A cute alien with a galaxy to save is about to learn that cover is everything. Shiny Dolphin Games’ top-down tactics and action hybrid Zap Blastum launches on Steam and itch.io on November 9, built around snapping into cover, locking onto targets and outsmarting an army of robots that flank, coordinate and use cover too.

Finally, a robot invasion! Zap was born ready.

Snap into cover, lock onto targets, and outsmart an army of robots in this tactics/action hybrid starring a cute alien who dreams of saving the galaxy.

Shiny Dolphin Games announced that Zap Blastum, a top-down shooter built around cover, will launch on Steam and itch.io for Windows, Mac, and Linux on Nov 9. It will launch at $8.99, a 10% discount from the regular $9.99 price.

Zap Blastum is a fast-paced cover shooter where smart positioning is critical. Move up to any wall to take cover, and Zap automatically leans out when you fire. Select a target to lock on, and Zap takes care of aiming so you can focus on moving between cover spots and tactical positioning.

“We wanted to make a top-down shooter with real challenge and visceral action that anyone can play. The lock-on targeting keeps the game accessible, and the cover system provides tactical depth as players move up the skill curve.” — Kevin Dressel, Shiny Dolphin Games

The robots are arcade-style enemies that are smart like in a strategy game, ruthless in their pursuit of the player. They use cover too and can coordinate flanking maneuvers, so battles require delicate risk and opportunity management, like a real-time X-COM.

The cover combat draws inspiration from Gears of War and Mass Effect 2, reimagined in a colorful, top-down adventure. The presentation takes inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, Star Wars, and Disney, with hand-drawn animated cutscenes and an original soundtrack with rock and 80s movie influences. The main theme was recorded with a live orchestra. The game features sci-fi violence with robots, intentionally chosen to avoid blood and gore, so all ages can play.

Key Features

• Take cover at any wall and lean out automatically while firing
• Many types of cover including short, tall, destructible, and status-effect
• Over 15 types of robot enemies introduced over time
• 18 weapons with unique firing patterns
• Hijack vehicles like turrets, mechs, speeders, and copters
• 30 handcrafted levels across 5 planets
• Campaign and arcade modes with multiple difficulty levels
• Play in Solo Mode or 2-player Local Co-Op
• 30 upgrades with 4 levels each, unlocked with medals earned from your score

Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/696850/Zap_Blastum/

About Shiny Dolphin Games: Shiny Dolphin Games is a small indie developer founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016. Its previous games include Clash Force (2017), Polyroll (2019), and Panic Porcupine (2022), and it is now working on Panic 64 and Polyroll Pocket.

Read Next

• Victoria 3: State and Revolution Is Out Now, Putting Russia Between Reform and Revolt
• The Vow: Vampire’s Curse Returns With a Refreshed Demo on Steam
• The Joust Passes 100 Updates in Four Months, With a Full Engine and Graphics Overhaul

More from We Speak Media

Brothers Osborne Headline the 12th Annual CoreyFest at House of Blues BostonJohn Legend and the Gipsy Kings Headline The ‘Quin Anniversary Celebration at MGM Music HallBeartooth Brings the Noise to MGM Music Hall at FenwayJourney Brings the Final Frontier Tour to TD Garden in BostonPath of Exile 2 Sets December 11 Full Release With New Shadow Class and Complete CampaignPath of Exile: Covens of Umbra Brings a Huge Endgame Overhaul on November 13No. 22 New Mexico Wins First Game as a Ranked Team, Routs Nevada 31-3Salgado-Medina’s Late Kick After Onside Recovery Lifts No. 24 Arizona Past TCU 29-28