History VideoGame / ExZeus

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan and Europe in 2003 for the [[UsefulNotes/WindowsGames PC]] as shareware, and for arcades in the US on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 exclusively in Japan on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was later released in 2005 for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe. A UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

On August 4, 2021, Ziggurat Interactive announced a CompilationRerelease of the two ''[=ExZeus=]'' titles developed by Sickhead Games for UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, and PC (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} and Website/GOGDotCom) as ''[=ExZeus=]: The Complete Collection'', and it was released on September 30, 2021.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan and Europe in 2003 for the [[UsefulNotes/WindowsGames PC]] as shareware, and in in the arcades in the US on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 exclusively in Japan on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was later released in 2005 for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe. A UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan and Europe in 2003 for the [[UsefulNotes/WindowsGames PC]] as shareware, and was later released in North America in the arcades on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 exclusively in Japan on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe. A UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan in 2004 on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe, along with a shareware [[UsefulNotes/WindowsGames PC]] port. A UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

* AwesomenessMeter: Based on how many hits can you land successfully, you'll get a phrased associated with your combo such as "[[YouMakeMeSic Rock'in]]", "Terrific", and "Groovy", with a score bonus for hits that were landed.

[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/exzeus_cover.png]]

Set in the year 2102 C.E., where a meteorite enters Earth's orbit which turned out to be an alien war-machine and began attacking the human race. The remaining survivors hid underneath of the Earth's surface with rumors spreading of an alien called "Diadora" being behind the attack. The governing council began a counter-attack operation, code-named "Operation: [=ExZeus=]", against the alien invaders and reclaim the planet. To carry out the operation of investigating the alien war-machines' weaknesses and stop Diadora, three experimental robot -- Calista, Sophia, and Dynamis -- were dispatched for the mission.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan in 2004 on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe, along with a shareware PC port. A Wii version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

A sequel of the game, ''[=ExZeus=] 2'', was released for Android in 2012 and sub-sequentially released on [=iOS=], Windows Phone, and Windows 8. It takes places over a hundred years after the events of the first games, after peace has been restored on Earth only for a new threat to show up to attack the human race once more. Operation: [=ExZeus=] was re-launched against the new invaders, this time taking three robots from the previous of battle and combining them to form a new battle robot, Minos. ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' plays like its predecessor but adds new gameplay elements where you take the fight on ground such fighting enemies in beat 'em up arenas, along with the ability to purchase upgrades to level-up Minos' combat abilities. In 2017, an updated version of ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' that does not require a Windows 8 or 10 system was released for PC, and is available on [[https://hyperdevbox.itch.io/exzeus2ftp itch.io]], [[https://gamejolt.com/games/exzeus2_for_pc/261040 Game Jolt]], [[https://www.amazon.com/HyperDevbox-Japan-ExZeus2-for-Download/dp/B071ZS5VNM/ Amazon]], and [[https://store.steampowered.com/app/668520/ExZeus_2/ Steam]].

On August 4, 2021, Ziggurat Interactive announced a CompilationRerelease of the two ''[=ExZeus=]'' titles developed by Sickhead Games for UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, and [[UsefulNotes/WindowsGames PC]] (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} and Website/GOGDotCom) as ''[=ExZeus=]: The Complete Collection''. The collection was released on September 30, 2021.

* AfterCombatRecovery: In between stages, you're given an opportunity to use the gold you picked up from defeated enemies to replenish your health and supplies, or power-up your abilities.

* BigBad: The first game has Diadora, who killed thousands every day after unleashing alien war-machines on Earth, while the second game has Exteros.
* CameraPerspectiveSwitch: In the first game, you can press a button to change between the perspective of the camera from an over-the-shoulder view to a top-down, bird's eye view.

* HomingProjectile: Your robot is armed with homing missiles that can be fired by locking onto enemies as along as you have some lock-on energy to use.

A CompilationRerelease of the ''[=ExZeus=]'' games, ''[=ExZeus=]: The Complete Collection'', was announced by Ziggurat Interactive and developed by Sickhead Games is slated to be released in Summer 2021 for UsefulNotes/{{Windows|Games}} (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} and Website/GOGDotCom), UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

* {{BFS}}: One wielded by Exteros, the final boss of ''[=ExZeus=] 2''

* RankInflation: Players of the second game can raise their rank as they play through the game. They start as a low military rank such as Trainee but eventually raise into higher ranks like Admiral, Emperor, Warlord, and finally God.

