Hey everyone, I'm excited to say that Z-Exemplar is now available for iOS devices. Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of almost 1000 planets. The Background Z-Exemplar was conceived as a love letter to the ZX Spectrum. Proudly retro, the game embraces the limitations of its 8-bit inspiration to deliver a fast-action, guns-toting, laser-blasting quest with intuitive gameplay and long-lasting appeal. But it's not just nostalgia for its own sake. There is something hugely appealing in the 8-bit aesthetic, something that can be absent in photo-realism. There is space for interpretation, for imagination and a vague assemblage of pixels can evoke in players a different emotion from that engendered by more detailed, distinct images. With the added vibrancy of the ZX Spectrum’s colour palette, this pixellated aesthetic gives Z-Exemplar’s visuals a unique and distinctive feel. On its surface Z-Exemplar's gameplay appears simple - shoot anything that moves and collect the booty they leave behind - but the over-arching goal of the game is anything but. You are tasked with conquering all 960 planets that make up a hostile galaxy with each planet's defenses uniquely configured. As you explore the outer reaches of the galaxy, the defenses become stronger and enemies more lethal and numerous. There is abundant challenge in Z-Exemplar, challenge that grows with your experience. To turn the battle in your favour you can access an arsenal of over 20 upgradeable weapons that transform your basic fighter craft into a devastating war machine - selecting the right loadout for each planetary battle is essential. Features 960 Unique planetary battlegrounds 10 Planet themes 21 Awesome Weapon loadouts 16+ Hours of gameplay A galaxy full of secrets Conquest leaderboard - who'll be first to take over the entire galaxy? Hundreds of enemy types Huge end-of-level guardians Authentic 8-bit pixel art style and audio Controls have been optimized for iPhone and we are really happy with how it plays. It's available from iTunes and we hope everyone will give it a go. Get your conquer on! Suminell Z-Exemplar Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from … TouchArcade Rating: $0.99 Buy Now Watch Media DetailsZ-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of almost 1000 planets.The BackgroundZ-Exemplar was conceived as a love letter to the ZX Spectrum. Proudly retro, the game embraces the limitations of its 8-bit inspiration to deliver a fast-action, guns-toting, laser-blasting quest with intuitive gameplay and long-lasting appeal.But it's not just nostalgia for its own sake.There is something hugely appealing in the 8-bit aesthetic, something that can be absent in photo-realism. There is space for interpretation, for imagination and a vague assemblage of pixels can evoke in players a different emotion from that engendered by more detailed, distinct images. With the added vibrancy of the ZX Spectrum’s colour palette, this pixellated aesthetic gives Z-Exemplar’s visuals a unique and distinctive feel.On its surface Z-Exemplar's gameplay appears simple - shoot anything that moves and collect the booty they leave behind - but the over-arching goal of the game is anything but. You are tasked with conquering all 960 planets that make up a hostile galaxy with each planet's defenses uniquely configured. As you explore the outer reaches of the galaxy, the defenses become stronger and enemies more lethal and numerous. There is abundant challenge in Z-Exemplar, challenge that grows with your experience.To turn the battle in your favour you can access an arsenal of over 20 upgradeable weapons that transform your basic fighter craft into a devastating war machine - selecting the right loadout for each planetary battle is essential.Features * 960 Unique planetary battlegrounds * 10 Planet themes * 21 Awesome Weapon loadouts * 16+ Hours of gameplay * A galaxy full of secrets * Conquest leaderboard - who'll be first to take over the entire galaxy? * Hundreds of enemy types * Huge end-of-level guardians * Authentic 8-bit pixel art style and audio Information Seller: Genre:Action, Arcade Release:Jan 16, 2017 Updated:Nov 30, -0001 Version: Size:0.0 TouchArcade Rating: User Rating: (13) Your Rating:unrated Compatibility:HD Universal raravan Well-Known Member May 18, 2014 829 38 28 #2 raravan, Jan 17, 2017 yes! yes! YES!!! amaurote Well-Known Member Aug 30, 2011 219 0 16 #3 amaurote, Jan 17, 2017 this is very cool, i love zx specy guzhenjie1 Well-Known Member Dec 20, 2014 63 0 0 #4 guzhenjie1, Jan 17, 2017 I have to say the touch pad of movement in ipad is not very good. It's really easy to miss it. I also met one crash and some small gitches. Qwertz555 Well-Known Member May 22, 2010 2,318 29 48 #5 Qwertz555, Jan 17, 2017 Last edited: Jan 17, 2017 This is unfortunately the third twin stick shooter in a row where i have to write "I have to get used to the controls". But i'd really like to write "They're great right off the bat", for once. So yeah, it seems to be my problem lately, ouch. But i can see me spending lot of time with this gorgeous looking and sounding gem. A beautiful throw back in time, even for an Arcade gamer only back then. Oh, and it's no walk in the park! Control issue: Should my thumb leave the screen with the d-pad on the left, i can't touch it anywhere to play on. I have to find/touch the d-pad again, so no relative touch controls, again. That kills me usually. But this could be easily adressed with an update. I hope. Please! And while my settings work for the next games, going back to the option screen will always set everything back. No biggie. And yes, the screen is only that big, so it's maybe better played on an iphone 7plus and up. (Installed MB 