"Write Zero Wing Review FOR GREAT JUSTICE"

If you're reading this review, you've probably encountered the famous "All Your Base" flash movie that is related to this game. Of course, the game begins with that famous and hilarious intro, but beyond that, you will find a decent side-scrolling space shooter.

The intro sets the story in motion. In A.D. 2101, CATS takes over Captain's base and blows up his ship. Captain is in disbelief and quickly decides to attempt a counter attack against CATS. Captain sends Zig to try to stop CATS and his minions.

As you start a game of Zero Wing, you will notice that you are a small spaceship, which is called "Zig." You can get used to the controls and attacks in the first part of this level. Controlling your ship is basic, and it feels responsive. Occasionally you might move too far in one direction, but it's not a major problem. The basic attack is simply firing a small laser beam, but you can upgrade your laser by obtaining power-ups. To get these power-ups, you must destroy these green ships that are sprinkled throughout every level.

You can gain two invincible ally ships, which hover near Zig for protection and extra firepower, with your first upgrade. They triple your fire range, and they can also destroy small enemy ships by simply ramming into them. These ally ships are almost vital for progressing through the game. Zig gets destroyed if it takes a single hit from anything, but these allies block lasers from coming into contact with Zig.

You get improved lasers with another upgrade, that are quite long and are sure to hit any of your enemies that dare come between them. The third and final upgrade is by far the best, as you can now shoot homing shots that lock-on to the closest enemy. You can also improve the upgrades by collecting one or two more of the specific upgrade. They simply improve the size and power of the attacks.

Aside from the basic beam attacks, Zero Wing also allows you to "pull in" Zig-sized enemies and use them as a shield or a weapon by releasing them. This adds a little bit of strategy to an otherwise "blast blast blast" game. However, most of the time, you will be holding down the shoot button and simply avoiding enemy fire while your beams destroy everything in their path. Zero Wing is still a pretty difficult game, despite the fact that you can simply keep shooting your beam weapon forever.

As for level design and bosses, Zero Wing has a decent offering in both categories. The levels usually keep you on your toes, as you narrowly dodge enemy fire. Some of the later levels require you to blast open barriers in order to continue on to the end of the level. Zero Wing only has eight levels, which is a bit of a disappointment. I would have gladly given this game a higher score had there been a few more levels. It's over way too fast, but it's fun while it lasts.

The bosses are rather basic, but they put up a good fight at the end of each level. You'll also come across a few mini-bosses as you make your way through. Sadly, most bosses simply require you to blast away while dodging its attacks. The fights would've been better if the bosses had a hidden weak point that needed to be exposed, but most bosses take damage by just being shot.

Zero Wing had solid graphics for its time, and they look quite nice. Zig and his enemies are nicely detailed, and bosses look fine. You'll also notice minor, yet nice, touches such as Zig's ship shifting when you move up or down.

Arguably the best part of the game is its superb music. Every stage has an awesome tune that gets stuck in your head for a long time. The game offers a great deal of catchy tracks, which can also be accessed under "Options" at the title screen. Whether you like the game or not, it's hard to deny that Zero Wing has a great soundtrack. Sounds are generic blasting and crashing noises. The quality of the sound effects comes nowhere near the quality of the game's music.

Zero Wing was a pleasant surprise for me. I'll admit that the only reason I played it was because of the flash movies, but I soon discovered that there's more to this game. A few more levels and deeper gameplay could've made this game a real winner (especially with its excellent music), but it falls short of being a good game. It's still worth a play through, so if you're ever in the mode for a good laugh and a decent space shooter, give Zero Wing a try.

All your base are belong to us!! - CATS

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 07/15/05