Unveils a unique, retro-styled adversary in this groundbreaking game
Step into the vibrant world of ZOE Begone, an upcoming indie shooter game that brings new life to the bullet hell genre with its hand-drawn animations inspired by 1930s drawn-on-film animation, notably influenced by Norman McLaren and the golden age of arcade shooters.
In this action-packed adventure, you'll take on the role of Zoe, a film-strip heroine, as you fight a formidable foe in a world of surreal cartoon physics. The enemies in ZOE Begone! are brought to life by a gigantic paintbrush, adding a unique twist to the bullet hell genre.
As you dash, shoot, and pound through chaotic arenas, beware of enemies that splatter ink when defeated. But don't let that dampen your spirits, as you collect Apples to unlock new weapons, power-ups, and passive abilities, allowing you to customize and evolve your playstyle.
ZOE Begone offers multiple modes such as Arcade (defeat the Animator), Time Attack (race against the clock), and Frame Trap (extended boss rush), contributing to its infinite replayability. The game also features a jazzy reactive soundtrack that emphasizes player actions like dodging and dashing.
Blending classic shoot 'em up design with modern action, ZOE Begone is a testament to the creativity of its developer, Retchy, a solo developer who has managed to create a unique and immersive gaming experience.
The game is launching on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and is set to release on September 17.
For more information on game art styles, refer to the guide provided. For more inspiration, see the piece on the best indie game devs. If you're interested in daily design news, reviews, how-tos, and more, don't forget to subscribe to the Creative Bloq Newsletter.
[1] Hand-drawn animations inspired by 1930s drawn-on-film animation [2] Influences from Norman McLaren’s animation [3] Classic arcade shooters like Metal Slug and Resogun [4] High-intensity bullet-hell gameplay [5] Dynamic weapon and ability upgrades via collectible Apples
[6] This artful fusion of animation and layout breathes life into each scene with a lucid 3D environment, paired with eye-catching colors that illuminate the graphical backdrop.
[7] The logo for ZOE Begone is a clever sketch-like design resembling a film strip, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the game's creative vision.
[8] In addition to the hand-drawn illustrations, the user interface (UI) is intuitively designed, making it a joy to navigate the various game modes and options.
[9] Emerging from the realm of an artistically ambitious indie game into mainstream entertainment, ZOE Begone showcases the power that gadgets and technology hold in shaping the future of the gaming world.
