ZPF

ZPF is a fun little game that people with retro-nostalgia will find things to enjoy in terms of its presentation. However, despite of the modernisation of some of the parts of the game the mechanics don’t reveal a lot of depth.

ZPF is a great addition to the shmup gernre, albeit it is quite brutal. This will test your metal and force you to get better. The shop is an interesting addition and will level the challenge as you unlock new perks. If you’re a fan of the genre, ZPF is an absolute blast and must play. If you have yet to dabble in the genre, I still recommend it, but get ready to die. A lot.

As an enjoyable yet standard 16-bit shoot 'em up, ZPF is a merely passable shooter albeit with some fleeting moments of fun here and there. 🪐

Fun Sega Genesis/Mega Drive shoot 'em up now making he jump to Switch

Old-school shooter fans are in for a treat with this clear tribute to our beloved Mega Drive.

ZPF is proof that games for 16-bit consoles have their own unique charm that never gets old and never goes out of style. From a technical standpoint, it pushes the capabilities of the home Mega Drive to the limit and can easily hold its own against its role models—namely, Thunder Force and Lords of Thunder. However, the pursuit of flashy pixel art and diverse environments also makes the game feel less focused and polished than its top-tier competitors.

While I appreciate its attempt to create a new shooter with a thoroughly old-school look, feel, and attitude, there’s no question there are many titles out there that do it better