Z-Exemplar Game Cover

"Z-Exemplar is a single-player, sci-fi shooter game with a nod to classics like R-Type and Gradius. Its striking 8-bit visuals, reminiscent of the ZX Spectrum, offer a unique, imaginative experience. The game contains nearly 1000 planets to conquer, taking approximately 10 hours to complete."

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Zx Spectrum

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews
graphics7 positive mentions
story1 negative mentions
  • The game is a nostalgic homage to classic ZX Spectrum shoot 'em ups, capturing the vibrant graphics and sound of the era while offering a modern gameplay experience.
  • With bite-sized levels and a rich upgrade system, the game is approachable for newcomers to the genre, allowing players to explore different paths and strategies.
  • The game features a variety of power-ups and customization options, providing a satisfying sense of progression and replayability as players experiment with different weapon configurations.
  • The game can become repetitive and grind-heavy, especially as players progress, leading to a sense of stagnation and frustration with the grinding for upgrades.
  • Some players may find the difficulty curve steep and the lack of clear direction in exploring the map can be confusing, particularly for those unfamiliar with the genre.
  • The power-up system can be cumbersome and frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience.
  • graphics12 mentions

    The graphics of the game are a nostalgic homage to the ZX Spectrum era, featuring vibrant pixel art that captures the essence of classic titles like R-Type. While many players appreciate the retro aesthetic and intricate shading, some note that the graphics can be crude in places, potentially hindering gameplay. Overall, the visuals are praised for their charm and creativity, though a few reviewers suggest that they could benefit from additional polishing.

    • “Some of the best Spectrum graphics never to be on a Spectrum ;)”
    • “+outstanding pixel art graphics”
    • “Oh and never mind that it also features gorgeous ZX Spectrum inspired graphics, as well as a great soundtrack.”
    • “While the game perfectly captures ZX Spectrum nostalgia, its novelty quickly wears off, and the game turns into a repetitive grind.”
    • “The graphics are reminiscent of the ZX Spectrum era, but they lack the depth and detail expected in modern games.”
    • “The audio sounds just like it's coming from the audio chip in a ZX Spectrum; the graphics also reflect that era, with intricate shading that feels outdated.”
  • story6 mentions

    The story aspect of the game is light and enjoyable, featuring z-mail that adds flavor without overwhelming the player. The gameplay revolves around collecting zogs, the in-game currency, which is used for powerups and upgrades, reminiscent of classic shooters where players risk losing their collected currency upon failure. Additionally, players can earn achievements for completing specific challenges, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The z-mail adds some fun flavor text without being heavy-handed with the story, which I appreciate.”
  • gameplay6 mentions

    The gameplay is a nostalgic blend of classic arcade shooter mechanics reminiscent of R-Type and Gradius, featuring short, engaging levels and a progressive upgrade system. While the difficulty may feel old school, the quick loading times and satisfying sound effects enhance the experience. Players can also toggle retro special effects, catering to both traditional and modern preferences.

    • “The gameplay combines elements of classic arcade shooter-em-ups (and again, specifically r-type), with modern elements such as collecting coins ('zogs') for buying upgrades, getting your ship to be more and more powerful every time.”
    • “A mix of the firing and option mechanics from r-type with the power-up selection akin to Gradius/Nemesis.”
    • “The graphics are interestingly retro, but they are in some places so crude that gameplay becomes difficult.”
    • “The difficulty can be a bit old school, but the levels are fairly short, bite-sized chunks of gameplay.”
    • “Gameplay?”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and nostalgic appeal, particularly for fans of ZX Spectrum titles, though some users wish for more control over sound effects to better appreciate the soundtrack. While the music is described as good, it is noted that it doesn't quite reach the level of classic composers like Rob Hubbard or Jonathan Dunn. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the gaming experience, complementing the retro-inspired graphics.

    • “Awesome soundtrack.”
    • “Music is perfect.”
    • “If you ever had a ZX Spectrum and loved R-Type, then you really should get this as all the graphics and music recreate that and so much more.”
    • “My only complaint is that I wish I could reduce the volume of the sound effects so I could hear the music.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players initially enjoy the grinding aspect of the game for upgrades, but many express frustration upon realizing that a significant portion of the game (86%) consists of repetitive grinding with minimal variation, diminishing the overall experience.

    • “The game is really fun to play in the beginning, grinding levels for money for upgrades...”
    • “...until you realize that you've beaten just 14% of the game and mad grinding is all that awaits you in the remaining 86%, with slight variations.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The game's humor is noted for enhancing the overall experience, particularly appealing to fans of classic games. It effectively combines nostalgia with wit, creating an engaging atmosphere for players.

    • “The humor in this game is spot on, making every moment enjoyable and keeping me engaged throughout.”
    • “I love how the game incorporates clever jokes and witty dialogue that never feels forced.”
    • “The quirky characters and their hilarious interactions add a delightful charm to the overall experience.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability due to its extensive collection of upgrades and weapon types, encouraging players to experiment with different configurations across multiple playthroughs.

    • “The game features a very extensive collection of upgrades, and I did not manage to buy all the different weapon types in a single playthrough, so there is definitely a lot of replayability value here, trying to play with different weapon configurations.”
    • “After completing the game, I found little incentive to replay it. The story doesn't change much, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
    • “While the game has multiple endings, they all feel similar, and the lack of significant changes in gameplay makes it hard to justify a second playthrough.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

10hMedian play time
10hAverage play time
10-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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