* UpdatedRerelease: The mobile versions of the first ''[=ExZeus=]'' features updated graphics, difficulty levels, and real-time online leaderboads. ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' for Windows received a re-release for non-Windows 8 or 10 systems with some improved visuals and remappable controls.

* DieChairDie: Players level an area filled with abandoned vehicles and alien-made structures into smithereens for extra points or get power-ups from them.

* ExcusePlot: Mechanical aliens and their war-machines are killing off the human race, hop in your battle robot and kick some ass.

* GratuitousEnglish: Despite being developed by a French-Japanese development team, the games feature many use of English voice-overs, especially Minos who was voiced in English.

* ScoringPoints: In the first ''[=ExZeus=]'', you gain points of varying amounts from shooting down enemies and damaging bosses, as well as bonus points for building up your combo count from hitting enemies. The sequel later adds in an end-stage bonuses based on your performance during the stages.

A CompilationRerelease of the ''[=ExZeus=]'' games, ''[=ExZeus=]: The Complete Collection'', was announced by Ziggurat Interactive and developed by Sickhead Games is slated to be released in Summer 2021 for UsefulNotes/{{Windows|Games}}, UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

A CompilationRerelease of the ''[=ExZeus=]'' games, ''[=ExZeus=] The Complete Collection'', was announced by Ziggurat Interactive and developed by Sickhead Games is slated to be released in Summer 2021 for UsefulNotes/{{Windows|Games}}, UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

* CompilationRerelease: ''[=ExZeus=] The Complete Collection'', which is a compilation of the latest versions of the two ''[=ExZeus=]'' games.

* AwesomenessMeter: Based on how many hits can you land successfully, you'll get a phrased associated with your combo such as "[[YouMakeMeSic Rock'in]]", "Terrific", and "Groovy", with a score bonus for getting hit count.

A sequel of the game, ''[=ExZeus=] 2'', was released for Android in 2012 and sub-sequentially released on [=iOS=], Windows Phone, and Windows 8. It takes places over a hundred years after the events of the first games, after peace has been restored on Earth only for a new threat to show up to attack the human race once more. Operation: [=ExZeus=] was re-launched against the new invaders, this time taking three robots from the previous of battle and combining them to form a new battle robot, Minos. ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' plays like its predecessor but adds new gameplay elements where you take the fight on ground such fighting enemies in beat 'em up arenas, along with the ability to purcahse upgrades to level-up Minos' combat abilities. In 2017, an updated version of ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' that does not require a Windows 8 or 10 system was released for PC, and is available on [[https://hyperdevbox.itch.io/exzeus2ftp itch.io]], [[https://gamejolt.com/games/exzeus2_for_pc/261040 Game Jolt]], [[https://www.amazon.com/HyperDevbox-Japan-ExZeus2-for-Download/dp/B071ZS5VNM/ Amazon]], and [[https://store.steampowered.com/app/668520/ExZeus_2/ Steam]].

Set in the year 2102 C.E., where a meteorite enters Earth's orbit which turned out to alien war-machine and began attacking the human race. The remaining survivors hid underneath of the Earth's surface with rumors spreading of an alien called "Diadora" being behind the attack. The governing council began a counter-attack operation, code-named "Operation: [=ExZeus=]", against the alien invaders and reclaim the planet. To carry out the operation of investigating the alien war-machines' weaknesses and stop Diadora, three experimental robot -- Calista, Sophia, and Dynamis -- were dispatched for the mission.

* AttackItsWeakpoint: In order to deal damage to a boss, you must shoot their weakpoints (e.g. Dracaena's heads or chest).

* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons: Dracaena, a mechanized twin-headed dragon in the first game, and Drakein, a giant mechanized dragon in the second game.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan in 2004 on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe, along with a shareware PC port. A Wii version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and {{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

''[=ExZeus=]'' was first released in Japan in 2004 on Tsunami Visual Technologies' Tsunami Motion arcade board and re-released in 2005 on the Sega NAOMI GD-ROM hardware. It was ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 only in Europe, along with a shareware PC port. A Wii version of the game was released overseas by Conspiracy Entertainment in 2007 under the title of ''Counter Force''. An updated version of the game titled ''[=ExZeus=] Arcade'' was released for {{iOS|Games}} in 2009 and {{Android|Games}} devices in 2010.

