Ex-Mutants

When you start the game, you'll see a title screen. Press Enter to proceed. On the character select screen, use the D-Pad to highlight one of the four mutants, then press X to choose. Each character has different stats for strength, speed, and special power. After selecting, you'll begin in the first stage, a ruined city street.

The core loop is simple: walk to the right, beat up enemies that come at you, and avoid taking too much damage. Use the S button for a basic punch or kick, and hold a direction while pressing S for a different attack. Press X to jump, and combine it with S for a jumping attack. You can also pick up weapons by walking over them; press S to swing them. Your mutant power is activated by pressing Z (Y button) - use it sparingly as it drains your energy bar. Defeat all enemies in a section to unlock the path forward. At the end of each stage, a boss appears. Learn their patterns and find openings to attack.

Watch your health bar at the top of the screen. If it empties, you lose a life. You have a limited number of continues (usually three). There are no checkpoints, so if you lose all lives, you have to restart the entire game. Collect health pickups and power-ups that drop from broken objects or defeated enemies. The game can be tough, so memorizing enemy placement and using your mutant power wisely is key.