Zaku for Atari Lynx: all new, all original shooter

[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...w-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 ***

[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

Thanks for your attention.