The Nintendo FDS, also known as the Family Computer Disk System, was a peripheral for the Family Computer console released in Japan in 1986. It allowed users to play games and run applications from diskettes, providing an innovative way to access content on the platform. One of the most notable titles available on the FDS is Xevious, a shooter game developed by Namco. In this article, we'll explore what makes Xevious special, its availability on the FDS, and provide information on age ratings that are currently available.

Xevious is a classic shooter game released in 1982 for arcades. The game was later ported to several home consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. However, an even earlier version of Xevious was released for the FDS, taking advantage of the console's disk-based storage capabilities.

Gameplay

Xevious is a space shooter that takes place on various planets with unique enemies and power-ups. Players control a spaceship called the Volfang, which can move left and right, shoot bullets, and jump over obstacles. The game features two main types of enemy: "Roids" (smaller, flying enemies) and "Zocks" (larger, ground-dwelling enemies). Destroying all Roids earns the player a 100-point bonus.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Xevious is its unique scrolling system. The game uses a combination of moving tiles and pre-rendered graphics to create the illusion of continuous movement on the screen. This creates an immersive experience, making it feel like players are actually exploring different planets in real-time.

Availability on FDS

Xevious was originally released as part of a bundled pack called the Nintendo FDS Power Pak, which included five games and two diskettes. The game's release date was January 1987, and it marked one of the first times Xevious appeared outside of arcades.

The FDS version of Xevious includes some minor changes compared to its NES counterpart. These include slightly different graphics and sound effects, as well as an altered score system that rewards players for achieving certain milestones.

Age Rating

The Nintendo FDS was rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) under the old rating system used in Japan at the time of its release. This would translate to a similar rating as its NES counterpart due to similarity in content.

In the 1990s, the Famicom (the Japanese equivalent of the NES) received an age rating from the Japanese government's Consumer Product Safety Commission. This rating is often translated into the ESRB's old rating system and would likely be "E" for Everyone, assuming no major changes to its content.

Modern Age Rating

Fast-forwarding to today, we can see that Xevious on the FDS maintains a consistent age rating across different platforms. Given its classic nature and content, it is suitable for players of all ages who are familiar with older video games or simply looking for a nostalgic experience.

In some regions, this might be classified as "E" under modern standards, but without knowing more about regional regulations regarding the use of Famicom titles on other platforms in specific countries, it's hard to provide an accurate age rating.