While this review focuses on the Xbox experience, the game is widely available for players across almost every modern platform. You can find ZOE Begone! on:
- Xbox Series X|S (Optimized) & Xbox One
- PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store)
Gameplay: Fantasy Zone Meets Metal Slug
The core hook of ZOE Begone! is its looping arena combat. Much like the Sega classic Fantasy Zone or the gravity-defying movement of Resogun, you can fly in both directions across stages that wrap around themselves infinitely. However, the pacing feels closer to a modern "bullet hell."
You play as Zoe, a feisty film-strip heroine who just wants to take a peaceful nap. Unfortunately, she is constantly harassed by a persistent "Animator" who scribbles chaos into her world. To reclaim her quiet time, Zoe must destroy the very tools used to create her—pens, paintbrushes, and erasers.
To fight back, you’ll master three main pillars of movement and combat:
- Shoot: Standard rapid-fire projectiles to clear the screen of "Happy Little Bullets."
- Dash: A high-speed move that provides temporary invulnerability and clears paths through dense enemy clusters.
- Pound: A heavy downward strike used to crush enemies beneath you and cancel dashes for tighter, more surgical control.
Modes and Replayability
For a budget-friendly indie title, there is a surprising amount of content packed into this ink-stained adventure:
- Arcade Mode: The standard journey to defeat the Animator and restore peace.
- Time Attack: A frantic race against the clock where every second and every kill counts toward your final rank.
- Frame Trap: A "boss rush" style mode that throws the Animator's biggest creations at you in relentless waves.
- The Shop: Between bouts of carnage, you can spend collected Apples on power-ups and permanent upgrades to give Zoe a fighting edge in later, more difficult loops.
The Presentation
The visuals are the undisputed star of the show. Every frame feels like it was pulled from a 1930s sketchpad, featuring "drawn-on-film" animation that creates a unique, wobbly, and charming look reminiscent of Cuphead but with a more raw, sketchy vibe. This is paired with a Boogie/Jazzy soundtrack by Tom Pegg that reacts to the action, making every explosion and dash feel like part of a rhythmic, chaotic symphony.
The Verdict
While the difficulty is "brutally punishing" (be prepared to die... a lot), the game is optimized beautifully for the Xbox Series X|S. It features 4K Ultra HD support and lightning-fast load times that keep the "one more try" loop addictive rather than frustrating. The inclusion of Smart Delivery also ensures that if you buy it for Xbox, you’ll have the best version regardless of whether you’re on an older Xbox One or a powerhouse Series X.
Pros:
- Stunning 1930s hand-drawn art style and "drawn-on-film" aesthetic.
- Tight, rewarding mechanics that favor high-skill play and precision.
- Excellent value at the $9.99 price point.
- Online leaderboards for competitive high-score chasing.
Cons:
- The high difficulty ceiling might be intimidating for casual players.
- The screen can get incredibly busy, making it difficult to track small projectiles during peak chaos.
Final Score: 8.5/10 (Reviewed on Xbox)
ZOE Begone! is a vibrant, loud, and mechanically deep shooter. It’s a love letter to arcade history and a showcase of solo-developer creativity that shouldn't be slept on.