XEvil

XEvil

Developer(s) Steve Hardt (initially)
Michael Judge (initial Windows port)
Publisher(s) XEvil.com
Designer(s) Steve Hardt
Platform(s) Unix, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
Release date(s) July 24, 1994 (version 1.0 to M.I.T students via project athena)
April 23, 2003 (version 2.2r2 by Steve Hardt)
Genre(s) side-scrolling
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer
Distribution Web Download

XEvil is a free software side-scrolling video game developed by Steve Hardt at M.I.T. The game is a free-for-all deathmatch that pits any player against another player or a computer player.[1] The game has also been noted as "One of the most graphically violent games ever made," leading to some controversy over its offensiveness.[1]

The game was created in 1994 and has since been available on many different platforms for download. The game is available for anyone, and leaves a large pool of characters to pick from. Like many online games, the story is underdeveloped, but not necessarily needed for the genre it is in. The game has been reviewed and thought of as violent and addictive, although simple in nature.

XEvil is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

Gameplay

XEvil is a third person 2-D side scrolling video game. The game is based on moving through randomly generated levels that force the player to attack enemies with one of several randomly chosen characters. The game requires moving through random algorithmically generated levels, which complicates the levels, yet still makes it possible to complete the level using elevators or ladders.[1] Since the game is free and can be played on many operating systems and worldwide, this can be done on a global scale. The game also has a more difficult "Kill-Kill-Kill"-Mode.[2] The game's only real objective is to survive, and can be played in either a single player or multiplayer mode.[3]

Plot

Story

The story behind XEvil is that you are a soul who has died and been sent to hell. In order to determine your place in hell you must compete in a deathmatch to ultimately decide your place in the fiery pits of the underworld.

Characters

The characters are randomly chosen for the player, and each has it own strengths and weaknesses. All the players in the game are deceased (in various ways), since they are fighting their way through Hell. Examples of characters are ninja, walker, Hero, Alien, Chopperboy, Enforcer (created by Chopperboy), FireDemon, Dog, Yeti and Dragon.

Reception

Dragon, an example of a character in the game.

XEvil been called by the online community "fast action"[3] and "is a must-have for anyone interested in straightforward mayhem."[1] Finally the game "features an incredibly addictive gameplay."[1] GamezWorld, who gave the game a 7 out of 10, commented "If you like little shooting orgys, you may like XEvil."[2] The game is listed in the gaming section of the 1997 and 1998 Linux Journal Buyer's Guides[4][5] and is listed by EBay.[6]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 XEvil at Home of the Underdogs Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  2. 2.0 2.1 XEvil at GamezWorld October 27, 2002 Retrieved December 2, 2006.
  3. 3.0 3.1 XEvil at PC World Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  4. 1997 Buyer's Guide, Linux Journal, Software: Games, Page 45, "XEvil, an action video game for X"
  5. 1998 Buyer's Guide, Linux Journal, Vertical Applications: Leisure and Games, Page 20
  6. Video games - Freely downloadable game software - EBay

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to XEvil.