From a single, stubborn splodge of ink comes a whirlwind of hand-drawn mayhem in a brand-new, high-energy SHMUP that has just sketched its way onto consoles and PC, Zoe Begone!
ZOE Begone!, a frenetic new adventure from solo Scottish developer Retchy Games, has launched today. This unique title from publisher PM Studios is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam for £8.39.
The Animator’s Whim
Prepare to guide the fearless heroine Zoe as she battles her own creator, the Animator, in a world brought to life through a stunning 1930s drawn-on-film aesthetic where every jitter of ink and every chaotic bullet is part of the magic.
In ZOE Begone!, the fearless heroine Zoe just wants some peace and quiet. Unfortunately for her, she is a creation of the Animator, a relentless adversary who sketches dangers directly into her path. Frame by frame, the Animator twists the reel into new threats, and Zoe must fight to break free from their restless imagination to achieve her ultimate goal: returning to her peaceful snooze.
Watch the release trailer…
High-Risk, High-Reward Combat
This is a game that blends classic run-and-gun mechanics with shmup action in looping arenas. You will need to shoot, dash, and pound your way through the Animator’s creations.
The game features a high-risk, high-reward enemy chain scoring system that rewards aggressive yet strategic gameplay. You’ll also need to collect Apples as currency to spend on powerful upgrades and abilities along the way.
ZOE Begone! is packed with different ways to play. You can switch between classic arcade runs, time-based challenges, and a high-octane boss rush, allowing you to tackle the action however you want and master your favourite playstyle.
A Masterclass in Indie Innovation
This unique and charming bullet hell shooter is created by solo Scottish developer Graeme Hawkins. His passion for the project shines through in its unique aesthetic and design philosophy.
“ZOE Begone! is all about embracing imperfection – every jitter of ink, every ragged edge, every chaotic bullet,” stated Graeme Hawkins, Retchy Games. “I hope players lean into that messiness, because for me, that’s where the magic lives.”
Publisher PM Studios was quick to praise this unique vision:
“At PM Studios, we love championing creators who dare to be different; Graeme’s vision for ZOE Begone! is exactly that,” says Ami Blaire, CMO, PM Studios. “It’s a perfect reminder of why indies matter, and we’re honored to launch it with Retchy Games.”
Key Features
- Striking Hand-Drawn Visuals: Fully hand-drawn animations inspired by the animations of Norman McLaren and the golden age of arcade shooters.
- Enemy Chain Scoring System: Keep the action going with high-risk, high-reward chain combos, rewarding aggressive yet strategic gameplay.
- Global Leaderboards: Compete with players around the globe to bag the highest score possible.
- Dynamic Upgrades: Choose when to spend your Apples to gain new power-ups, weapons and abilities.
- Multiple Modes: Switch between classic arcade runs, time-based challenges, and a high-octane boss rush.
- Multilayered Difficulty & Combat: Fly or fight on foot across Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulties.
The Animator is waiting with a fresh pot of ink and a restless imagination. If you’re a fan of unique, challenging, and visually stunning shoot ’em ups, ZOE Begone! is ready for you on the Xbox Store right now. You’ll find it on other digital storefronts too.
It’s time to break free from the reel.
Zoe Begone! Description
ZOE Begone! blends run-and-gun mechanics with classic shmup action in looping arenas. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930’s – shoot, dash and pound your way through the Animator’s creations.
