Zybex is a 1988 horizontally scrolling shooter for the Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit computers, and ZX Spectrum. Zybex was one of the first games released by Zeppelin Games, a UK-based budget game developer.
Plot
The player takes the role of two convicts, Rinser and Cassalana, escaping from an execution in intergalactic prison. To buy their freedom, the convicts must collect tokens to open later levels by destroying the big end of level bosses. There are 16 levels, with a choice of “open” levels when one is completed. First level, Arcturus, is always the first level to be played. The last level is called Zybex. Two players can play simultaneously in all versions.
Gameplay
Firing is automatic – the fire button changes the current weapon. Collecting a weapon icon increases that weapon’s power level, up to the maximum of 4. Dying reduces the current weapon by 1 power level, or removes a weapon if it has only one power level. The players start with level 1 Orbiter (and never lose it), the other four weapons are 8-way (starts as 2-way, upgrades to 4-way, 6-way and then 8-way), Rail-gun (solid beam which gets stronger), Pulse (upgrades to include diagonal fire) and Wall (starts with a narrow field and gets larger).
References
External links
- Zybex at Lemon 64
- Zybex at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Having closely reviewed Zybex, the Gamer24h editorial team considers it one of the most noteworthy titles of recent times. Its innovative take on the Scrolling shooter genre offers a breath of fresh air for fans of the category. If you're looking for an absorbing world and satisfying mechanics that pull you right in, this game might be exactly what you've been searching for.