With its surreal 1930s-inspired aesthetic and chaotic mix of shmup and run-and-gun mechanics, ZOE Begone! immediately stands out as something unusual in today’s crowded indie space. Developed by Retchy Games and published by PM Studios, it places players in looping arenas where Zoe, tired of the animator’s meddling, fights to reclaim her peace. The narrative is light and whimsical, but the framing device of battling an omnipresent animator helps justify the game’s constant barrage of strange enemies and shifting tools of chaos. It’s more about atmosphere and style than storytelling, but it sets the stage effectively.
The gameplay takes familiar ideas from arcade shooters but adds its own twist by letting Zoe dash, stomp, and blast her way across looping stages. Rather than advancing through traditional levels, the arenas reset in cycles, forcing players to keep their focus on movement, survival, and score-chasing. It’s a clever structure that makes sessions snappy, but it also means that the game leans heavily on repetition. For some, the constant cycling can feel addictive, encouraging leaderboard climbing, while others might tire of the grind more quickly.
Combat is fast and responsive, with controls that feel tight and rewarding once you learn how to string moves together. Zoe’s dash and stomp add verticality and aggression that differentiate the game from standard shmups, but they can also lead to occasional frustration when the arena fills with hazards and precision falters. The inclusion of difficulty settings helps smooth things out, making it more accessible than some hardcore arcade throwbacks, but the learning curve remains steep enough that casual players may bounce off quickly.
Power-ups and upgrades play a big role in keeping runs fresh, allowing Zoe to enhance her offensive and defensive options. Apples, collected during combat, provide the currency for experimentation, and while this system encourages variety, the reliance on certain upgrades can leave less flexible players at a disadvantage. The design clearly caters to those who thrive on replayability and gradual mastery, and while the balance isn’t perfect, it contributes to the game’s old-school arcade feel. Still, more variety in tools or modes would have helped mitigate the repetition over time.
Visually, ZOE Begone! is its own spectacle. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930s, it mixes jittery lines, exaggerated motions, and surreal designs that make every stage feel alive. The presentation captures the chaotic spirit of early cartoons without sacrificing playability, and it’s paired with a jazzy, boogie-driven soundtrack that keeps the tempo high. Some might find the visual noise distracting during the most hectic encounters, and the audio loops can wear thin across longer play sessions, but overall the style gives the game an identity few other indies can match.
Ultimately, ZOE Begone! is a bold experiment that blends retro inspirations with modern design, and while it won’t be for everyone, it delivers a distinct arcade experience. Its looping arenas, quirky premise, and offbeat presentation make it a very memorable outing, even if repetition and occasional balance issues limit its broader appeal. For fans of score-driven shooters and those with a fondness for experimental visuals, this is an indie that punches above its weight, and at a fantastic price point it’s an easy recommendation from our end.
Score: 8.3/10
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