Xexex is a 2D side scrolling shoot'em up, similar to Gradius or R-type. The game also uses the "tentacle mechanics" from X Multiply. The player pilots a ship called the Flintlock and must save a blue haired princess named Irene. He flies to the right shooting at enemies in his way. The ship can grab an enemy and use it as a weapon. There is also a detachable orb called Flint available, which behaves similar to R-Type's "Force Device" or Gradius' "Option". This game is known in Asia, Europe and Japan as "Xexex" and Orius during initial release in North America.