Zaku for Atari Lynx: all new, all original shooter

[CMA Death Adder]

October 02, 2009

Super Fighter Team and PenguiNet are overjoyed to announce the completion of Zaku for Atari Lynx! This new and completely original shooter was in development for six years - and the results of that time investment are beautifully captured in the Zaku gameplay video (http://www.zaku-lynx.com/screens.htm) that's been newly added to the official Zaku website! Featuring previews of several different stages and boss fights over a piece of music direct from the soundtrack, its a delicious taste of what's to come.

Check out the new video (http://www.zaku-lynx.com/screens.htm), and while you're there, sign up for the Zaku mailing list (http://www.zaku-lynx.com/purchase.htm) so you can be directly informed of the game's approaching release date!


*** CHECK OUT THE NEW ZAKU GAMEPLAY VIDEO! (http://www.zaku-lynx.com/screens.htm) ***

Thank-you everyone for your attention, interest and support! Never let dreams die!

[Raster]

Nice job, this looks like an impressive release.

[Wraith Storm]

ABSOLUTELY...... FREAKING...... AWESOME!!!

I have been anxiously awaiting this title. As with Superfighter Teams past releases they can expect me to support this one as well. I can't wait to order my copy!

[PC-ENGINE HELL]

Prob just me, but seems really weird to see Air Zonk turned into a furry fandom shooter on the Lynx. Regardless of that, I have to say this is probably some of the best work Ive seen done for the Lynx (from what I saw on the video anyway).

[Ed Oscuro]

I dunno about anything else, but "Zako" (with an o) is the term in Shmupdom (and elsewhere in Japan, not just gaming according to the indomitable GaijinPunch) for popcorn enemies. Of course Zaku is something else, that makes me think of the old Super Famicom racing / brawler title. /useless trivia

@ the game itself: Very colorful and stylish, but probably a nightmare to play especially considering it's on the Lynx. There's contrast in places where you probably don't want it, you gotta see bullets and enemies in a shooter. I'm not sure how far this applies to the game though, since I only see one thing I am sure is a bullet (in screenshot 7 there's a nice high-contrast bullet; in screenshot 5 there are some little shuriken things which I hope are part of the background). Can't see the video right now; Youtube has gone funky.

Will cross-post this to Shmups Forum.

[swlovinist]

wow, you folks have outdone yourselves on this one. Simply amazing

[Classicgamesdepot]

This game looks absolutely amazing for a Lynx title. Well done!

[CMA Death Adder]

October 07, 2009

Just five days ago, we announced the posting of an official Zaku gameplay video. We thank you for your positive, enthusiastic responses. Today, I would like to share with you something just as exciting: the final product design.

When Super Fighter Team became the producer / publisher of Zaku, we decided that since the quality of the game was so high, certainly the product should match this quality. I am excited to announce that we have met or exceeded our standards for quality on each point.


For example:

Instead of merely producing bare circuit boards as is common with new Lynx game releases, we have gone to great lengths to reproduce the plastic outer shell with gripping edge for easy insertion into and removal from the Lynx system.

The instruction manual consists of 31 full color pages with an abundance of images and artwork. In addition to describing the gameplay and offering tips, it also contains the game's humorous storyline and character descriptions. The contents are printed in both English and French.

Our sturdy cardstock game box comes complete with a slot to hold and protect the game card.


Once again, Super Fighter Team has delivered on our promise to produce and release only the highest quality video game products to the classic gaming market. When Zaku is released, no Lynx fan will be disappointed. You will be receiving an amazing new game that's fun to play, crafted with love and respect.

But I don't expect you to take my word for it. Have a look at the product photos below and see for yourself the future of classic gaming. Zaku will be available for ordering shortly, at the low price of USD$40.00 + shipping and handling. We are proud to ship worldwide, welcoming customers from all across the globe.

Thanks for your interest and support, and never let dreams die!

[rbudrick]

Wow, that is really an impressive-looking Lynx game. And fun-looking too!

Now to convince the wife to release some funds, heh heh.

