Note: This review was written while the game was still in early access.
Back during my futile attempt to learn the Godot engine, I ran into this game as one of the few examples of professional games made in the engine, and decided to pick it up. Ex-Zodiac is, for lack of a better description, a Star Fox clone. The low poly look of the game is meant to invoke memories of the original Star Fox game. The different types of levels, the enemies, even your ship and its controls are clear homages to Star Fox. However, I don't want that to sound like a negative, because I think this game is far better than the original Star Fox, and is a really enjoyable experience. The graphics, while simple, are really well done. The game controls and runs well and the enemy designs are smartly crafted. In addition to the rail shooter Arwing-esque gameplay, there are also open arena sections, a second vehicle to ride in one level and, to my pleasant surprise, the game reveals its also a Space Harrier clone during its secret levels. Even though the game is still in early access, I think what they have put out is solid enough on its own, even if I do have one nitpick. I think the level order as it is now is a bit lopsided, with two "arena" levels both at the end. With the addition of more levels, I think mixing them up would be more ideal. I do also hope they continue to rip off Star Fox and use its branching paths, which is one of the best examples of that system, although that would require a good deal more levels to be added. Even without a final release, I would certainly recommend Ex-Zodiac, and I look forward to each new addition.
Back during my futile attempt to learn the Godot engine, I ran into this game as one of the few examples of professional games made in the engine, and decided to pick it up. Ex-Zodiac is, for lack of a better description, a Star Fox clone. The low poly look of the game is meant to invoke memories of the original Star Fox game. The different types of levels, the enemies, even your ship and its controls are clear homages to Star Fox. However, I don't want that to sound like a negative, because I think this game is far better than the original Star Fox, and is a really enjoyable experience. The graphics, while simple, are really well done. The game controls and runs well and the enemy designs are smartly crafted. In addition to the rail shooter Arwing-esque gameplay, there are also open arena sections, a second vehicle to ride in one level and, to my pleasant surprise, the game reveals its also a Space Harrier clone during its secret levels. Even though the game is still in early access, I think what they have put out is solid enough on its own, even if I do have one nitpick. I think the level order as it is now is a bit lopsided, with two "arena" levels both at the end. With the addition of more levels, I think mixing them up would be more ideal. I do also hope they continue to rip off Star Fox and use its branching paths, which is one of the best examples of that system, although that would require a good deal more levels to be added. Even without a final release, I would certainly recommend Ex-Zodiac, and I look forward to each new addition.