A sequel of the game, ''[=ExZeus=] 2'', was released for Android in 2012 and sub-sequentially released on [=iOS=], Windows Phone, and Windows 8. It takes places over a hundred years after the events of the first games, after peace has been restored on Earth only for a new threat to show up to attack the human race once more. Operation: [=ExZeus=] was re-launched against the new invaders, this time taking three robots from the previous of battle and combining them to form a new battle robot, Minos. ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' plays like its predecessor but adds new gameplay elements where you take the fight on ground such fighting enemies in beat 'em up arenas, along with the ability to purcahse upgrades to level-up Minos' combat abilities. In 2017, an updated version of ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' that does not require a Windows 8 or 10 system was released for PC, and is available on [[https://hyperdevbox.itch.io/exzeus2ftp itch.io]], [[https://www.humblebundle.com/g/exzeus2_for_pc Humble Bundle]], [[https://www.amazon.com/HyperDevbox-Japan-ExZeus2-for-Download/dp/B071ZS5VNM/ Amazon]], and [[https://gamejolt.com/games/exzeus2_for_pc/261040 Game Jolt]].

''[=ExZeus=]'' is an {{arcade|Game}} {{rail shooter}} developed by [=HyperDevbox=] Japan, formally known as Hyper-Devbox. Despite the company's name, it was founded by Carlo Perconti, one of the founders of the France-based video game company Toka who moved to Japan and set up a game development studio in Tokyo.

* ShowsDamage: In the first game, as the bosses loses health, they begin to lose parts of their bodies and eventually limbs as they become closer to death.

!!Prepare to Trope! GO!:

* BigBad: The first game has Diadora, who killed thousands every day after unleashing alien war-machines on Earth.

* DeflectorShield: The robots are equipped with a deflector shield that absorbs some of the damage. Once it's depleted, any damage you take will go straight for your robot.

* ExcusePlot: Mechanical alien war-machines are killing off humanity, hop in your battle robot and kick some ass.

* GameplayGrading: ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' rewards players with end-stage bonuses based on their performance. Bonus points are reward for the percentage of enemies destroyed, accurate shooting, evading attacks, and how quickly the stage was beaten.

* SmartBomb: Featured in the first game with Megabombs that clears the screen of projectiles and deals heavy damage against everything on screen. It returns in the second game in two flavors: EM Impulse (creates an electro-magnetic wave against surrounding enemies) and Zeus' Fury (rains down lightning from above).

A sequel of the game, ''[=ExZeus=] 2'', was released for Android in 2012 and sub-sequentially released on [=iOS=], Windows Phone, and Windows 8. It takes places over a hundred years after the events of the first games, after peace has been restored on Earth only for a new threat to show up to attack the human race once more. Operation: [=ExZeus=] was re-launched against the new invaders, this time taking three robots from the previous of battle and combining them to form a new battle robot, Minos. ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' plays like its predecessor but adds new gameplay elements where you take the fight on ground such fighting enemies in beat 'em up arenas, along with the ability to purcahse upgrades to level-up Minos' combat abilities. In 2017, an updated version of ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' that does not require a Windows 8 or 10 system, available in a free-to-play and commercial form.

!![=ExZeus=] demonstrates examples of:

* AllegedlyFreeGame: The 2017 re-release of ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' is available in a free-to-play model where players can spend real money on Instant Continues, which act as credits as if you're playing the game on coin-op arcade machine, in varying amounts to resume a session if you were defeated by the enemies, however a premium version is also available for those that want to make a single one-time purchase.

* GameplayGrading: ''[=ExZeus=] 2'' rewards players with end-stage bonuses based on their performance. Bonus points are reward for destroying enemies, collecting pick-ups, accurate shooting, evading attacks, and how quickly the stage was beaten.

* ShowsDamage: As the bosses loses health, they begin to lose parts of their bodies and eventually limbs as they become closer to death.