Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Zillion delivers a methodical blend of platforming and puzzle-solving that sets it apart from your typical “jump and run” titles. Rather than simply racing from left to right, players must thoughtfully navigate the sprawling underground base of the Norsa Empire. Each area is densely packed with security measures—enemy guards patrol corridors, tripwires crisscross the floor, and laser turrets scan every chamber—so timing and situational awareness become as important as reflexes.

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The core objective of collecting the five floppy disks adds a compelling layer of exploration. Floppy disks are hidden in capsules scattered throughout the base, and JJ’s trusty Light Phaser–style gun is equally used for defense and for blasting open those containers. Unlocking new rooms requires the right computer ID cards and four-digit codes, encouraging players to backtrack, reexamine areas, and piece together clues found in terminals and on enemy patrol routes.

Another standout feature is the ability to rescue and switch between JJ and his teammates, Apple and Champ, each offering unique abilities. Apple’s high jumps help reach elevated platforms while Champ’s superior strength allows him to break certain barriers more easily. Strategic character switching not only refreshes the gameplay loop but also deepens engagement as players decide who is best suited for specific challenges.

Upgrades discovered throughout the base—including enhancements for health, speed, jumping ability, and firepower—further enrich the experience. Occasionally, Opa Opa appears to bestow temporary buffs, rewarding thorough exploration. This progression system makes each discovery meaningful, as a well-timed upgrade can simplify a tight sequence of laser grids or help topple a powerful guard.

Graphics

Visually, Zillion embraces the clean, colorful 8-bit aesthetic of the Sega Master System while faithfully capturing the look of the original anime. Character sprites are well-defined: JJ’s sleek jumpsuit, Apple’s agile silhouette, and Champ’s burly frame all read clearly, even amid a flurry of enemy fire. The game runs smoothly, and sprite animations—whether ducking under tripwires or climbing ladders—feel snappy and responsive.

The underground base is divided into distinct zones, each with its own visual identity. From the cold metallic hallways of the main corridors to the dimly lit security labs, there is enough environmental variety to keep exploration fresh. Subtle details like flickering lights near damaged conduits or holographic displays in control rooms enhance immersion.

Security devices such as laser turrets, force fields, and rotating scanners are rendered crisply and stand out against the darker backgrounds, making them easily identifiable threats. Door openings, capsule blasts, and the flash of Opa Opa’s power-ups all come with satisfying visual feedback. The limited color palette is used effectively, balancing readability with the high-tech atmosphere of a covert military operation.

While hardware limitations of the era place natural constraints on resolution and sprite count, Zillion maximizes its resources. The sense of depth created by layered backgrounds and parallax scrolling in some areas gives the illusion of a larger world beyond the screen, reinforcing the feeling that the Norsa base is a vast, complex fortress.

Story

The narrative in Zillion is straightforward yet engaging: Planet X is under threat by the malevolent Norsa Empire, and the White Knights have dispatched operative JJ to thwart their plans. This clear “infiltrate and destroy” premise provides immediate motivation and tension, especially as the player delves deeper into hostile territory.

Collecting the five floppy disks needed to trigger the base’s self-destruct sequence feels like a ticking-clock adventure, with each disk bringing JJ one step closer to foiling the Empire’s domination scheme. Along the way, rescuing Apple and Champ from captivity adds emotional depth to the mission. Their captivity not only justifies side objectives, but also invests players in the fate of these comrades.

Character interactions are kept minimal by design, focusing the experience squarely on action and exploration. Nevertheless, the moments when Apple or Champ join your team serve as small narrative beats that punctuate the long stretches of corridor crawling. This pacing reinforces the game’s identity as both a strategic infiltration exercise and a rescue operation with personal stakes.

For fans of the original anime, there are subtle nods to the series’ lore and technology, but newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge. The storyline’s simplicity works in its favor, ensuring that the gameplay remains the star while still delivering enough context to make each discovery—and each rescue—feel meaningful.

Overall Experience

Zillion stands out as a meticulously designed title that rewards patience, observation, and strategic thinking. Its blend of exploration, puzzle elements, and character-driven mechanics ensures that no two play sessions feel identical. Whether you’re searching every nook for a hidden ID card or deciding which hero can better handle a particular obstacle, the game constantly challenges you to think on your feet.

While some players may find the pacing slower compared to more action-focused platformers, the measured tempo is a deliberate strength. It invites you to become fully immersed in the subterranean world, savor the discovery of each upgrade, and celebrate small victories—like bypassing a force field or rescuing a teammate. The satisfaction of finally inputting the self-destruct codes and watching the base implode is a fitting crescendo to a well-orchestrated campaign.

Replayability is enhanced by multiple routes through certain sections and the choice of three playable characters, each altering the path you take and the strategies you employ. Secret capsules and codes remain hidden on a first playthrough, encouraging return visits to uncover every secret room and power-up.

For retro enthusiasts, anime fans, or anyone craving a platforming experience with a stronger emphasis on exploration and problem-solving, Zillion remains a memorable classic. Its thoughtful level design, rewarding upgrade system, and satisfying narrative arc combine to create an adventure that still holds up decades after its initial release.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10