Get ready for a dose of retro-inspired chaos as ZOE Begone!, the debut title from Glasgow-based solo developer Graeme Hawkins (Retchy Games), prepares to launch on PC and consoles on September 17, 2025.
This high-octane, hand-drawn bullet-hell shooter is a stunning example of solo Scottish talent, blending the aesthetics of 1930s drawn-on-film animation with the frenetic action of a classic arcade shoot ‘em up.
In ZOE Begone!, players take on the role of Zoe, a feisty film-strip heroine whose nap is rudely interrupted when a mischievous Animator begins scribbling enemies into her world. Players will need to shoot, dash, and pound their way through hordes of painted foes to reclaim their reel and get some well-deserved peace.
The game’s unique visual style is inspired by the experimental work of Scottish animator Norman McLaren, with every frame and character being fully hand-drawn. This gives the game a beautifully chaotic and expressive feel, as the Animator’s giant paintbrush and pen swing across the screen to bring new threats to life.
Graeme Hawkins, the animator and game designer behind Retchy Games, has over a decade of experience in experimental animation, and his passion for the craft is evident in every ink-splattering detail of his debut game.
Key Features Include:
- Unique Hand-Drawn Animations: A striking visual style inspired by the 1930s.
- Frenetic Bullet-Hell Gameplay: Fast-paced, chaotic action across multiple arenas.
- Dynamic Upgrades: Collect Apples to unlock new weapons and game-changing power-ups.
- Infinite Replayability: Multiple modes, including Arcade, Time Attack, and a boss-rush Frame Trap mode, with online leaderboards to climb.
This is an inspiring combination of Scottish creativity, bringing together the worlds of games an animation in a unique (and very playable) way..
A free playable demo of ZOE Begone! is available to try on Steam right now, with the full game launching on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on September 17.