Mega Cat Studios and ZPF Team have confirmed a release date for their surreal, future metal fantasy shoot-’em-up ZPF on Nintendo Switch.
This “explosively energetic shooter” has taken inspiration from genre classics like Lords of Thunder, Elemental Master, Thunder Force III and Thunder Force IV, with the developer having looked to blend “retro sensibilities with modern design to create the ultimate 16-bit shooter experience.”
The Kickstarter-backed project first soared onto the SEGA Mega Drive (or SEGA Genesis) last year, and now brings its “surreal, high-intensity action” to the portable home console so more can experience its “fever dream of mind-melting visuals, endless layers of parallax, and relentless arcade gameplay.”
It comes to Nintendo Switch with optimised visuals and custom frames “to fill modern monitor sizing without stretching the pixel art,” while “select visual elements” have had to be changed to meet rating board requirements – such as the Queen of Coin’s appearance.
“We’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that the transition to modern hardware feels perfect – maintaining that lightning-fast, 16-bit arcade responsiveness while making sure the surreal visuals pop on your modern screens,” the developer explains in a Kickstarter update. “Whether you’re looking to hunt down every Steam achievement or take the chaos on the go with your Switch, the wait is almost over.”
The publisher has outlined the game’s key features, which include:
- Go head-to-head against hordes of screen-filling bosses
- Test your skills with a rewarding scoring system that encourages bold play
- Battle through 6+ levels of surreal sci-fi, horror, and fantasy landscapes
- Master three unique characters, each with their own play style
- Experience a high-energy chiptune soundtrack that amplifies the action
ZPF will be released digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch worldwide on 16 April 2026.
