Ziq Runs onto Steam August 1

By: GeekyGamerGirl87

Developed by Midnight Sea Studios and published by 3D Realms Ziq (pronounced Zic)  is a Sci-Fi Arcade Runner. I was excited to see 3D Realms name on this project, as 3D Realms always reminds me of games from my childhood. In fact, to this day I still go back and play games from 3D Realms from time to time. Therefore, when I was giving the opportunity to cover Ziq, I was more than happy to cover the game. The game will be releasing on Steam on August 1 and will be coming later in the year to Nintendo Switch. Before I begin my review, I would  like to take the time to thank both Midnight Sea Studios and 3D Realms for providing me with a free key of Ziq. It should also be noted that for the sake of this review I will be playing the Steam version of Ziq.

There isn’t exactly a storyline to Ziq, but there is a main objective. All you must do is collect sequences and avoid obstacles while you continuously run. Sounds simple, am I right? No, it is not simple. In fact, if you are one that rages when it comes to games, I do recommend you play and see if it doesn’t make you rage a little. However, the fact that the game makes me rage a little makes me appreciate and fuels a fire in my heart to play this game. If anything, mainly to prove the game that it is wrong. Now before you all think I have lost my mind, let me assure you I have not.

The game has an A.I. who will pretty much heckle you throughout your gameplay. When you die it gives a smart retort to your death. Which then in turns makes you want to play the game even more. Even during the tutorial for the game, this A.I. will say some things that gets the blood boiling. So, as opposed to getting  angry, I use it as a motivator to try to get further and further in the game.

In order to progress through the game, you must steer Ziq and collect the sequences, which are the power orbs that are to each side. You will find the sequence at the top of your screen. Collecting the sequence will cause another one to form and once you get seven you get an overcharge which can help destroy barriers of the opposite color of Ziq. Also, the longer you keep the sequence going the more points you gain. After about a minute or two the stages do change. I have personally made it up to stage 3 on the game thus far. Mainly, because when the game heckles you it throws my game off a bit, but again I still love the game.

I will say that graphically, the game is stunning even turning the game resolution down it still looks pretty good. I will admit that the game is a little fast paced and if you do suffer from motion sickness, there is a chance that this could make you a bit nauseated.

Remember, if at any time you are playing a game and it makes you feel nauseated take a break and regroup. Never play any game past your body’s limit.

When it comes to the controls of the game  you can play with both gamepad and keyboard/mouse. I will say now that the game is played better with the gamepad. You have the option to play with either the analog stick or directional pad. I personally prefer to play with the directional pad when it comes to moving Ziq around. Sometimes my finger will push the analog over too far causing me to run into an obstacle. So, for me the d-pad just felt a little more natural.

Again, you can use the keyboard/mouse. I found the controls okay with keyboard/mouse as well. It added an additional level of difficulty to the game. However, the controls were still straight forward it’s just using the A and D keys  that can be a little tricky. So, if you are looking for more of a challenge then I suggest playing with keyboard and mouse.

When it comes to the music for the game I thought it was pretty good. It has a trance sound to it and I just so happen to like trance music sometimes. The music wasn’t overpowering, and it drew me into the game more. When I first played I listened to my own music, but when I listened to the games music, I found myself playing the game even more, and doing surprisingly better. I would get into the zone and before you knew it, I was on the next stage and my score was climbing.

The game does feature a high score board; in which you get to compete against others from around the globe. It’s also shows you the scores between you and your friends. I am glad that they added a global scoreboard. My fear was that although the game is fun, that people would lose interest in it. So, making a global leader board was a smart move. Another board I think would be cool to add would be how long a person has gone for time wise. It could even be a separate mode to the game. Have it to where the player still collects the sequences but instead of points it will capture the time the player has been running for. The game also has a total of thirty-one achievements that you can collect, which also adds replay value to the game. For those who enjoy collecting trading cards, you will be happy to know that Ziq does offer trading cards, for you to collect.

Overall, I can say that I do recommend Ziq because it is something you can really get into and play. From the A.I. heckling the player (even when you exit the game the A.I. heckles you.) , to the music and the graphics. When you start Ziq you are going to have a hard time putting it down. If you would love to experience Ziq for yourself, you can pick it up on Steam for $9.99 USD.