Friday 20 January 2012

Undiscovered Gems: Xandras Big Adventure (Whirlo The Bubble Boy)


The Super Famicom has more platformers than commuters on the Yamanote Line first thing but Xandras Big Adventure true classic platformer stands head and shoulders above the rest like an NBA player on the same train. Xandra is on a mission through the mystical land of Valkyrie to get medicine for his sick son. The main character looks like a green jelly baby but some of the gameplay is so ingenious and fresh, even after so many platform releases on the SFC. Tragically overlooked in the West. Xandra carries a tiger fork with which to attack enemies, but remains vulnerable if it gets stuck in the ground causing frantic panic to unwedge it. The star level is particularly remarkable as the platforms appear and disappear from view in a Tanabata inspired journey through the stars. This is the pure essence of gameplay that endeared fans to the format and many still wander the gaming scene in search of a return to such heady days. Bravo Namcot.

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