101.2) I'm playing on an iphone 7. Edit: imho, it would be possible to make the actual playing field a bit bigger with relativ touch controls and touch the right side of the screen anywhere to shoot. I'm still surprised to see how only a few developers seem to understand/realize how to use the touch screen to the fullest, that is No visible buttons (where it's possible of course). Attached Files: IMG_1525.PNG File size: 601.1 KB Views: 29 IMG_1526.PNG File size: 532.9 KB Views: 19 SuminellStudios Well-Known Member Jun 11, 2014 77 0 0 #6 SuminellStudios, Jan 17, 2017 Hey there, Thanks for the awesome feedback and I'm really sorry you're experiencing problems with the controls. Be assured we're taking on board your comments and we'll address the issues you've raised. We understand how important intuitive, responsive controls are in a game like Z-Exemplar so we'll issue an update as soon as we've identified and rectified the bugs you've highlighted. Thanks again, Suminell. Duke12 Well-Known Member Oct 25, 2013 1,000 32 48 #7 Duke12, Jan 17, 2017 I agree, controls on Ipad are bad, drag would work but should be rescaled or smth. On 6+ its good but I prefer playing ipad raravan Well-Known Member May 18, 2014 829 38 28 #8 raravan, Jan 17, 2017 this. this and this. DonnyDJ76 Well-Known Member Nov 1, 2011 1,792 55 48 Male Teacher Hackensack, NJ #9 DonnyDJ76, Jan 17, 2017 I am wondering if there is Game Center Achievements integration...$3.99 is steep without knowing. Game looks classic! RossmanBrothersGames Well-Known Member May 9, 2014 344 2 18 http://www.rossmanbrosgames.com #10 RossmanBrothersGames, Jan 17, 2017 So pumped to dive into this Qwertz555 Well-Known Member May 22, 2010 2,318 29 48 #11 Qwertz555, Jan 17, 2017 Last edited: Jan 17, 2017 Thanks for answering, Suminell. I dare to mention that some people (not me) love the controls and momentum in Xenoraid (by 10tons), so it's an Each to his Own thing. And maybe you've got the same intention of how the controls should feel and behave. Well, so be it. Here, it is also possible to move VERY precisely to line up a powered shot or to gather some 'coins' near the dangerous edges, but only if i have time and with a tiny, very tiny move of my thumb. But in the heat of the action, and as narrow as it gets with all the projectiles and enemies on screen, a bigger move with my thumb activates also that (for me very difficult controlable) momentum, where i lose the precision while trying to dodge. Personally, i fight with your default controls, and after conquering over twenty planets, i still keep saying "it wasn't my fault!" after dying. At this point, conquering a Hostility 4 planet is impossible for me, ever. Talking intuitive...if this picture of the d-pad translate 1:1 on a big ipad, oh boy, you gonna need a looooog thumb. Or you have to lay down the device to play. Again, you have to touch the d-pad directly, the reason why i can't set the visibility of the controls to Faint. I love your game with all those flashy colors, sounds, amazing music, different enemies, the not too long levels (to memorize) and the incredible content...but... PS: i re-dl R-Type 2 (by DotEmu, also a top side-scroller) to feel those relative touch controls again...yep, they hold up in such a difficult shooter, and i finished it. Edit: i really want to put this game's name into my GOTY contenders. The potential is given in my favorite genre. Attached Files: IMG_1527.PNG File size: 192.7 KB Views: 20 esty8nine Well-Known Member Dec 21, 2013 1,044 0 0 #12 esty8nine, Jan 17, 2017 I'm also really excited to dive into this one BazookaTime Well-Known Member Sep 30, 2009 5,340 1 36 Kansas http://www.paulmcraelind.com #13 BazookaTime, Jan 17, 2017 Love the look of this! esty8nine Well-Known Member Dec 21, 2013 1,044 0 0 #14 esty8nine, Jan 17, 2017 Love the game so far But I do have to agree the controls for the ship.... ehhhh It's like it wants to be a 1:1 fight game but the ship moves slow so your finger goes across the sceeen but the ship doesn't. Then you release to readjust your finger but the ship keeps moving in the direction you last moved your thumb, it's all just really weird. I'll take anything from, move your thumb a little right, the ship will keep going right. Like a control circle, or 1:1 movement, anything really. Don't get me wrong after the dev tweaks the game, I'll be putting a lot of time into this ! =] repapermunky Well-Known Member Aug 29, 2012 624 0 0 #15 repapermunky, Jan 17, 2017 Okay so how do I activate the hidden emulator? lol JohnnyClash Well-Known Member Mar 11, 2016 611 1 0 #16 JohnnyClash, Jan 17, 2017 Last edited: Jan 18, 2017 Ohh, heck.. whatever.. Here we go.. Jackaluk Well-Known Member Jul 3, 2015 396 94 28 #17 Jackaluk, Jan 17, 2017 Hi Devs, Keen to see if you are considering MFI Controller support, well implemented this would be perfect! spizak Active Member Jul 23, 2010 35 0 0 #18 spizak, Jan 17, 2017 Def getting this once it has mfi. walmartpolice Well-Known Member May 12, 2012 162 0 0 #19 walmartpolice, Jan 18, 2017 Controls have the potential to be great. Probably just a bug more than a design choice. I'm able to fine tune how the ship flys but sometimes when I drag a great distance and let go, the ship will continue to fly. Looking forward to when this is fixed. 7lilwhitewolf7 Well-Known Member Feb 1, 2012 3,129 15 38 Male Not hear on earth Georgia,Cleveland Ohio,Texas,New York #20 7lilwhitewolf7, Jan 18, 2017 ########### ########### ###Z-Exemplar#### ########### ########### (You must log in or sign up to post here.) 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I have to say the touch pad of movement in ipad is not very good. It's really easy to miss it. I also met one crash and some small gitches.
