Zaxxon
About Zaxxon
Zaxxon is a classic scrolling shooter that originally hit arcades in 1981, developed by Sega with help from Ikegami Tsushinki. This MSX 1 port came out in 1982, bringing the isometric action to home computers. If you've played the arcade version, this is a faithful adaptation that captures the same feel on 8-bit hardware.
You control a ship flying through two heavily defended space fortresses and the outer space areas between them. The goal is to navigate through enemy fire, dodge obstacles, and take down the Zaxxon robot at the end of the second fortress. The game uses an isometric perspective, which was unusual at the time and gives a pseudo-3D look to the scrolling action. You'll need to manage your altitude and watch for incoming missiles and turrets.
Zaxxon is worth playing today because it was one of the first games to use an isometric view, influencing countless titles afterwards. On MSX 1, it's a solid port that retains the arcade's challenge and visual style. It's a good pick if you want to see how early shooters experimented with depth and perspective, though it can be tough. Not every classic holds up, but Zaxxon's unique angle and tight gameplay still make it enjoyable for retro fans.
How to Play Zaxxon Online
To start playing Zaxxon on MSX 1, you'll first need to press Enter to start the game. You control a ship that moves in four directions with the arrow keys, but remember the isometric view means diagonal movement feels natural. Use S to fire your weapon at enemies and obstacles. The core loop is flying through the space fortresses, avoiding or destroying walls, turrets, and missiles while managing your altitude - you can move up and down to dodge low barriers or target high-mounted guns.
Newcomers should pay attention to the radar at the top of the screen, which shows enemy positions and upcoming hazards. The game scrolls automatically, so you can't stop moving. Collect fuel and power-ups when you see them, as they help you survive longer. If you hit a wall or get shot, you lose a life. The ultimate goal is to reach the Zaxxon robot at the end of the second fortress and destroy it. Practice makes perfect, as memorizing enemy patterns is key to getting further.
Zaxxon Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
Comments (0)