Get on Steam"Z" is a comedy-filled real time strategy game, available for single-player and multi-player. It boasts phenomenal gameplay with a race to capture territory and resources, and a variety of robot soldiers each with unique personalities. The game features plenty of humor through cutscenes, voice overs, and a dynamic music system, but may contain bugs. This definitive version includes 30+ minutes of movie sequences and multiple language options.
Reviews
- Nostalgic experience for fans of the original game.
- Unique gameplay mechanics focused on territory control rather than resource gathering.
- Fun and humorous cutscenes that add charm to the game.
- Poor controls and interface, feeling more like a mobile port than a PC game.
- Significant AI and pathfinding issues, leading to frustrating gameplay.
- Lack of multiplayer and additional content from the original version.
- gameplay65 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mix of nostalgia and frustration, with many players appreciating its straightforward, territory-capturing mechanics and humorous elements, reminiscent of the original 1996 version. However, issues such as poor controls, broken AI pathfinding, and various bugs detract from the experience, making it challenging for newcomers and veterans alike. While the core gameplay remains engaging, the lack of modern updates and optimization leaves many feeling disappointed.
“Unique gameplay.”
“Fun to play through and good gameplay.”
“The overall classic gameplay is still here; fast, relentless combat and territory control requiring you to be constantly alert.”
“The controls are so frustrating, they take away from the gameplay; it's a shame really.”
“Many bugs in gameplay that never existed in the DOS version.”
“Can't recommend it; the CGI cutscenes have dated over the years, but the music is too loud to understand what they are saying in them. The gameplay is slower than the PS1, and this is an issue because the unit AI is also bugged, causing them to go in the wrong direction or take longer routes, resulting in losing bases or units.”
- story50 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and largely revolves around repetitive mission objectives, primarily focused on capturing land and defeating enemies. While the comedic cutscenes and character interactions add some charm, the overall narrative lacks depth and variety, with many players noting the absence of expansion missions and multiplayer options. Despite its shortcomings, the lighthearted atmosphere and humor in the cutscenes provide a degree of enjoyment amidst the gameplay's simplicity.
“Hilarious cutscenes between missions featuring two grunts and the commander of allied forces breathe in a lot of extra charm, along with other finer details. For example, on one of the maps, the two grunts from the cutscenes are enjoying their time off sunbathing on loungers and sipping cocktails... right amidst an ongoing battle.”
“The atmosphere of the game is quite endearing with robots commenting on the action or talking to the player, with each type of robot having their own AI, from stupid to clever, reflected in their in-game decisions. The graphics are very nice and bright, and there are many cutscenes.”
“The story and characters are enjoyable and really funny.”
“The worst part of the story I learned today - these devs have taken the terribly ported Android title, and ported it 'back' into Windows, with nearly no changes from the mobile title at all.”
“There isn't that much of a story waiting to be unfolded in this game.”
“The game has no story to talk about and the variation is in how the map looks, how much harder your enemies are, and what units you can train.”
- graphics45 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game evoke a nostalgic charm with their pixelated, old-school style, which some players appreciate for its retro appeal. However, many reviews highlight issues such as outdated visuals, inconsistent quality, and technical problems like blurriness and poor resolution, leading to frustration in gameplay. While the graphics may not meet modern standards, they still capture the game's chaotic energy and humor, making it enjoyable for fans of classic titles.
“The pixel graphics hold up quite nicely and the chaotic energy of the game is still alive and well.”
“Great old-fashioned graphics, challenging game, choice of degree of difficulty.”
“Z was an overwhelmingly mind-blowing game when it was out in 1996 with its unique tactic mechanic, stylish graphics, and hilarious humor.”
“The graphics are extremely blurry due to some filter, scrolling is inverted compared to the old game, the AI has been made worse, the map covers half the screen and actually obscures your units so that you can't click them.”
“Among few problems - outdated graphics, slow scrolling, and when you turn the music off you also get no sound in video cutscenes.”
“No widescreen support, low resolution graphics.”
- humor44 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, featuring hilarious cutscenes, quirky characters, and a lighthearted approach that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of comedic elements with gameplay, noting that the humor remains timeless and enjoyable even years after its release. While some critiques mention the game's age and repetitive scenarios, the general consensus is that the humor, particularly in the cutscenes, is a standout aspect that adds charm and nostalgia.
“Hilarious cutscenes between missions featuring two grunts and the commander of allied forces breathe in a lot of extra charm, along with other finer details. For example, on one of the maps, the two grunts from the cutscenes are enjoying their time off sunbathing on loungers and sipping cocktails... right amidst an ongoing battle.”
“This game shines with the hilarious cutscenes that became almost legendary.”
