Since Thexder has two modes, it is important to understand each set of controls (using (joystick, gamepad, or keyboard) as well as how to switch from one mode to the other.
Robot mode
Left or right: run left or right.
Up: jump (hold up to jump higher)
Down: transform into a jet.
Button 1/Space bar: fire
Button 2/Shift key: activate shield
In robot mode, the beam rifle will cycle through all available threats that can be targeted in Thexder's current orientation. The beam rifle uses up 2% of your available energy per roughly 30 shots.
The particle barrier consumes 10% of your available energy, and cannot be activated if you have less than 10% of energy.
Jet mode
Joystick/D-pad/Arrow keys: fly in any one of eight directions.
Button 1/Space bar: fire
Button 2/Shift key: activate shield
In jet mode Thexder will automatically rotate through a turn if no other option is available. As a jet, Thexder cannot remain stationary.
Thexder will transform back in to a robot if he hits a wall in the current direction that he is traveling, or if, while Thexder is flying horizontally, you press the opposite direction from the one that he is currently facing.
In jet mode, the beam rifle has no choice but to fire in the direction of Thexder's current orientation.
The particle barrier consumes 10% of your available energy, and cannot be activated if you have less than 10% of energy.
Energy
You start the game with 100% energy and a max energy level of 100%. Energy drops when:
- Thexder fires his beam rifle (consumes about 2% of energy every 30 shots
- Thexder uses his shield (10% of energy)
- Enemies touch Thexder while the shield is not activated (rapid depletion)
When Thexder's energy hits zero, it's game over.
Energy can be filled by:
- Destroying certain enemies (see below)
- Completing stages (+100% if the shield wasn't used during the stage)
It is crucial to increase the maximum energy level throughout the game. The maximum that can be obtained is 500%. maximum energy can be increased by:
- Destroying certain enemies (see below)
- Completing stages (+30% if the shield wasn't used or +10% if it was used during the stage)
Therefore it has enormous benefits if you don't use the shield, but of course it's also much harder. As you get closer to a maximum energy count of 500%, you may opt to use the shield more often, but you will forfeit the 100% energy boost at the end of the level.
Note: In the Apple IIgs version of Thexder (and possibly in other versions, too), if you use the shield on any given level and then proceed to the next level, you forfeit the 100% energy bonus not just for the level you just completed, but for the rest of the game!
Enemies
Enemies can be categorized into three groups; Enemies that attack, energy providing enemies, and enemies that are generally hidden and need to be shot at to reveal.
Attack Enemies
Attack enemies range from mild threats to extremely aggressive. Many of the attack enemies like to swarm around Thexder and attack him from multiple sides to drain his energy very quickly. Some of the enemies listed here will provide Thexder with a nominal amount of energy, but a majority do not. As a result, these enemies should only be fought if they are blocking you from reaching an exit, or an energy producing enemy.
Unit
Points
Note
Movement
100
Red Tribar
Diagonal
300
Rimquart
Circular
500
Golan
Diagonal
1,000
Electron Fence
Stationary obstacle that deals no damage
Stationary
160
Black Tribar
Diagonal
300
Tori
Diagonal
300
4-Balls
Diagonal
Circular: rotates in small circles and horizontally towards Thexder when on the same height.
Diagonal: moves towards Thexder in diagonal motion. Cannot reach Thexder when it it is closely above or beside it.
Surface horizontal: moves towards Thexder horizontally on the surface.
Stationary: doesn't move.
Horizontal: moves towards Thexder horizontally both on surface and mid air.
Energy Enemies
Enemies that can provide Thexder with energy should be sought out and destroyed as frequently as possible. Not only do they provide Thexder with a good amount of energy, but many of these enemies, including the Bell, Bellmeta, and Centibeet, can raise Thexder's Max Energy. It's a good idea to go out of your way to find them as long as the passage to them is safe. If you end up losing more energy than you can get back, it's generally not worth seeking them out.
Unit
Points
Max energy
Note
Movement
400
-
Clobter
Surface horizontal
700
-
Baffin
Stationary
1,000
+2%
Centibeet
Stationary
Hidden Enemies
Hidden enemies are generally unseen until you shoot at their location. Thexder's targeting computer will still acknowledge their presence even if you can't see them yet, making his robot form excellent for discovering hidden enemies. Some hidden enemies like Bino, the Flower, and Yamato are stationary, while others like the Eye, the Geisha, and the Tophat (which can be seen a few times), will stick to the ground or ceiling and attack. All hidden enemies provide Thexder with an appreciable energy boost and a sizable Max Energy boost.
