Zenodyne R
- May 28, 2016
- JackDarx
- 5h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Zenodyne R" is a 90s-style shoot-'em-up game featuring 6 challenging stages, 5 unique ships with various playing styles, and a 25 track YM2612 soundtrack. Players can unlock additional content, such as pilot biographies and extra credits, by gaining Tech Points and navigating branching paths with increasing difficulty. Blast Processing bullet patterns will test reflexes and patience in this action-packed game.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Zenodyne R captures the nostalgic feel of 90's arcade shmups with its fast-paced gameplay and retro graphics.
- The game features precise controls and a well-balanced difficulty curve, allowing players to gradually improve their skills.
- The soundtrack is a standout feature, reminiscent of classic Sega Genesis games, enhancing the overall experience.
- The graphics are often criticized for being below average and overly colorful, which can detract from bullet visibility during gameplay.
- The unlock system is considered grindy, requiring players to repeat stages to earn enough points for additional credits and ships.
- Some players find the difficulty to be uneven, with certain sections feeling excessively punishing, especially for newcomers to the genre.
- music20 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting its nostalgic quality reminiscent of classic Sega Genesis titles. The new soundtrack, created by Hal "Heavyviper" Binderman, is noted for its energetic and fitting composition that enhances the gameplay experience, although some find it slightly repetitive and techno-heavy. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's atmosphere and appeal.
“The music was cool and the voice-over pilot banter made you feel like you were really there in WWII 1941.”
“The soundtrack is excellent; I believe it was rendered on an actual Genesis sound chip, using a lot of the same tricks and sounds that will be very nostalgic to a lot of people.”
“It brings that kind of nostalgia; the graphics are just a tad flat, the music is slightly repetitive and too techno-ish, and the gameplay... it's all there, but it's a grindfest if you aim to finish the game.”
“The music is the same, sounding exactly like you remember those old Genesis games from your youth.”
“The new soundtrack by Hal 'Heavyviper' Binderman is probably the most noticeable change from the previous game.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by fast, reflex-based mechanics and precise controls, providing a satisfying and frantic experience. While it features unique levels and an interesting shot swap mechanic, some players note it can feel like a grindfest and suffers from low production values. Overall, it evokes nostalgia with its retro graphics and music, despite some repetitiveness.
“Fast reflex-based gameplay.”
“The gameplay is fast, frantic, and satisfying.”
“Each level is unique with its own visual feel and special gameplay.”
“In the end, despite all the problems, the game is fun, has precise controls, average gameplay, but very low production values.”
“It brings that kind of nostalgia; the graphics are just a tad flat, the music is slightly repetitive and too techno-ish, and the gameplay... it's all there, but it's a grindfest if you aim to finish the game.”
“I'm not saying Zenohell was particularly bad, it's just that this game feels more 'right' with its game mechanics and atmosphere.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the nostalgic retro presentation reminiscent of the late 80s and early 90s, while others find them below average and uninspiring for a 2017 release. Although the visuals are described as crisp and well-executed in a pixel art style, there are criticisms regarding their flatness and the outdated interface. Overall, the graphics evoke a sense of nostalgia but may not meet the expectations of all players.
“Gorgeous retro presentation, graphics and audio.”
“Delivers immense satisfaction with eye-popping visuals.”
“The way the visuals come together with the music, it really is incredible.”
“The graphics are below average.”
“I do understand that this is a small indie dev with a small budget for a niche audience, but they could be improved. Just see the example of the indie dev Terran that goes for simplicity and does things so much better in the graphic department.”
“The graphics are old school, but unfortunately so is the interface.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story in the game is described as minimal and not intrusive, allowing players to engage with it at their discretion. While some appreciate the lore entries as a bonus, others find them poorly integrated. Overall, the narrative serves more as a backdrop to the gameplay mechanics rather than a central focus.
“Zenodyne rewards you for performing better during the mission, choosing hard mode, and not losing lives.”
“Also innovative is the ability to choose easier or harder versions of the second half of each mission.”
“The story actually works within the game without getting in the way if you want to ignore it.”
“Extra credits are a nice bonus, but the lore entries come off as a ham-fisted way of handling the game’s story.”
“Nein, nein, no story dunkoff.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the unlock system somewhat grindy, which can hinder progression and enjoyment, though some acknowledge that improving their skills may alleviate this issue.
“The unlock system is a bit grindy, and I'm not a big fan of it.”
“Progression feels a bit grindy, but I think part of that is me needing to improve.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the branching paths in the game, which enhance replayability by encouraging experimentation with different routes. However, some reviewers note that while these paths initially seem to offer variety and dynamic difficulty, they may not sustain long-term replay value as effectively as hoped.
“The branching paths initially seem to add nice replay value to stages and even introduce dynamic difficulty.”
“The branching paths provide some replay value and make experimenting with different routes through the game feel less boring than other shmups.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel tedious and uninteresting.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is praised for encouraging efficient playstyles by rewarding players with more tech points based on their performance, which effectively motivates continued engagement and improvement.
“These offer a nice incentive to keep on playing, and since more tech points are awarded depending on the player's performance, the game delicately steers rookies towards a more efficient playstyle.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
“I often find myself waiting for long loading times, which disrupts the flow and enjoyment of the game.”
“Despite the interesting mechanics, the overall performance feels sluggish and unresponsive, making it hard to fully engage with the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the atmosphere of the game enhances the overall experience, making it feel more cohesive and fitting with its mechanics, contributing positively to the gameplay.
“The atmosphere in this game is incredibly immersive, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”
“The game's world is beautifully crafted, with a haunting atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you on edge.”
“I love how the atmosphere changes with the gameplay, creating a unique experience that feels both eerie and captivating.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the interesting premise, the overall atmosphere is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion or engagement.”
“The game’s atmosphere is inconsistent, making it hard to feel connected to the environment or the story.”
