Product Info

Platform

PC

Publisher

Pixeljam

Developer

MNKY

Genre

Arcade, Shooter, Shoot-'em-up

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

500 MB

Purchase From

Steam

Upon first impressions of Ex-Zodiac, players will be left yearning for more. The game is still in development but players can already invest a good amount of time into trying out the game’s high-octane gameplay and polygonal style.

The game lacks a backstory about Kyuu, the pilot players will embody, or the world itself. Hopefully, when the game is completed, players will get the chance to learn more about Kyuu and the special spacecraft they will utilize..

Low-Poly Exploration

In version 0.11.7, players can explore eleven worlds and six bonus stages, each unique from the last. Navigating through various environmental styles, such as deserts or aquatic worlds, players will also encounter asteroid fields to combat enemies from Zodiac, an intergalactic terrorist organization. Players will not only explore in their spaceship but also on a bike and in bonus levels, float around with a cannon reminiscent of Space Harrier, a classic arcade game. The option to branch out to different planets is planned for the game’s full release.

At the end of each stage, players will face a pilot from Zodiac and their formidable weapons of destruction. Each boss battle presents different challenges that players must learn to overcome. The order of difficulty in these boss battles seems inconsistent, with the desert planet boss being easier than the first world boss, where precision in shooting projectiles is crucial.

Lack of Weapons

The game offers customization to tailor gameplay to individual preferences. Players can choose between auto shooting or power-up shots. Auto shooting allows players to fire multiple projectiles by holding down the attack button, while power-up shots automatically lock-on to enemies to show more powerful projectiles. It’s odd that players can’t have both options available simultaneously, using different inputs on the controller or keyboard.

During gameplay, players can collect items like lasers, missiles, and repair kits. Repair kits restore the ship’s health, powerful missiles pack a punch, and lasers, initially seemingly ineffective, may have hidden potential. It’s surprising that there aren’t additional weapon styles available, such as extra projectiles, but with the game still in-development, these options may be added later.

Poly-Wow!

Ex-Zodiac draws inspiration from ‘90s low-polygon games like Star Fox, with its polygonal art style, shooting gameplay, and humanoid animals communicating. Dialogue occurs during battles, and without voice acting, it can be challenging to read while dodging enemy projectiles.

The soundtrack adds to the game’s fast-paced action, delivering a high-energy vibe, enhances the suspense in boss battles and overall adds value to the game’s style.

Not the Final Flight

Ex-Zodiac is fun, challenging and feels like a true successor to the Super Nintendo version of Star Fox. 

A Steam code provided for this article and played on the Steam Deck. Ex-Zodiac is currently in-development. The full game’s release has not yet been announced. Fans can visit the official Steam page and purchase the game to enjoy a high-octane adventure.