Zenodyne R

About

Zenodyne R is a single player arcade shooter game with a anime theme. It was developed by JackDarx and was released on May 29, 2016. It received positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 36 reviews

music8 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic 90's shmups, with fast-paced gameplay and a solid Genesis-style soundtrack.
Controls are precise and responsive, allowing players to navigate through challenging bullet patterns effectively.
The inclusion of branching paths and a progression system that rewards skillful play adds depth and replay value to the game.

Graphics are below average, with some players finding them garish and distracting, making it hard to distinguish between bullets and backgrounds.
The difficulty can be punishing, especially for newcomers, with some sections feeling uneven and requiring repetitive grinding to progress.
The unlock system is considered grindy and rigid, leading to frustration for players who want to access new ships and continues more quickly.

music
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
48%
14%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic quality, reminiscent of classic Sega Genesis soundtracks, and is noted for enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers highlight the energetic and fitting nature of the soundtrack, which complements the fast-paced action, while some mention its slightly repetitive techno elements. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's appeal and immersing players in its retro aesthetic.
- “The soundtrack is excellent, I believe 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.”
- “The way the visuals come together with the music, it really is incredible.”
- “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 new soundtrack by Hal 'Heavyviper' Binderman is probably the most noticeable change from the previous game.”
- “This time the soundtrack is powered by the YM2612 sound chip, which brings forth immediate memories from the golden heydays of Sega’s Mega Drive/Genesis.”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The gameplay is characterized by fast, reflex-based mechanics and precise controls, offering 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, with average production values and slightly repetitive music. Overall, it evokes nostalgia and stands out for its engaging core gameplay despite some graphical limitations.
- “Fast reflex-based gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is fast and furious, but not cheap: you can usually dodge things that you see coming without having to memorize the entire game.”
- “Each level is unique with its own visual feel and special gameplay.”
- “In the end, and 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 this game feels more 'right' with game mechanics and atmosphere.”
graphics
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising the nostalgic retro style reminiscent of the late 80s and early 90s, while others found them below average and uninspiring for a 2017 release. Although the visuals are described as crisp and well-executed, 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 look at 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.”
story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
The story in the game is minimal and can be easily ignored, functioning more as a backdrop than a central focus. While some players appreciate the lore entries as a bonus, others find them clumsy. The gameplay rewards players for skill and choice, allowing for a tailored experience that enhances engagement without relying heavily on the narrative.
- “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.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
Players appreciate the branching paths in the game, which enhance replayability by encouraging experimentation with different routes. However, some feel that while these features initially seem to offer variety and dynamic difficulty, they may not sustain long-term engagement.
- “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 means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The game's optimization is praised for encouraging players to adopt more efficient playstyles by rewarding tech points based on 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.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
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 rich atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you captivated.”
- “I love how the atmosphere changes with the gameplay, creating a unique experience that feels both eerie and enchanting.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
- “Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere fails to evoke any real emotion or tension.”
- “The world feels lifeless, making it hard to engage with the story or characters.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the unlocking system somewhat grindy, which can hinder progression and enjoyment. While some attribute the grind to their own skill level, the overall sentiment leans towards a less favorable view of the grinding aspect.
- “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.”