Zero Wing

About

Zero Wing is a single player and multiplayer arcade shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Toaplan and was released on February 14, 2023. It received positive reviews from players.

"Zero Wing" is a classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up game where players control a space ship fighting against enemy forces. The game is known for its memorable and often mistranslated phrases, such as "All your base are belong to us." Players must navigate through various levels, battling enemy ships and bosses, while upgrading their ship with power-ups. The game features a memorable soundtrack and challenging gameplay that will test the player's reflexes and strategy.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Skip User Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 49 reviews

music5 positive mentions

Zero Wing is a faithful revival of a classic arcade shooter, featuring tight controls, challenging enemy patterns, and a nostalgic pixel art style that captures the essence of late-80s gaming.
The modern release includes quality-of-life improvements such as quick-save, rewind functionality, customizable difficulty levels, and online leaderboards, making it accessible to both newcomers and veterans.
The unique 'Seizer Beam' mechanic adds a fun twist to gameplay, allowing players to capture and throw enemies, while the soundtrack and sound design enhance the overall experience.

The game can be punishingly difficult, which may frustrate casual players, and some may find the level design lacks variety compared to more modern shoot-'em-ups.
The port has been criticized for its inferior soundtrack compared to the Genesis version, and some players have reported issues with the UI and control mapping.
Despite the enhancements, the game is relatively short, with experienced players able to complete it in under an hour, leading to concerns about replay value.

music
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
58%
16%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many users expressing a strong preference for the Genesis/Mega Drive soundtrack over the arcade version, citing its superior quality and memorable compositions. While some appreciate the nostalgic arcade synth style, others criticize the current soundtrack as inferior and lacking the impactful bass and orchestration found in other versions. There is a common desire for an option to switch between soundtracks or include additional versions to enhance the overall experience.
- “The soundtrack, composed in that unmistakable era of arcade synthesis, complements the action perfectly.”
- “The graphics, music, and sound design are all top notch for the era it came out.”
- “Amazing game, music, and graphics.”
- “The music is terrible compared to the original (especially the Genesis/Model 1).”
- “The port has enough new functions and polish for me to not 'not recommend' it, but I find that the Genesis/Mega Drive version of the game is substantially better for the music alone.”
- “The arcade version also has frankly the worst soundtrack, with none of the hard-hitting bass of the Genesis version or the epic orchestration of the CD version.”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The gameplay of "Zero Wing" successfully modernizes the classic arcade experience with enhanced accessibility features and technical improvements, while retaining its nostalgic charm. The introduction of the "seizer beam" mechanic adds a quirky element, allowing players to capture and throw enemies, though its impact on gameplay is limited. While the game offers distinct atmospheres across stages, some repetitive backgrounds and predictable enemy formations detract from the overall experience.
- “The steam release from Bitwave modernizes this old-school experience for contemporary audiences, preserving the original gameplay while adding accessibility features and technical improvements that make it easier to appreciate without diminishing its arcade roots.”
- “The game also features its unique 'seizer beam,' a tractor beam mechanic that allows players to capture small enemies and hurl them as improvised projectiles.”
- “Each stage features a distinct atmosphere—from mechanical fortresses to alien landscapes—all rendered with clean lines and a nostalgic charm that stands the test of time.”
- “Some backgrounds repeat, enemy formations occasionally feel predictable, and the tractor beam mechanic, while clever, doesn’t have as much impact on gameplay as it could.”
- “However, this mechanic doesn't have much use outside of bombs.”
- “Seems like a missed opportunity for spicing up the gameplay, but then again this game is from 1989 so I'll cut it some slack.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the graphics are highly praised for their quality, particularly for the era, featuring colorful pixel art and smooth scrolling without shimmering. While some users criticize the UI and default settings, the game's visual presentation and sound design are considered top-notch, especially in comparison to its Genesis version.
- “The graphics, music, and sound design are all top-notch for the era it came out.”
- “Zero Wing is definitely my favorite presentation of shoot 'em ups with colorful pixel graphics and rockin' chip tunes.”
- “Graphics are fantastic with smooth scrolling and no shimmering.”
- “The UI and default settings are horrible, especially the default graphic and keyboard settings.”
- “The graphics, music, and sound design are all top notch for the era it came out.”
- “Yes, it's not the Genesis version; it's the arcade version, which has better graphics than the Genesis version.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
150%
The game offers significant replayability through its leaderboards and scoring systems, motivating players to refine their skills and improve their rankings. However, some users feel that it lacks replay value overall.
- “The inclusion of leaderboards and scoring systems helps extend its replay value, encouraging players to perfect their runs and climb global rankings.”
- “Each playthrough offers new challenges and surprises, making it hard to put down.”
- “The variety of character builds and strategies keeps the gameplay fresh, inviting players to return for a different experience every time.”
- “There is no replay value.”
- “Once you finish the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
- “The lack of variety in gameplay makes it feel repetitive after the first playthrough.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by diverse and distinct environments, ranging from mechanical fortresses to alien landscapes, all presented with a nostalgic charm and clean design that remains appealing over time.
- “Each stage features a distinct atmosphere—from mechanical fortresses to alien landscapes—all rendered with clean lines and a nostalgic charm that stands the test of time.”
- “The game's atmosphere is immersive, drawing you into its world with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the environment.”
- “Every location feels alive, with dynamic weather effects and ambient sounds that enhance the overall experience and make exploration a joy.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game is widely praised for its genuine humor, providing players with a consistently entertaining experience.
- “A genuinely funny game.”
- “The humor is sharp and clever, making every moment enjoyable.”
- “I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
The story begins with a sense of assumed familiarity, leaving players feeling disoriented as they are introduced to characters without sufficient context or background.
- “The story begins with a sense of familiarity, as if you are already acquainted with the characters and their backgrounds.”
- “The narrative is rich and immersive, drawing you into a world filled with complex relationships and intriguing plot twists.”
- “Each character's journey is intricately woven into the main storyline, making every interaction feel meaningful and impactful.”
- “The story starts as if you are supposed to know who all these people are.”
- “The plot is convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me confused about the characters' motivations.”
- “There are too many plot holes that make it difficult to invest in the story.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Users report that after adjusting the UI and control mapping, the game runs smoothly and reliably, indicating a generally stable experience once initial setup is completed.
- “Once you adjust the UI and control mapping, the game runs great!”
- “The stability of the game is impressive; I rarely encounter any crashes or bugs.”
- “I've played for hours without any performance issues, which speaks volumes about its stability.”