-Rob

[kupomogli]

Of course Zaku is something else

When seeing this thread I actually thought of Gundam. Seems you thought of something else.

Zaku
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:AP9A8X-ZEpIsBM:http://www.mahq.net/Mecha/Gundam/zeonicfront/ms-05a.jpg

Zaku 2
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:au0P6e10V_PegM:http://www.hobbywave.com/images/hobby_2063_phcm_pro_1200_scale_zaku_iip.jpg

[MetalFRO]

I don't have a Lynx yet, but this looks sweet - like a cross between Air Zonk and Duck Dodgers. Cool stuff, I'll have to add this to my list once I can acquire a working Lynx!

[megasdkirby]

This is not fair! Just when I thought I would not buy any more games for some time, this happens!

LOL

I will definitely order this one! But will it ship inside a box? Because a bubble mailer envelope will surely destroy the game's box.

Still, I hope it gets released soon! :)

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello.


will it ship inside a box? Because a bubble mailer envelope will surely destroy the game's box.

Rest assured, Super Fighter Team never has and never will use bubble mailer envelopes to ship out our games. We ship USPS priority mail, using the marked boxes with padding inside to protect the game(s).

[geelw]

I dunno about anything else, but "Zako" (with an o) is the term in Shmupdom (and elsewhere in Japan, not just gaming according to the indomitable GaijinPunch) for popcorn enemies. Of course Zaku is something else, that makes me think of the old Super Famicom racing / brawler title. /useless trivia.


Ed... you mean ZOKU: The Legend of Bishin (I hope)... Magifact's fun and funky Mode-7 racer/side scrolling brawler hybrid from 1993? (i'd post a scan, but the game is buried up in a dark closet with about 99.95% of my SFC collection... XD

g.


(EDIT) D'oh: I forgot I was on the Internets - here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Bishin

[CMA Death Adder]

October 16, 2009

Your eyes popped out at the screenshots.
Your heart raced from the video preview.
You were amazed by the final product design.

After witnessing these things, a single question sprung into your mind:
"When can I get it?"

Today, I'm happy to say that greatness is right around the corner.

Zaku, the crazy-fast new shooter for Atari Lynx, will make its public debut on October 24, 2009 at the Classic Console and Arcade Gaming Show in Cleveland, Ohio. A copy of the game will be up and running during the show, playable by all attendees. Toward the end of the day, that copy will be given away for free as a prize to one lucky person, compliments of Super Fighter Team. For more information about this event, please visit the ccagshow.com website (http://ccagshow.com/).

But that's not all...

We will also begin taking orders for Zaku on October 24, 2009, at the price of only USD$40.00 each + shipping and handling. As part of our continued effort to satisfy our customers, we will not be taking pre-orders for this game. Instead, all orders will be shipped out as soon as possible, once payment has been received. No waiting means you'll receive the game sooner, thus being able to enjoy it sooner - just another quality service we at Super Fighter Team are happy to provide.

Don't get too comfortable, because Zaku is coming. And it's going to open up your Lynx to a whole new world of possibilities.

[crux]

Your eyes popped out at the screenshots.
Your heart raced from the video preview.
You were amazed by the final product design.

...

Don't get too comfortable, because Zaku is coming. And it's going to open up your Lynx to a whole new world of possibilities.
Ok, so your advertising is a touch over the top. The game looks fantastic though. I will definitely be placing an order and I don't even have a Lynx (yet).

[CMA Death Adder]

October 24, 2009

This is it: endgame. We've worked on Zaku for six long years, putting as much of our heart and soul into the product as we could - and then, we snuck back around and added in some more. The skillful, talented folks at PenguiNet and the quality focused, get things done attitude of Super Fighter Team came together to produce a labor of love for the Atari Lynx: a system we admire and wished to celebrate the power of.

Zaku is here.

$40.00 + shipping and handling. Orders proudly accepted from anywhere in the world. This is the new, fun game that every Lynx owner will enjoy.

