So my copy of Zaku arrived late last week and I’ve been enjoying this odd and frustrating shump for my Atari Lynx II. Unfortunately the excitement of playing a brand new Lynx game 15 years after the death of the handheld came little more sooner than later. Zaku for all intent and purpose is a fast reflex and memorization style horizontal shmup but having to play this game on the Atari Lynx’s blurry and washed out LCD screen is a little too much for my eyes. Granted if I leaned back and play the Lynx sitting on my stomach at a slight angle, the picture becomes bearable but I just can’t play in that position for very long.
Zaku looks real nice with big colorful sprites. The music is a little on the horrid side but the sound effects are spot on. The game controls are responsive on with B button being rapid fire, A button being the charge shot and option 1 button being the boot blast, ala Air Zonk. The one this I need to emphaisize is that Zaku is balls hard, like wanting to slam your handheld across the room kind of hard. With only one life and unlimited continues, Zaku will truly test your patience and reflexes. The game has potential and I need to pour more time into Zaku before I can really pass judgment.
Now the one thing I cannot complain about is the packaging. Zauk has been released on the official looking curved shell card with color labeling, full color instruction manual and bright cardboard packaging. It’s attractive and looks good on my shelf. So far my batteries are hold up so if you will excuse me, I need to defeat the giant Toaster Boss…
Zaku is on sale right now for $ 48over at Super Fighter Team’s website.
–Jangofatt
