One of the most eagerly awaited games in the retrogaming scene, ZPF, a shoot ‘em up (shmup) designed for the Sega Mega Drive by Mega Cat Studios, recently appeared on Kickstarter. The project has quickly captured the imagination of retro gamers, thanks in no small part to its style of play and graphics, which are faithful to the golden age of shmups.

Back to basics

ZPF stands out for its homage to the classic shmups of the 90s, with polished gameplay and an electrifying soundtrack. The game features intense action and fluid ship control, where players must battle a series of enemy waves and giant bosses as they traverse six different levels. The pixel graphics and aesthetics of the Mega Drive are impeccably reproduced, which will delight nostalgic fans of classics such as R-Type or Gradius.

Successful funding

Funding for ZPF on Kickstarter was a huge success, reaching its target in record time. Contributors were able to pre-order limited editions, including physical versions of the game and goodies. This kind of project highlights the passion of independent developers for retro consoles and, above all, shows the ever-growing interest in ‘amateur’ games on machines like the Sega Mega Drive.

To give you an idea, out of the $15,000 requested, the developers raised a whopping $204,670... That's what we call a success.

A modern Shmup for a classic console

What makes ZPF particularly interesting is that it combines the charm of retro games with modern elements. Although the Mega Drive is a decades-old console (1989), ZPF uses all the machine's capabilities to offer an intense gaming experience, with impressive visual and sound effects for the platform. So shmup fans old and new can look forward to a thrilling adventure that doesn't compromise on quality.

You'll be able to traverse the six levels at the controls of three different ships. The developers promise plenty of secrets and different endings. A fifteen or so musical tracks will accompany your scoring attempts (tracks that should be pressed on vinyl).

When will it be released?

The game is already available for pre-order, with a release date in the coming months. If you're a fan of the Sega Mega Drive and enjoy quality shoot ‘em ups, ZPF should be in your library soon.