Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol
- June 29, 2021
- DotEmu
"Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol" is a retro-inspired package of two classic games. Players explore a variety of levels, battling hordes of enemies, including zombies, mummies, and vampires, while rescuing their neighbors. With a wide range of weapons, humor, and fast-paced action, this is a delightful throwback to 16-bit cartoon-style shooters.
Reviews
- The nostalgia factor is incredibly strong, bringing back fond memories for many players.
- The game retains its fun and challenging gameplay, making it enjoyable for both new and returning players.
- The inclusion of save states is a significant improvement over the original, allowing for easier progression.
- The port suffers from poor optimization, with issues like lack of controller support and unchangeable key bindings.
- Audio problems, including higher-pitched music and sound effects, detract from the overall experience.
- The absence of online multiplayer and limited options for customization make the port feel like a cash grab rather than a well-crafted release.
- music35 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many users criticizing the higher pitch and distortion of tracks compared to the original versions. Players expressed disappointment over the removal of iconic music and the lack of options to switch between different soundtracks, particularly missing the eerie atmosphere of the original title music. While some still appreciate the nostalgic value of the original soundtrack, the overall sentiment leans towards dissatisfaction with the changes made in this modern port.
“One of the best SNES soundtracks.”
“With its catchy soundtrack and fun gameplay, it draws you in.”
“That soundtrack tho.”
“New songs added sound like trash, they made all the music higher pitch and crappy.”
“The music sounds totally 'off' or at a higher pitch.”
“The original start screen has been changed and the music is not the same.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with some users noting slight bugs and graphic tearing, while others find them acceptable but lacking in options for filters. The removal of original elements, such as the title screen and intro music, has disappointed players, and the overall visual presentation is seen as outdated. Additionally, the gallery and sprite animations are criticized for being limited and poorly executed.
“Graphics are fine but some filter options would be nice as the pixel look isn't for everyone.”
“Not fullscreen, doesn't have the original title screen, new songs added sound like trash, they removed the bonus level at the start of the game, they made all the music higher pitch and crappy, controls are garbage, graphics are slightly buggy, do not buy.”
“- audio is pitched higher and there is some graphic tearing in zamn.”
“Aside from that change regarding the visuals, they're the same old games.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, with players appreciating its fun mechanics and co-op functionality, although some find the new menu system and pause options frustrating. While the game draws players in with engaging gameplay and a catchy soundtrack, certain limitations, such as the inability to adjust screen size and lack of online co-op, detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and reminiscent of its predecessors.
“I am always more inclined toward gameplay rather than music or visuals, so if a game plays well, I'll like it.”
“The overall game may not be the same, but at least the gameplay is solid; you can use a controller and it's co-op.”
“With its catchy soundtrack and fun gameplay, it draws you in.”
“While some parts of the new menus are good, the rest are bad: the start button will bring up the pause menu at any point in gameplay, even during score tallies. This is a change from the original, and as the pause menu is different, it's a con. It should have probably used a shoulder button for the 'emulator' pause like in the Contra collection and kept the regular button for the 'console' pause.”
“Yes, on this version you can adjust your screen to full screen or windowed (I own it on the consoles as well, I'm that big a fan), but you can't adjust the size, you can't use cheats (if you look closely at the trailer, the developers are using cheats to showcase gameplay), and worst of all, there is no online co-op.”
“The borders, while somewhat irritating, don't distract from the gameplay too much.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous issues such as screen glitches, buggy audio, lagged controls, and frequent freezes. Many players expressed disappointment over the lack of fullscreen support and poor presentation, deeming the overall experience unpolished and not worth the price. Overall, the game is described as a buggy port that fails to deliver a stable and enjoyable experience.
“The saves are awful and other features could have easily been added - nearly £15 for ports which still have screen glitches. Pretty poor presentation is a bit steep.”
“Audio is wonky, controls are lagged/off, I've had times where it just freezes for no reason. I wish they did better on the co-op aspect; it would've been nice to have a list of what the controls actually are.”
“The port is overall buggy.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with reviewers expressing disappointment over its lack of meaningful content and updates. Many feel that the game was hastily released to capitalize on nostalgia rather than offering genuine value, suggesting that it could have benefited from community-driven enhancements instead.
“A quick cash grab; you'd be better off emulating it instead of buying this.”
“Love the games, but this is a horrible and blatant cash grab.”
“Again, it feels like these types of things could have been easily implemented through something like a Steam Workshop addition or a Steam tool, but instead, the game was just lazily thrown out to get nostalgia-tinted glasses cash grab sales.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers significant replayability, particularly emphasizing that it is much more enjoyable with a controller than a keyboard. The replay value is considered a crucial aspect, enhancing the overall experience.
“It has lots of replay value.”
“This really needs its own thing since the game's replay value weighs heavily and significantly upon it.”
“This really needs its own thing since the game's replay value weighs heavily on it.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is noted for its immersive quality, effectively drawing players in despite its relatively simple design by modern standards. This combination of playability and atmosphere enhances the overall experience, making it engaging and memorable.
“Lessons in playability and atmosphere are evident in this game.”
“The game creates a strong sense of immersion and atmosphere, even though it may be considered simple by today's standards.”
“Lessons in playability and atmosphere are lacking in this game.”
“The game attempts to create a sense of immersion and atmosphere, but ultimately falls short, especially by today's standards.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly noting that inventory management becomes cumbersome. After reaching level 30, many feel that the gameplay becomes excessively tiring and repetitive.
“But after a few hours and from level 30 onwards, the game becomes too tedious and too tiring to play.”
“Finally, inventory management is really tedious.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to performance issues that detract from the overall experience.
“The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering.”
“Despite its potential, the optimization is lacking, making it difficult to enjoy the gameplay.”
“I was disappointed with the optimization; it feels like the game wasn't properly tested on various hardware.”