The gameplay is similar to R-Type and X-Multiply.^[3][4][5] The player's ship, the Flintlock, has a detachable orb attachment called the Flint, which behaves similar to R-Type's Force Device. Power-ups can be obtained to increase the Flint's tentacles, movement speed, change the main weapon, or even give the player an extra life or energy.

There are different gameplay mechanics between the original Japanese release and the overseas releases. The overseas versions introduce a variety of changes, with the most notable being the removal of all but one upgradable weapon, as well as the removal of a lives system, which is replaced with an energy bar. The enemy patterns are also changed slightly and the bosses have more health.

• In the Japanese version, the player starts with the Proton Laser, a thin stream of weak bullets. Defeating certain enemies will drop other weapons. The name of the current weapon is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The game uses a traditional lives system, and when a life is lost, the player continues play from a checkpoint.
• In the overseas versions, the only available weapon is the Proton Laser, with Missiles acting as a secondary weapon; powering up the Proton Laser increases its spread, and powering up the Missiles increases the amount fired. The Flint's tentacles have been shortened in this version, and it now can only be shot forward and released instead of being able to be detached near the ship. This version opts for an energy bar instead of lives, and the Flintlock can take multiple hits before being destroyed. If the ship's energy reaches zero, the player must insert another credit, and then can begin immediately where they left off with a newly restored energy bar.

The game takes place in the far future, where mankind has recently developed technology allowing them to quickly travel to other planets. One day, Earth receives a telepathic distress call from Princess Irene La Tias (known as Elaine La Tias in international versions), whose home planet E-Square has been taken over by Lord Klaus Pachelbel and his bio-mechanical army. Humans soon also discover the mysterious alien life form "Flint", and quickly assemble a new space fighter, the Flintlock TMF01, that is capable of carrying the Flint with it. The Flintlock and Flint are then sent out to save Irene and her planet.

After each stage, the player is treated to a short cutscene, usually involving either Irene crying for help, or Klaus taunting the player.

Xexex was developed by Konami.^[6][7]

Xexex was re-released for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch as part of their Arcade Archives series in 2021.^[8]

In Japan, Game Machine listed Xexex on their November 15, 1991 issue as being the fifth most-popular arcade game at the time.^[14] In the January 1992 issue of Japanese publication Micom BASIC Magazine, the game was ranked on the number ten spot in popularity.^[15] At the 1992 Gamest Awards, Xexex was awarded Best Graphics (beating Virtua Racing) and Best VGM (beating Metal Black). Xexex was also nominated for Game of the Year (ranked 4th), Best Shooter (ranked 2nd), and Best Direction (ranked 6th), but lost to Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Sonic Wings, and Art of Fighting, respectively.^[13]

Xexex has been met with positive reception from critics since its initial launch.^[5]

Konami released four Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game cards as a reference to Xexex; Flint, Flint Lock, Flint Attack (Flint Missile) and King of Destruction Xexex.

• Orius at GameFAQs
• Xexex at Killer List of Videogames
• Xexex at MobyGames