Xybots (1987). Play Free Online

Summary

Xybots on the Atari Lynx packs the arcade’s frantic corridor shooter into a palm‑sized package. You pilot Rock Hardy or Ace Gunn through maze‑like passages, blasting alien Xybots with a laser while ducking behind crates and other cover. The handheld preserves the original’s split‑screen co‑op, letting two friends battle side‑by‑side on the tiny LCD; unfortunately, the same rotary‑joystick turn control that baffled arcade players shows up as a quirky D‑pad twist on the Lynx. Collecting energy pods and coin drops lets you stock up on health, extra armor and weapon upgrades in shop rooms between levels. Critics at the time praised the game’s teamwork focus and addictive maze‑shooting, even though the odd control scheme and modest sales meant it never spawned a sequel. The 1991 NuFX port remains a nostalgic highlight for handheld fans who enjoy cooperative action despite its quirks.

Storyline

In Xybots, you step into the boots of Major Rock Hardy—or, in co‑op mode, Captain Ace Gunn—as they navigate a twisting three‑dimensional maze. Their mission is simple yet urgent: hunt down the relentless Xybots, a legion of rogue robots bent on wiping out humanity. Each level feels like a maze‑runner meets shooter, with corridors that turn, drop, and reveal hidden foes. The two characters play identically, the only difference being Gunn’s slightly faster movement, letting players pick a pace that feels right for them. As you blast through the metallic corridors, the sense of urgency builds, knowing every Xybot you destroy is a small victory against a world‑ending threat.

Edited by Maya Carter