Zoe Begone! is a vibrant, hand-drawn bullet hell shooter that blends chaotic arcade action with a unique 1930s animation-inspired aesthetic. It’s fast, frantic, and visually striking—perfect for fans of shoot-’em-ups who crave both challenge and charm.
🎮 Overview
Zoe Begone! is not just another indie shooter—it’s a love letter to the golden age of animation wrapped in bullet hell chaos. Developed by Retchy Games and published by PM Studios, the game drops players into a surreal world where Zoe, a tiny hand-drawn heroine, fights for her very existence against “The Animator,” a villain who literally wants to erase her from the page.
The game is available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, making it accessible to both hardcore SHMUP fans and curious newcomers. Its premise is refreshingly whimsical: Zoe just wants to sleep, but every time she closes her eyes, waves of enemies and bosses invade her dreams.
- Developer/Publisher: Retchy Games / PM Studios
- Genre: Bullet hell / Shoot-’em-up (SHMUP)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation, Switch
- Visual Style: Inspired by early animation reels, with papercraft-like textures and looping film-strip borders
The premise is deceptively simple: Zoe, a small hand-drawn heroine, just wants to sleep. Her nemesis, “The Animator,” tries to erase her from existence by filling the screen with geometric enemies, brushes, pens, and other animation tools turned into bosses.
✨ Gameplay
At its core, Zoe Begone! is a bullet hell shooter—meaning the screen is constantly flooded with projectiles, forcing players to weave through intricate patterns with razor-sharp reflexes
- Bullet Hell Chaos: Expect swarms of enemies, screen-filling attacks, and constant dodging. Unlike games that only borrow bullet hell elements (like Nier: Automata or Returnal), Zoe Begone! fully embraces the genre.
- Arcade Roots: The game recalls classics like Defender and Fantasy Zone, with looping screens and radar mechanics.
- Boss Battles: Each boss is themed around animation tools—giant brushes, pens, and reels—adding creative flair to the chaos.
- Difficulty: Not for the faint of heart. The game demands sharp reflexes and attentiveness, making it a true test for bullet hell veterans.
🎨 Visuals & Style
- Cuphead Comparisons: While Cuphead emulates cel animation, Zoe Begone! feels more tactile, like papercraft brought to life.
- Film Reel Aesthetic: The game’s border and looping animation effects give it a retro cinematic vibe.
- Hand-Drawn Energy: Every frame bursts with color and chaotic creativity, making it as fun to watch as it is to play.
📝 Reception
- The Escapist: Praises its “frantic, fast-paced, and joyful” gameplay.
- TheXboxHub: Notes its striking visual style and unique take on SHMUP conventions.
- Gazettely: Highlights the deceptively simple premise and high-intensity challenge.
- Games Asylum: Appreciates its blend of arcade nostalgia with modern bullet hell mechanics.
⚖️ Verdict
Zoe Begone! is a test of skill wrapped in artistic flair. It’s not a casual game you breeze through—it’s a gauntlet designed for players who thrive on challenge. But its whimsical premise and gorgeous visuals soften the edges, making frustration feel more like determination.
If you loved Cuphead for its artistry but wished it leaned harder into bullet hell mechanics, Zoe Begone! is exactly that evolution. It’s a game that proves indie developers can still surprise us with fresh ideas in a crowded genre.