Your interest and support are greatly appreciated. We wouldn't have made it this far without them. Now together, let's show the world what the Atari Lynx is capable of.

http://www.zaku-lynx.com/

Never let dreams die!

[Cauterize]

Ordered! Ive been watching this one for a while, so it's nice to see it's finally released :)
Cheers Brandon! Ill look forward to it arriving.

[T]

I ordered mine today.

Looking forward to playing it next week.

[CMA Death Adder]

Zaku began shipping this morning.
Thank-you to everyone who placed an order. In just a few days, a nice surprise will be waiting for you. :)

For anyone who hasn't ordered yet but is interested, visit www.zaku-lynx.com !

[bombman]

I hope that video doesn't reflect the in-game music.

[Koa Zo]

I hope that video doesn't reflect the in-game music.
BGM and SFX never were a strong point of the Lynx.
The Zaku tune bothered me at first, but after watching the video 2 or 3 times I found the tune to be catchy.
I just hope there are multiple BGMs. One track would ruin the game for sure.

I'll find out in a few days. Shipping confirmed this afternoon.

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello.


I just hope there are multiple BGMs. One track would ruin the game for sure.

Zaku's soundtrack consists of over 20 unique and original chiptunes. :)

[Koa Zo]

Wow! This game is really good! \\^_^/

[Koa Zo]

(copied form shmup forum. It's the most I've written about a game in a long time, so I hope you don't mind if I get some mileage out of it!)

I'm very impressed with Zaku.
After a half hour of play I'm pretty sure it's one of the best Lynx games ever.

I don't know how it will be received by shooter die-hards, but as a game enthusiast I'll say it is one of most awesome releases this year.

The controls are very solid, with an auto rapid shot, 2-stage charge shot, and reverse (thruster) shot.
Despite the Lynx's broad and flat d-pad Zaku moves quick and responsively. While there are not many enemy bullets in the 3 levels I've played there is still plenty to dodge - though I suspect once a player has a pattern memorized, the charge shot could be used to clear all enemies before they become a threat of collision.

There are 4 levels selectable right from the start and I did not notice any difficulty adjustment between playing the levels back to back, or selecting individually from the start screen - what I mean to say is the difficulty didn't really feel like it ramped-up. Each of the bosses I've encountered did wipe me out on the first couple tries, and there appears to be unlimited continues (from the start of a level).

An options screen offers 4 difficulty levels, and BGM & SFX tests. I've only played Normal and Expert and didn't notice any difference besides a shorter life bar. I wanted to think the enemies were moving faster, but I'm not sure. And I unfortunately didn't see more bullets. Though considering the potential for blur and angle glare issues with the Lynx screen it is probably the best design choice to not have a lot of projectiles flying around the screen.

Now the best part is the graphics. We've all seen the colorful screenshots and the video clip. Playing this on a Lynx is incredible. The screen is filled with motion: swift moving enemies, large cleverly designed bosses, racing parallax landscapes, tons of bright colors, clear text dialogue and storyline, clever cinema screens - Zaku holds up with most 16-bit console games.

I highly recommend Zaku for anyone who can appretiate the best of early 16-bit design sensibilities.

[K3V]

Sounds great, thanks for the impressions. Hope I get the game today!

[Arkhan]

I was running a booth at the ccag show in Cleveland Ohio where they unveiled the very first copy of it. It was good stuff

Its pretty good for a Lynx game. I ordered a copy since i didnt win the raffle for the first copy... :( and now I can dust my Lynx off and do something with it.

as for die hard shooter fan impressions:..... its easyish. If you're used to Lords of Thunder and stuff, there isn't alot going on on screen so it's almost a walk in the park at times. Its more casual.

that doesn't mean its a bad game. The art style and setting are great. It reminds me of Sonic the Hedgehog and Airzonk smashed together.

If you have a Lynx you should buy the game.

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello.

Thank-you for sharing your first impressions of the game, guys - we appreciate it. Keep 'em coming, good or bad, because they help us learn how to improve, and they're also helpful to those who want an impression of what to expect before deciding whether or not to buy.

