upwards over an alien base, shooting, a la Xevious, whilst dodging the enemy flak and bombing the bases. Gripping stuff. I had a great stuggle gripping my stomach to make sure it stayed under control. The scrolling in Xen is really awful and the main sprite and all the other little bits in the game are jerky end badly animated, though the colour is done quite well. Still, not well enough to make it decent.

Boldly tries to go where only Lightforce has been before and unfortunately fails miserably.