“Great fast-paced strategy action with quirky 90's humor and 'capture-the-base'-like gameplay.”
“Not funny, not what the game is about.”
- music22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely negative feedback, with players noting that the volume is excessively loud and cannot be adjusted separately from sound effects. Many have criticized the repetitive nature of the tracks and the absence of some original themes, while the lack of audio options limits customization. Additionally, turning off the music results in the loss of sound during cutscenes, further detracting from the overall experience.
“More so as infantry units, especially basic grunts, have a lot of personality and behave in line with what's happening on the field, cheering you onward or demanding that you do something already, while music dynamically changes.”
“Whether battering your foe to smithereens or suffering sustained losses, the music adjusts tone and tempo.”
“The only other game that immediately comes to mind with contextual music cues based on how you're doing is Red Alert 3.”
“The music volume is a bit too high from the start, and as this is a mobile port, you can't even adjust the volume levels of sound and music separately.”
“When you turn the music off, you also get no sound in video cutscenes.”
“The music sounds so bad, and there is no multiplayer. Don't buy this if you're a fan of the genre.”
- stability11 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs affecting controls, pathfinding, and AI functionality. While some players still find the core gameplay enjoyable, the overall experience is marred by persistent glitches and a poorly executed port, leading to a frustrating user experience.
“Slow and buggy.”
“Broken pathfinding, broken AI, missing audio samples, buggy controls; the list goes on.”
“This port is damn buggy, I think.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a cash grab, with reviewers expressing disappointment in its poor port quality and lack of genuine effort to enhance the original title. Many feel that the developers prioritize profit over player satisfaction, leading to a sense of betrayal among fans who expected more from the remake. Overall, the sentiment reflects frustration with the perceived exploitation of nostalgia for financial gain.
“It was a rough port intended solely as a cash grab and would not have satisfied anyone who knew what they were trying to do in the game.”
“Buy the remake and you are only supporting cash grabbing devs who only seem to care about mobile compatibility and ride along on a string of broken promises and non-communication with the PC community.”
“It looks like a very lazy port on a technical level, a cynical cash grab.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally considered limited, with a rating of 2/5, though a recent update has improved its playability to some extent.
“Since the recent update, the game is now more playable.”
“Replayability: 2/5”
“Limited replayability”
“Replayability: sort of”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is widely criticized, with users noting poor performance despite its age and lack of proper adaptation for modern hardware. Many feel it is a poorly executed port with broken commands and inadequate translations, leading to frustration over its high price compared to better-functioning alternatives like DOSBox. While some retro enthusiasts may still find enjoyment in its old-school charm, the overall consensus highlights significant optimization issues.
“This game is at least 20 years old and has been optimized for newer hardware.”
“Z is an old school RTS (real-time strategy) title which can still be fun if you're 'retro-affine' and have no problem with old graphics and one or two gameplay slips (like a non-optimized control setup).”
“The performance is incredibly bad.”
“The game is a crude port with no optimizations for PC; commands are broken, translations are bad. Why should I spend so much on a broken game I already own, which still works better with DOSBox and is even available as open source?”
“Z is an old school RTS (real-time strategy) title which can still be fun if you're 'retro-affine' and have no problem with old graphics and one or two gameplay slips, like a non-optimized control setup.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is tied to the intense strategic decisions players must make, as they navigate the challenges of conquering enemy territories and capturing flags. This creates a sense of urgency and investment in the outcome, as players feel the weight of their choices in the battle for control.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its charming and humorous elements, featuring endearing robots with distinct AI personalities that engage with the player. The bright, cute 90s graphics and numerous cutscenes contribute to a lively and enjoyable environment, despite the minimal storyline.
“Great atmosphere, funny robots, cute 90s graphics.”
“The atmosphere of the game is quite endearing with robots commenting on the action or talking to the player. Each type of robot has its own AI, ranging from silly to clever, which is reflected in their in-game decisions. The graphics are very nice and bright, complemented by many cutscenes.”
“The atmosphere feels empty and lifeless, lacking any real engagement or depth.”
“Despite the colorful graphics, the world feels hollow and uninspired, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
“The sound design is underwhelming, failing to create any tension or excitement, which detracts from the overall atmosphere.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the unique character design as a standout feature, noting that it contributes significantly to the overall character development by enhancing individuality and depth. This distinctiveness allows players to form stronger connections with the characters, enriching the gaming experience.
“The unique character design adds depth and personality to each character, making them feel truly alive.”
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's journey.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, showcasing their growth and struggles in a meaningful way.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, primarily due to poor pathfinding mechanics that complicate troop management and command.
“This demands more skill in effectively commanding your troops, which can be very tedious and aggravating due to the poor pathfinding implemented in the game.”
