ZP2KX: Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (XBLIG, 2010)

ZP2KX: Zombies & Pterodactyls 20XX
Developed by Ska Studios
Released for XBLIG (12/2010)

ZP2KX: Zombies & Pterodactyls 20XX (that's a mouthful!) is the sequel to the 2D deathmatch shooter ZP2K9. The game improves upon the original in pretty much every aspect, with a nice level-up system that introduces new classes to play as you level up. The graphics see a massive improvement as well and overall look much nicer than the previous game. The controls, gunplay and presentation have all taken quite a step-up as well. The class you start with has a jetpack that makes navigating the map a breeze. Unfortunately the online servers have been closed down, but the game is still playable thanks to the ability to place bots in your matches. ZP2KX: Zombies & Pterodactyls 20XX is a solid effort from Ska Studios and I wish I would have been aware of it back when the servers were running! Unfortunately the ZP2K series would only have these two iterations, meaning it lived and died on XBLIG, however the developer Ska Studios later went on to do some solid work for XBLA that we'll look at in the future on this blog. 

Final Verdict: ZP2KX: Zombies & Pterodactyls 20XX is a warranted sequel in that it improves on everything from its predecessor. The servers are no longer running, but the game is still fun to play with bots (and was only a buck when it was on XBLIG!)

Related Links:
ZP2K9 Review - Xbox Overview
ZP2KX: Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX - GameFAQs
Ska Studios - Official Site

ZP2K9 (XBLIG, 2009)

ZP2K9
Developed by Jamezila
Released for XBLIG (2/2009)

ZP2K9 is an interesting title that I wish I would have discovered back when it came out while the online aspect of the game was still active. It's a bit like the old Namco arcade the Outfoxies, which would see players duking it out via a 2D platformer perspective on medium sized maps. The game offers deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag and king of the hill for some nice variety. ZP2K9 uses a twin-stick control layout for the moving/shooting while the A button is used to jump. Your character sticks to walls and ceilings and can run along them making the environments easy to traverse. There's a good variety of weapon types lying around the stages and your character is able to carry up to four different guns at one time. The game at one point offered online play, but the feature has been long since deactivated. The game does allow for bots so it is still playable and does offer up some fun, however I'd have to recommend the more polished sequel if you want some solid 2D deathmatch action. This was developed by Jamezila, who would later go on to work with Ska Studios and would develop several excellent games for the XBLIG and XBLA platforms.

Final Verdict: ZP2K9 is a fun 2D deathmatch shooter that unfortunately no longer offers online play. The game was a steal at a dollar and does have an option to play with bots, but its sequel is far superior.

Related Links:
ZP2K9 - GameFAQs
Ska Studios - Official Site

Zombies Ruined My Day (XBLIG, 2011)

Zombies Ruined My Day
Developed by mancebo
Released for XBLIG (8/2011)
Also on PC

Zombies Ruined My Day is a 2D survival game. You face against a wave of zombies and are tasked with defeating each and every last one of them. If they touch you, it's instant death and you are transformed into a zombie. You have the ability to jump and you are able to carry two weapons. This is in the trial, there are likely more weapons to be found in the full game. The game borrows its control layout from overhead twin-stick shooters, where the left stick controls your character while the right stick is used to aim your weapon, with the right trigger being used to fire. Everything controls relatively well (the jump could be better) but the problem I had with Zombies Ruined My Day is that each and every zombie is an absolute bullet sponge, regardless if you shoot them in the head or the foot. The game is definitely a challenging experience due to this, so if you're a big zombie survivalist fan you might get some fun out of this one, but I honestly found it a bit tedious. The artwork is presented in high-res cartoony looking art that, while not something I personally like, I must admit is well done. Zombies Ruined My Day retailed for a dollar on XBLIG and I could see many people getting some enjoyment as its definitely better than your average offering on the service. While you can't get it on your 360 anymore, the game did see a release for PC as well.

Final Verdict: Zombies Ruined My Day is a 2D-shooter/survival game where you must shoot a designated amount of zombies without dying to reach the next wave then rinse and repeat. The game looks nice but the action itself wasn't engaging enough to hold my interest for long, though die-hard fans of zombie/survival games might find something to like here though.

Related Links:
Zombies Ruined My Day - GameFAQs
Zombies Ruined My Day Review - Indie Gamer Chick

Zombie Football Carnage (XBLIG, 2011)

Zombie Football Carnage
Developed by Milkstone Studios
Released for XBLIG (2/2011)
Also on PC

Zombie Football Carnage is a bit of an oddball title, even by XBLIG zombie genre standards. The game plays kind of like a beat 'em up, though rather than fighting with punches and kicks you'll be attacking by throwing your football. The football acts more like a boomerang in that it can only be fired once until it bounces back. It's a strange mechanic but somehow it works. You also have a dash you can use to evade enemies and a charge attack. As you disperse the enemies you'll find a nice variation of power-ups including stuff like dynamite, bombs, and teddy bear decoys. The game is fast-paced and hurls you pretty much right into the action, making it a good pick up and play title in short sessions. The sprites are composed of high-res art and everything looks sharp and clean. The art-style definitely takes inspiration from Castle Crashers. I'm pretty sure this is one of those games that just continues on endlessly until you die, but I can't be certain because I tend to die pretty quick, though I do still find the game enjoyable. There is a shop where you can upgrade your character with the currency you pick up in-game which adds some replay value. The game has it's own built-in achievement system that tracks your progress as you play. Zombie Football Carnage contains that polish that seems consistent with titles released from developer Milkstone Studios. Overall, I'd say this one was worth the dollar asking price as you can easily get hours of action from this title. Of course it's no available since XBLIG was shutdown, but it was also released on PC so it has not been forever lost like so many other XBLIG titles.

Final Verdict: Zombie Football Carnage is a strange wave-based brawler where you attack with your football. Yet another enjoyable XBLIG game that sold for just a buck (or 80 Microsoft points).

Related Links: 
Zombie Football Carnage - Milkstone Studios Official Site
Zombie Football Carnage - GameFAQs