The PlayStation cover.
Xevious 3D/G was released in 1996 for arcades and in 1997 for the PlayStation, where it was renamed Xevious 3D/G+. The second 3D game in the series, 3D/G featured three different power-up types, large bosses, and two player co-operative play. The PlayStation version adds an arranged soundtrack, alongside ports of the original Xevious, Super Xevious, and Xevious Arrangement.
With the shoot'em up genre seeing a resurgence in the late 1990s, Namco sought to capitalize on its success and created a new Xevious game due to the series' mass recognition. It had a heavy emphasis on music, featuring the likes of Shinji Hosoe and Ayako Saso, among others. It was programmed for the Namco System 11 hardware, a 3D-based arcade system that was performing well at the time commercially.
Because of the game's drastic changes to the core gameplay, 3D/G was often disliked by fans for breaking the "no power-ups" system earlier games had. Critics felt the same way, with the PlayStation version receiving mixed reviews for its dated visuals and average gameplay. It remained the last original Xevious game for nearly a decade, up until the release of Xevious Scramble Mission in 2006.
The Solvalou flying over the first level.
Gameplay[]
This is the 4th title in the Xevious series. It changes from the 2D format of the original to a 3D environment. You start off with the same viewpoint as the original, but later your camera is positioned above/behind the ship looking towards the action.
Bosses[]
Stage 1: Gaurukudora
Stage 2: Iriazanaido
Stage 3: Kuozada
Stage 4: Sakuzabaia
Stage 5: Gyariajido
Stage 6: Orareia
Stage 7: GAMP
Secret Message[]
At the very beginning of the game, you have to cross a river. If you drop bombs at the edge of this you will get the secret message: "NAMCO ORIGINAL CREATED BY K. KENJO".
NeGcon compatibility[]
Although not enhancing the gameplay, the player could use the NeGcon controller to tilt the Solvalou.
Availability in the U.S.A.[]
Although you can't get the game in the U.S., it can be downloaded for free onto the MAME emulator system, and works quite impressively, which reduces the need to pay to import, and takes only a minute or less to download.
Sometimes, a glitch occurs by pausing the game for about two seconds, and the background changes random colors, but does not effect the appearance of the Solvalou, or any of the foes.