ZPF Shoot 'Em Up Smashes Kickstarter Goal in Record Time for SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis

ZPF, the highly anticipated shoot 'em up from ZPF Team and publisher Mega Cat Studios, has launched its Kickstarter campaign for the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis to resounding success.

Debuting on July 1, 2024, the crowdfunding initiative not only captured the enthusiasm of the retro gaming community but also sailed past its funding goal of £11,852 in a remarkable 19 minutes, establishing ZPF as one of the most swiftly backed indie projects for the classic platform. The campaign offers various backer rewards, catering to both collectors and digital enthusiasts.

Supporters can secure a ZPF cartridge alongside numerous digital extras—including the game manual, original soundtrack, poster, and an artbook—for $45 (around £36).

For those seeking a more complete package, a boxed copy is available at $60 (roughly £45).

Higher support tiers feature exclusive collectibles such as posters, enamel pins, stickers, a vinyl edition of the soundtrack, and even display dioramas, further tapping into fans’ nostalgia for classic 16-bit gaming. First revealed by ZPF Team through a teaser trailer in 2020, the project has steadily gained attention via updates and livestream appearances.

ZPF is developed exclusively for the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis hardware, promising an authentic retro experience powered by the hardware’s classic 16-bit architecture.

In June 2024, Mega Cat Studios announced that ZPF would enter Kickstarter on July 1, with the campaign now underway and exceeding expectations. Fans eager to try before they back have welcomed the availability of the ZPF demo, now accessible again on Mega Cat Studios’ official website.

The demo, previously removed for undisclosed reasons, features vibrant graphics, imaginative alien designs, and a compelling soundtrack that pays homage to the golden era of shoot 'em ups.

Players can select from three distinct ships: the Gold ship, Gradius ship, and Knight ship, each adding unique gameplay variety and strategic depth. Mega Cat Studios describes ZPF as: “Embark on an epic journey through space and time with ZPF.

This mesmerizing shoot 'em up, designed for the SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis, offers a high-energy, visually rich adventure filled with unique enemies, expansive stages, and challenging bosses.” While no concrete release date has been announced for the full version, the demo offers a promising preview of what retro shooters and SEGA fans can expect.

As ZPF continues to gather support, the collaboration between ZPF Team and Mega Cat Studios stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic video games and the communities that keep them alive.

For more updates and to experience the demo, visit Mega Cat Studios’ website.

SEGA Genesis Mega Drive Kickstarter Mega Cat Studios Goal SEGA Mega Drive