This wild retro-inspired game unleashes a novel artistic enemy

Screenshot from artistic bullet hell indie game ZOE Begone!

(Image credit: PM Studios)

If you like hand-crafted indie games, you have to take a look at the upcoming bullet hell shooter ZOE Begone! The high-octane shooter injects new life and messy splodges of ink into the genre.

Players must take on the role of Zoe, a film-strip heroine who wants to take a peaceful nap but finds herself having to fight a formidable foe. The Animator sketches waves of enemies into existence with a paintbrush and pen, unleashing vibrant hand-drawn chaos in the process (see our guide to the best game development software if you're looking to start work on your own masterpiece).

ZOE Begone! Release Date Trailer! - YouTube

Watch On

ZOE Begone was created by solo developer Retchy. With run-and-gun reflexes and screen-clearing dashes, Zoe must reclaim her reel from hordes of painted enemies in a world of surreal cartoon physics inspired by 1930s drawn-on-film animation.

You collect Apples to unlock new weapons, game-changing power-ups, and passive abilities to help evolve your playstyle, and there are multiple modes, a wide selection of levels, and online leaderboards to keep gameplay feeling fresh.

Image 1 of 11

Retchy cites the work of Norman McLaren and the golden age of arcade shooters as influences, and the combination makes for a unique-looking game that blends classic shoot ‘em up design with modern action.

A gigantic paintbrush brings the next wave of enemies to life, and some fourth wall-breaking humour makes the game even more refreshing. Watch out for enemies that splatter ink when defeated!

ZOE Begone! is launching on September 17 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A free playable demo is available on Steam.

For more inspiration, see our piece on the best indie game devs and our guide to game art styles.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.