When comparing Tokio / Scramble Formation vs Xevious, the Slant community recommends Tokio / Scramble Formation for most people. In the question“What are the best and the most revolutionary games of all time?” Tokio / Scramble Formation is ranked 49th while Xevious is ranked 97th. The most important reason people chose Tokio / Scramble Formation is:
As the player captures enemy planes, they would follow the player's plane in a formation. This was likely the first time players could change formations of friendly ships, which was quite innovative for the time. The basic formation could hit both air and ground units, although it only covered a small area while the two other formations could only target either air or ground but covered a much larger area. The best players had to dynamically switch formations depending on their surroundings.
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Pros
Pro Formation modes required the play to react to circumstances
As the player captures enemy planes, they would follow the player's plane in a formation. This was likely the first time players could change formations of friendly ships, which was quite innovative for the time. The basic formation could hit both air and ground units, although it only covered a small area while the two other formations could only target either air or ground but covered a much larger area. The best players had to dynamically switch formations depending on their surroundings.
Pro One of the first to use ym2203 tunes and sound effects
Tokio / Scramble Formation was among the first arcade games using yamaha ym2203, and the audio was designed to make the most of the chip using as few resources as possible.
Pro First TV ad in North America
It wasn't the very first vertically scrolling shooter, but to differentiate itself it was the first game that was featured in a TV ad in North America. This really helped increase its public interest, and was revolutionary at the time setting precedent for the game ads we see on TV today
Pro Very detailed landscapes for the time
As your ship is flying over the landscape, the landscapes can eventually change from one scene to another. Some of the landscapes are heavily forested areas, and others are airbase themed. This helps give each of the 16 areas a different and unique feel.