Dustoff Z Review
Release Date: Oct 15, 2020
Publisher: Zordix
Developer: Invictus Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (reviewed) Xbox, Steam , PS4 (forthcoming)
Price: $11.99
Dustoff Z, reminds me strongly of one of the first scrolling games I played, 1982s Dan Golin classic, Choplifter. In the intervening decades the concept has been revived and revised in a number of ways, but the idea is still the same. Side scroll across the map, avoiding obstacles and enemies to accomplish whatever the game’s story requires you to accomplish. Rescue hostages, fetch vital cargo, deliver milk, etcetera. The real question we have here is not so much about the mechanics. It’s how well developer Invictus Games do with the concept?
The answer is not too shabby. The game begins with a cut scene, the crew of a police Helicopter (That’s you) being attacked by zombies. They escape the attack and make it to a safe location where the game begins.
Why yes, my helicopter is made from a 57 Chevy.. why do you ask?
You already know the drill here, zombies. As a helicopter pilot, you have to complete 30 missions to help the survivors rebuild. Predictably, these involve rescuing civilians, escorting supply convoys, and attacking improbable zombie bosses. Game play is side-scrolling and you dodge not only different types of zombies, but various random obstacles. These individual levels are short and sweet, so it feels almost like a mobile game.
Helpfully difficulty modes can be changed on the fly before each mission. So, if you can’t get past something, you can lighten the load for yourself to keep progressing. Completion of levels earns you up to three stars, each of which in true survivalist fashion equates to rewards in the form of sprockets or canned food. These are important; they can upgrade your weapons and helicopters, which makes it less likely that the hordes of the life-challenged will feast on your sweet tasty flesh anytime soon. For example, you can take two passengers with you on your missions, who act as door gunners. As the game progresses, you can unlock more crew like and improve their weapons, selecting the best crew for the tasks at hand.
It’s this extra depth that helps Dustoff Z rise above previous entries in the genre. The game is also accessible with the first mission functioning as a tutorial that eases you into the game.
Of course difficulty increases as you progress, and convenient save and supply points are scattered along your route. Thankfully, save points are dotted along the way that also replenish your supplies: ammo, fuel and health.. Continuing after failing a mission is also possible, but only in exchange for your beans and sprockets.
Why do they have Stitches? Whose giving zombies medical attention?
The artwork is very nice, a well-rendered retro look, and the improvised repairs to your helicopter shabbily comic. The music is appropriate for an action movie, rocking tracks that fit the cartoon-retro aesthetic. The cartoon violence can also be further tamed by turning blood off in the settings, something that my ten-year-old appreciated as it meant he could play too without bringing the Wrath of Mom™ down on us both.
On the downside, this whole zombie thing has been done to death. There are no surprises, and the developers seemed to have tried to straddle the line between cartoony and serious and missed opportunities in both directions. A little more originality would have gone a long way here. That said, if I want to make my own game I should do that and stop micromanaging these guys, who all in all did a respectable job.
Bottom line, Dustoff Z is a pleasant diversion. It's not the deepest or longest game of the year, but it was worth playing and worth coming back to when you just want to some easy fun.
The Good:
Gentle learning curve.
Good looks and sound.
Zombies!
The Bad:
Repetitive.
Limited replay value.
Zombies… again