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    Dark Void Zero

    Game » consists of 3 releases. Released Jan 19, 2010

    A faux-retro prequel to Dark Void. Pixelated jet-packs abound in this 8-bit side-scrolling shooter for the DSi, PC, and iPhone.

    hyperfludd's Dark Void Zero (DSiWare) review

    Avatar image for hyperfludd

    Zero Hour, Literally.

    You’ve got to hand it to Capcom. They sure know how handle retro games, be it remakes (Bionic Commando Rearmed) or brand new affairs (Megaman 9), It’ll be high quality stuff. Their newest retro based game, Dark Void Zero does not disrupt that fact.

    You can tell Capcom spent alot of time on this game simply on all the backstory they created for the game. From dual screened arcade cabinets to Jimmy Fallon (Seriously!), the “history” of Dark Void Zero is definitely something fun to read up on.  You can start off here at Capcom Unity.

    However, is all this marketing hype simply hiding a lame attempt at promoting the release of Dark Void on the 360 and PS3? After a great game session, I’m going to have to say no!
      
    As soon as you boot it up, Dark Void Zero tosses retro charm in your face. Introduced with a NES cart, you actually have to blow into the DSi’s microphone to get to the game’s main menu. (Of course if you’re in public and prefer not to do so, you can simply press A) You are greeted with fantastic bitmusic from Bear McCreary  (Battlestar Galactica) and a simple menu. Select your difficulty and start up the game by learning about the backstory of Earth’s struggle with the Watchers, an alien race trying to create a stable portal to invade Earth fullforce. 
      
    Teaming up with the brilliant scientist Nikolai Tesla, you take control of Rusty and jet pack your way into facilities, stealing keycards and shooting badguys. The top screen gives you a metriodvania-type map, while the touch screen houses all of the gameplay. Using the map, you must run, gun and hover towards objectives that Nikolai sets out for you. Simple controls and clear settings make for great handling in this plataformer/shooter.

    Decent enemy and weapon/item variety ensures that things don’t get stale and secondary objectives such as finding old captain’s logs and eliminating enemy scientists give you reason to explore every nook and cranny of the map. Doing this all while fantastic bitmusic plays proves to be one of the most fun and polished experiences on DSiWare. However, it’s because of all this that it’s one flaw becomes incredibly apparent. It ends too soon.

    Dark Void Zero only has 3 levels. Why must something so fun, end so quickly? Sure, you can replay the game on higher difficulty settings (Easy, Normal & Hard) and try to best your highscore, but I still would have liked to see some more of Rusty’s adventures in the void.

    Overall, I would recommend Dark Void Zero to those who want a good quick (maybe too quick) action game during commute or to those already crazy with the Dark Void universe.  (That was early!) Capcom, I hope you continue working on projects like this, making retro styled games in line with your big console releases. Make Lost Planet Zero happen!

    +Incredibly fun & polished

    +GREAT MUSIC

    =You fight the same boss over the 3 levels, albeit with improvements.

    -It’s short.

    -Did I mention it’s short?

     



    Other reviews for Dark Void Zero (DSiWare)

      Flyboys in the Age of Robots. 0

      Conceptually, Dark Void Zero is a pretty unique concept; taking the concept of the game Dark Void and fitting in onto the DSi with a fake-retro sprite art style is interesting even on a superficial level. The joke is that Zero is supposed to be the "original" game that the Xbox 360/PlayStation game was based on, when it's actually the other way around. Gags aside, Dark Void's gameplay transfers remarkably well to a simpler layout. In true retro fashion, you only use the D-pad and the A (jump) an...

      7 out of 7 found this review helpful.

      Just long enough to relive some of the NES glory days. 0

       To start off this game has only three levels, but those three levels are very fun if you were a gamer in the NES era. The game is short and sweet and straight to the point. Each of the three levels are the same where you have to get key cards before you fight the end boss. The levels are decently big for trying to be an NES game but it ends up being repetitive in the end. Every boss battle is exactly the same and pretty easy after you figure out the pattern. I did enjoy this game but I do not f...

      0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

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