Genesis 2024 Shmup ZPF

[retro junkie]

The Sega Genesis is Alive and Kicking!!
This is the first of many homebrew game reviews. So this is really an introduction to start the ball rolling.
From Homebrew fans the support for the Genesis, after all these years, has been a steady stream of games from committed fans of the console. Granted it is a niche market which affects the way the games are distributed. It is all based on pre-orders, mostly through sites like Limited Games, Mega Cat Studios, etc., which means most of it is targeting collectors. There are those few that have used  "KICKSTARTER" as a way of generating revenue. I wished I could support them all but there are just too many games coming out too close together for me and my wallet. Most of the games are in the $60 to $80 USD range, with some being "special" costing even more. That covers maybe just the cart or could include the case and some extra goodies, like, stickers, booklets, etc. With that type of method in distributing their games, that route basically means, for the average gamer, if you don't get it now then you might not see the chance of ever getting a copy. Supply is very limited because those producing the content just cannot do a mass marketing type distribution of their games and still make a profit. 60 USD today means several hundred dollars on ebay tomorrow. You know how they do you. Collectors eat this stuff for breakfast.

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ZPF:
I got this around June of 2025 with a pre-order made sometime at the first of 2024. It had a second release around November of 2025. The pre-orders were filled first and then a general release. I have been following this game through its whole development. Got it on a cartridge only. So looking forward to playing another Genesis shmup, or shooter. This game is an original homebrew with a love for the Genesis.

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The graphics are very good, simple cartooney-like in some ways to me, but detailed. Not too sure about the use of color in some parts of the game. The brightness of some of the colors seem to overload my eyes, my senses. Kind-of like being on an acid trip. I am thinking a long play of this game could give me a headache. The animation is smooth. Parallax scrolling is sweet in the backgrounds and gives a good sense of depth.

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Difficulty is determined by adjusting the number of lives, bombs, medals, and Z loss. There is no option for easy, standard, or hard mode. If you are a lousy gamer like me you get obliterated very quickly. It is still fun. Yes it is fun getting obliterated in this game. There is a shop where you can purchase items. And in game you have a weapons upgrade that is a floating big "R" around the screen that you have to go after to  pick up.

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Gameplay is a well oiled machine, smooth. Controls are very responsive. At times the screen can be loaded with bullets from the various enemies. Side scrolling fun. The money, or "Z", that you pick up is accumulated by it being automatically added to your stash whenever you blow something up. You have your pick of three types of ships. One is a flying mech, and two different space battle ships. Each ship is loaded with its own distinctive weapon. I personally do best with the middle one, an R-Type design, but that is the only familiar thing about it. You have access to three levels, the rest you will need to unlock. This game is put together in such a way that it is my fault that I got blown up. Looser!

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The Last Word: You get to add your name to the list beside your score, called "List of Today's Legends." Once you turn your Genesis off it is lost but it is good to take a pic of and give you some bragging rights. Famous for a moment.

There is much here that gives me the excitement and satisfaction of a Genesis classic shmup. It has its own unique feel and personality. A game in which you can sink your teeth into and will need to fight your way through. A game that makes you come back for more. Big thumbs up here.

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