Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Shooter
Xenophobe
Deep cut Co-op
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Platformer, Shooter |
| Developer | Bally Midway |
| Publisher | Sunsoft |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 2 |
Developed by Bally Midway and published by Sunsoft, Xenophobe arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 as a platformer. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987. It blends platformer and shooter elements.
It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales.
Bally Midway also made Rampage, Spy Hunter and Trog for the NES.
Xenophobe supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Xenophobe is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Xenophobe cheats & codes
27 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Increase Starting Energy For Both Players | LASIZOPA |
|---|---|
| Infinite Energy For Both Players | AAKIYNUT |
| No Energy Pick-Ups Allowed | SXNITVOO |
| Start At Level 2 | TAKSAPYA |
| Start At Level 3 | IAKSAPYA |
| Start At Level 4 | GAKSAPYA |
Xenophobe walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Xenophobe.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Xenophobe FAQ
When did Xenophobe come out on the NES?
Xenophobe was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Xenophobe?
It was developed by Bally Midway and published by Sunsoft.
Is Xenophobe multiplayer?
Yes. Xenophobe supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Xenophobe take to play?
As a platformer, Xenophobe typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Xenophobe on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.