KMGR of Zaxxon

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Zaxxon, the classic "isometric 3D" shooter, was brought back as a mobile game. Is it any fun? Well... sort of, but only in the nostalgic sense.

For those who aren't nostalgic, Zaxxon is one of the first "3D" shooters, even though it's really 2D with isometric view. You pilot this space plane that flies through various space fortresses, moving up/down and left/right (your speed is fixed). You need to destroy enemy infrastructure and defenders, dodging obstacles (yes, you can crash). In the way you'll see turrets (at ground level), missile launchers (firing up vertically), and such. Between the fortresses you get some space planes attacking you in random pattern. And every few levels you get to shoot at a boss who shoots a seeking "cruise missile" at you, and you have to kill it or be killed. While playing, your fuel level is steadily dropping. So you need to kill the storage tanks to keep your fuel up, else you also die when your fuel runs out. How long can you last?

The translation is very faithful... all the barriers, "planes", turrets, radars, tanks, and so on. Turrets firing, missile launching, electric barrier shimmering, altimeter... everything is there. The only concession to mobile phone is they added optional "auto-fire", where you just shoot continually.

Other than all that, the game really has nothing new to add. The graphics palette is retro, the look is retro... if you are nostalgic, sure, but as a $3 game, this is a little excessive.

Overall rating: 6.5 out of 10
Pros: everything is here, plus autofire
Cons: and nothing else... at least Spy Hunter gives you an "improved" look
Verdict: only for nostalgic fans