Following up on our previous look at ZPF‘s intriguing world, Mega Cat Studios and the ZPF Team have announced a playable demo coming to Steam Next Fest tomorrow (February 24th, running until March 3rd). This offers a chance for players to experience the game’s unique blend of 16-bit shmup action and surreal visuals firsthand.
The demo features three of ZPF‘s diverse realms, each showcasing a distinct aesthetic and gameplay style. Players can choose from three characters: the magic-wielding Knight, the space-faring Gladius, and the cybernetically enhanced mercenary Gold. Each character brings a unique approach to combat, offering a varied experience within the shmup framework.
ZPF characters explored
Here’s a look at them in more detail.
Knight: Hailing from the mystical realms of ZPF, Knight is the valiant defender of lush lands under siege by goblin hordes. Piloted by a young magician, Knight’s shining armor acts as both a shield and weapon, blending magic and steel to protect against the growing darkness. Mastering spells of protection and offense, players will need to harness Knight’s powers to fend off waves of enemies with precision.
Gladius: Emerging from the far reaches of space, Gladius is humanity’s last hope against a relentless alien threat. Piloted by a lone warrior, Gladius is a sleek and deadly spacecraft, slicing through the cosmos with incredible speed and precision. Players must take control of Gladius and engage in intense, high-stakes combat to defend the galaxy from an unstoppable extraterrestrial invasion.
Gold: From the shadows of a dystopian future, Gold is a mercenary driven by the promise of wealth in a corrupt, neon-lit city. With her cybernetic enhancements and unwavering determination, Gold hunts down bounties set by the ruthless overlords of the city. Players will navigate a neon underworld, using Gold’s unique abilities and cybernetic upgrades to take down her targets and emerge victorious.
Retro surreal graphics
The game’s retro visuals are a key part of its appeal. The demo highlights the detailed pixel art, parallax scrolling, and vibrant color palettes that bring ZPF‘s worlds to life. From fantasy landscapes to cyberpunk dystopias and alien-infested space installations, the game promises a visually rich experience. Beyond the aesthetics, the demo also provides a glimpse into the game’s challenging gameplay, including encounters with mini-bosses and large-scale boss battles.
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ZPF is planned for release on Sega Genesis, Steam, Switch, and Xbox in May. The demo’s arrival on Steam Next Fest offers a good opportunity for shmup fans to get an early look at what ZPF has to offer before its full release.
Don’t forget to check the Mega Cat Studios website for updates, and you can also wishlist ZPF on Steam now.
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