We're very pleased to hear that people are having lots of fun with their Lynxes as a result of Zaku's release. Keep on having fun, and never let dreams die!

[NeoZeedeater]

I just got Zaku and played a bit. It's quite a bit different than most other Lynx shooters having more of a Japanese TG16/Genesis game influence. Thumbs up from me so far; it's a well made game that pushes the hardware and has very professional packaging as well. I would love to see PenguiNet and/or Super Fighter Team take on doing a Master System game as that's an untapped system for quality homebrews.

[Cauterize]

For anyone still considering this game, I wrote up a quick blog post on it and filmed a quick gameplay video which is now on YouTube. Have a look:

http://retrogamedepot.com/blog/atari-lynx/retro-spotlight-zaku-atari-lynx-a-new-2009-release

:)

[Hawksmoor]

I would really, really like to get Zaku, but at almost $50 the price seems a bit steep to me, especially given that some of the other prominent recent retro releases for other systems have been less.

[Arkhan]

I would really, really like to get Zaku, but at almost $50 the price seems a bit steep to me, especially given that some of the other prominent recent retro releases for other systems have been less.

just pretend its a new Atari Lynx game. Like new as in, one you wouldve walked to the store and got. 50$ is reasonable for a cart based game. :)

[courtesi96]

I would almost like to see them take all the Zaku sprites/artwork and make a platform game out of it.

[Koa Zo]

I would almost like to see them take all the Zaku sprites/artwork and make a platform game out of it.

agreed!

[geelw]

just pretend its a new Atari Lynx game. Like new as in, one you wouldve walked to the store and got. 50$ is reasonable for a cart based game. :)
That and the fact that a LOT of work went into the game (six years on and off, from what I understand). Hell, I couldn't afford the game with my current budget, but I sold off a few things just so i could buy this one and support the folks at SFT.

[Arkhan]

yes, homebrew games of completed-professional esque quality need to be treated as such. I find it kind of disheartening when people want bargain bin pricing for a homebrew game that had alot of hard work go into it.

[Gamingking]

This might be my reason to get a Lynx. Nice work!

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello, everyone.

The Next Level published a review of Zaku on December 2nd. Check it out...

*** Zaku review by The Next Level (http://www.the-nextlevel.com/review/retro/zaku-atari-lynx) ***

[danny_galaga]

I ordered a copy last night. Can't wait (",)

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello everyone.

I was recently featured on a listener request episode of the "RetroGaming with Racketboy" podcast, where I was interviewed about Zaku, Beggar Prince, the future of Super Fighter Team, and et cetera. My interview appears in the second half of the show.

*** Brandon Cobb interviewed on the RetroGaming with Racketboy podcast (http://www.racketboy.com/retro/podcast/2010/01/retrogaming-with-racketboy-podcast-5-listener-requests-pt1.html)

Thanks for your attention.

[CMA Death Adder]

Hardcore Gamer recently published a review of Zaku. Check it out -

*** Zaku reviewed by Hardcore Gamer (http://www.hardcoregamer.com/index.php?option=com_magazine&id_rubrique=1&type=article&id_article=495)

[CMA Death Adder]

Retroaction magazine recently interviewed both myself and Osman. A preview portion of their upcoming article can be found at Gnome's Lair. In particular, there are some interesting bits about the game's development process. Check it out.

*** Brandon Cobb and Osman Celimli interview @ Gnome's Lair (http://www.gnomeslair.com/2010/02/super-fighter-team-interview.html)

Thanks.

[CMA Death Adder]

Hello, everyone.

By request, the Zaku soundtrack has been made available on a nice, professionally produced audio CD by its composer, Evren Celimli. The CD can be purchased through cdbaby.com by following the link below -

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/evrencelimli2/from/meditationmusic

As well, the soundtrack can still be purchased as an MP3 set from Evren Celimli's website -

http://www.evrencelimli.com/listen/zaku/

Thanks for your interest and attention.