This is unfortunately the third twin stick shooter in a row where i have to write "I have to get used to the controls". But i'd really like to write "They're great right off the bat", for once. So yeah, it seems to be my problem lately, ouch. But i can see me spending lot of time with this gorgeous looking and sounding gem. A beautiful throw back in time, even for an Arcade gamer only back then. Oh, and it's no walk in the park! Control issue: Should my thumb leave the screen with the d-pad on the left, i can't touch it anywhere to play on. I have to find/touch the d-pad again, so no relative touch controls, again. That kills me usually. But this could be easily adressed with an update. I hope. Please! And while my settings work for the next games, going back to the option screen will always set everything back. No biggie. And yes, the screen is only that big, so it's maybe better played on an iphone 7plus and up. (Installed MB 101.2) I'm playing on an iphone 7. Edit: imho, it would be possible to make the actual playing field a bit bigger with relativ touch controls and touch the right side of the screen anywhere to shoot. I'm still surprised to see how only a few developers seem to understand/realize how to use the touch screen to the fullest, that is No visible buttons (where it's possible of course).
Hey there, Thanks for the awesome feedback and I'm really sorry you're experiencing problems with the controls. Be assured we're taking on board your comments and we'll address the issues you've raised. We understand how important intuitive, responsive controls are in a game like Z-Exemplar so we'll issue an update as soon as we've identified and rectified the bugs you've highlighted. Thanks again, Suminell.
I agree, controls on Ipad are bad, drag would work but should be rescaled or smth. On 6+ its good but I prefer playing ipad
I am wondering if there is Game Center Achievements integration...$3.99 is steep without knowing. Game looks classic!
Thanks for answering, Suminell. I dare to mention that some people (not me) love the controls and momentum in Xenoraid (by 10tons), so it's an Each to his Own thing. And maybe you've got the same intention of how the controls should feel and behave. Well, so be it. Here, it is also possible to move VERY precisely to line up a powered shot or to gather some 'coins' near the dangerous edges, but only if i have time and with a tiny, very tiny move of my thumb. But in the heat of the action, and as narrow as it gets with all the projectiles and enemies on screen, a bigger move with my thumb activates also that (for me very difficult controlable) momentum, where i lose the precision while trying to dodge. Personally, i fight with your default controls, and after conquering over twenty planets, i still keep saying "it wasn't my fault!" after dying. At this point, conquering a Hostility 4 planet is impossible for me, ever. Talking intuitive...if this picture of the d-pad translate 1:1 on a big ipad, oh boy, you gonna need a looooog thumb. Or you have to lay down the device to play. Again, you have to touch the d-pad directly, the reason why i can't set the visibility of the controls to Faint. I love your game with all those flashy colors, sounds, amazing music, different enemies, the not too long levels (to memorize) and the incredible content...but... PS: i re-dl R-Type 2 (by DotEmu, also a top side-scroller) to feel those relative touch controls again...yep, they hold up in such a difficult shooter, and i finished it. Edit: i really want to put this game's name into my GOTY contenders. The potential is given in my favorite genre.
Love the game so far But I do have to agree the controls for the ship.... ehhhh It's like it wants to be a 1:1 fight game but the ship moves slow so your finger goes across the sceeen but the ship doesn't. Then you release to readjust your finger but the ship keeps moving in the direction you last moved your thumb, it's all just really weird. I'll take anything from, move your thumb a little right, the ship will keep going right. Like a control circle, or 1:1 movement, anything really. Don't get me wrong after the dev tweaks the game, I'll be putting a lot of time into this ! =]
Hi Devs, Keen to see if you are considering MFI Controller support, well implemented this would be perfect!
Controls have the potential to be great. Probably just a bug more than a design choice. I'm able to fine tune how the ship flys but sometimes when I drag a great distance and let go, the ship will continue to fly. Looking forward to when this is fixed.