ZeroRanger

Are you a fan of classic style vertical scrolling shoot ‘em ups, with some side scrolling levels in there too? Then have we got the game for you. ZeroRanger by System Erasure is everything you remember and love about old school arcade style games. Buckle up and let’s jump into it.

Gameplay

The gameplay in this title is a perfect recreation of the classic format. Now, when I say that I don’t mean it recreates it perfectly, I mean it’s a recreation that makes the old style perfect – or as perfect as it could be. Tight and responsive controls accent the fast paced gameplay like nothing I’ve seen before.

Heavily reminiscent of Galaga and the many games of its ilk; this shoot ‘em up is an excellent and well designed foray into this format. After you choose your ship, each provide different story elements and combat technique, you fly your way through destroying enemies and some fantastic bosses.

Design

Okay, there’s a lot to praise about this game so I’m just going to list format it:

• This game is really pretty. Done in the 8-bit style, the games colour palette is gorgeous and the enemy and world designs are a joy to explore, especially with the added depth and meaning provided by the story.
• This title brings in subtly nods to other IP’s from great creators. I saw references to NieR: Automata, Gurren Lagann and even Undertale. Something I found added a great deal of personality and made me feel like the
• The game has such depth that you’ll need to play it at least 3 times before you get the true ending. Great replay value.
• One of the few games left one earth that has local co-op, something I really feel is lacking from a lot of releases lately.
• The music, of which is a bass-synth-beat hybrid, is very fitting and adds to the kinetic energy that this game produces in spades.

Story Themes

Something that I found to be quite interesting was the games central theme of enlightenment. The characters within the story die and come back, locked in some perpetual existence as one fights their way to “nirvana;” a freedom from the fight. A great many parallels to the Buddhist religion can be found throughout. The 3 main pilots could be the triad of deities that control balance; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Lotus jewel is also a reference in itself.

There is a lot to the story and so to avoid spoiling it, I’ll confess there is no clear explanation to it all and a good deal of personal conjecture comes into play. Something that I appreciate as a player who enjoys something that challenges me to think.

Pros

• Visuals are mostly stunning
• Great music
• Interesting story

Cons

• Sometimes the deaths feel obligatory
• Can be hard to follow action at times