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Xenophobe (Europe)

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ATARI 7800 Run and Gun Pub Sun Corporation Dev Midway Games 1987 Europe 1-3 Players 5 (0) 2

Xenophobe (Europe)

About Xenophobe (Europe)

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 27, 2026

Xenophobe for the Atari 7800 is a home port of the 1987 arcade shooter from Bally Midway. This European release brings the frantic alien-blasting action to Atari's console, letting you and a friend (or solo) take on hordes of extraterrestrials. If you remember the arcade original, this version trims some graphical corners but keeps the core concept intact: run, gun, and survive against relentless aliens.

The game drops you into a series of corridors inside a space station or similar facility. Your job is simple: blast every alien you see before a timer runs out. You move left and right, aim up and down, and collect better weapons as you go. The arcade supported up to three players simultaneously, and the 7800 port maintains that cooperative spirit, though you may need to check how many controllers you can plug in. The time limit adds pressure; you can't afford to dawdle.

Today, Xenophobe is a decent example of an arcade conversion on the 7800. It's no technical marvel, but it captures the relentless pace of the coin-op original. If you enjoy simple, cooperative run-and-gun action and own an Atari 7800, this is worth a try. Just don't expect deep strategy or long sessions; it's short, punchy, and best played with a friend.

How to Play Xenophobe (Europe) Online

Getting Started

When you fire up Xenophobe on the Atari 7800, you'll see a title screen. Press Start to begin. You may be able to select the number of players using Select before starting. The game expects you and up to two friends to plug in joysticks (or use the keyboard mapping above).

The core loop is simple: move left or right, aim up or down to shoot aliens that appear from all directions. Your goal is to clear each area of enemies before the timer hits zero. Collect power-ups and weapon upgrades that aliens sometimes drop. Keep moving, because aliens spawn quickly and can corner you.

Important mechanics include the time limit per stage. If you run out of time, it's game over. You also have a health bar; getting hit reduces it. There are no continues in the traditional sense, and no save feature, so you'll need to start over each time. Play aggressively but watch your back - aliens can come from the ceiling or floor too.

Xenophobe (Europe) Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: Joystick
X: Button 1
S: Button 2
Enter: Pause
V: Select

Frequently Asked Questions

Can players save progress in Xenophobe?

Xenophobe on the Atari 7800 does not include any save feature. It is a straightforward arcade port with no battery backup or password system. You must complete the game in one sitting or start over.

Does Xenophobe have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

Yes, the game supports up to three players simultaneously. In the arcade version, players fight aliens side by side. The Atari 7800 port retains this cooperative multiplayer, letting you and friends blast aliens together.

In what year was Xenophobe originally released?

The original arcade Xenophobe debuted in 1987, developed and published by Bally Midway. The Atari 7800 conversion was released around the same period, likely in 1987 or 1988.