You spot a cave entrance in the distance.

　　Setting your ship down on an alien planet, you grab your pickaxe and blaster with a gleam in your eye. What nefarious obstacles and challenging foes will stand before you and the mountains of treasure you know are hidden within?

　　Step forward, fire up your jetpack and enter, the XENOCAVE.

　　That's right -- there's no princess or world to save, no clichéd plot. As an explorer and archaeologist, curiosity and the will to overcome great odds are all the motivation you need!

　　XENOCAVE is a retro-styled, scrolling platformer that elevates the genre with a unique fusion of ability and fine-tuned mechanics inspired by the classics. Specifically, imagine an amalgam of Mario's fluid controls, the double-jump and rapid-fire of Ghosts 'n Goblins, and the themes of Crystal Caves.

　　FEATURES

　　Infinite continues / livesQuick respawn -- jump right back into action if you slip upUnlimited time (no level timer)Secrets to discover (hidden items, warps, and collectibles)Action-based puzzles throughoutFreedom to play levels out of order using the Stage Select screen and hidden warpsBoth horizontal and vertical (tower) levels, adding variety to the challengeLevels designed for speed-runningOccasional randomized enemy behaviour for added replayabilityABILITIES

　　Double jump (jetpack, with variable height control based on press)Mid-air control (no commitment arc, like in Ghosts 'n Goblins or the NES Castlevania)Wall jumping / sliding for navigating tricky obstaclesA fast, powerful melee attack with your pickaxeUse the pickaxe to tunnel through blocks and objects containing itemsRanged attack with your semi-auto laser blasterUpgrade blaster to full auto + increased damage with powerupOBJECTIVES

　　Find all gems to unlock the level exit doorUse regular and timed switches to control barriers / platforms that lead to the exit doorSome barriers are controlled by large enemies you must defeat to openCollect a series of gold idols (hidden throughout the stages) to unlock the final level, an ancient alien crypt -- a royal tomb containing great treasureCurrently, there are 21 levels to beat, ranging in difficulty from medium to very hardI would like to make updates to the game (more levels, enemies, artwork, etc.), but only if there's enough interest, so please, drop a message on the discussion board letting me know what improvements and additions you'd like to see to make it great! XENOCAVE is all about alien worlds with carefully crafted challenges and infinite possibilities. Let's explore that vast unknown together.

　　SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

　　Please make sure to use a xbox 360 controller or equivalent -- it is not intended to be played by keyboard at this time.