Thexder

Thexder is an action game originally released in Japan for the NEC PC-8801 computer by Game Arts in 1985; it was later ported to other home computer systems and game consoles and was also released in many other countries including in the United States by Sierra On-Line. Thexder became one of the best selling games of its time with over one million copies sold worldwide. The game is a scrolling shooter where players control a fighter robot which is capable of transforming into a jet.

In Thexder players control Thexder, a experimental robot with the ability to transform between humanoid form and jet form. While in humanoid form Thexder can run, jump, and fire heat-seaking lasers which automatically target most enemies. In jet form Thexder is able to fly allowing it to reach otherwise impassable areas and is more agile, however it is only able to fire lasers directly ahead making combat more difficult. The goal of the game is to navigate through all 16 levels without depleting Thexder's limited amount of energy. Each level begins on the left and ends on the right; in between walls create an increasingly convoluted maze players will need to navigate through. There are also a wide variety of enemies throughout; if Thexder comes in contact with any enemies or the missiles they fire some energy is lost. Energy can be regained by shooting certain types of enemies and objects that are encountered throughout each level. The game ends when Thexder's energy is completely depleted.

To defend against attacks Thexder is equipped with an energy shield; players may activate the shield at will which will drain a small amount of Thexder's energy (if Thexder doesn't have enough remaining energy, the shield can not be activated). The shield will prevent Thexder from losing energy if hit by an enemy, however it only remains active for a limited amount of time. Additionally each hit from an enemy reduces that time limit further.