Remastered iPad and iPhone enhanced versions of the classic action strategy title released today on the App Store through digital publisher Kavcom
The long-awaited 21st Century reissue of The Bitmap Brothers’ classic action real-time strategy title Z is finally unleashed today on the iPad by digital publisher Kavcom. Z The Game is a faithful and thoroughly modern reworking of the seminal Bitmap title, retaining its offbeat comedy and addictive real-time strategy game play, but adding a streamlined touch-screen interface for the iPad that offers players unprecedented smooth control of the two war-ravaged robot armies.
Z The Game for iPad and iPhone packs in the full campaign with 20 explosive levels, five planets, 30 minutes of cut scenes and full Game Center integration.
On its original release in 1996, Z: The Game was given 8/10 by EDGE Magazine, which commented that, “the computer rivals the best non-human opponents strategy games have ever seen…the attention to detail is remarkable,” while PC Zone awarded 92% and a Classic Award, saying the game was, “like Command & Conquer, only harder, more strategic and more intense.”
Z: The Game was developed by original creators The Bitmap Brothers (Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Xenon) in conjunction with Kavcom, Peter Harrap (Monty Mole) and TickTock Games.
“It’s finally here, and I’m pleased to say that Z: The Game on iPad and iPhone is everything we wanted it to be,” said Managing Director of Kavcom, Tony Kavanagh. “We’ve built it from scratch for touch-screen, so it’s incredibly intuitive to play, but keeps all of The Bitmap Brothers’ unique style, humour and attitude. I’m sure Z fans old and new will just love it.”
If you’d like more information, visit www.zthegame.com, become a fan of Z The Game on Facebook or follow @zthegame on Twitter.
Hello there,
just wondering if there’s an ETA on the Playbook version at all? I picked one up cheap today as I read the news
. Let me know when you have a moment, thanks!
Hi Jason
As soon as the Mac screen resolution problems have been resolved. this will allow us to release onto any screen configuration without stretching the graphics. Fingers crossed both the Mac and the Playbook versions will be released this month
Tony
Still on target or are we looking at Feb/Mar?
The Playbook version only requires the sound to be initiated it will defiantly
Happy newyear!
I hope this year brings the Android version of Z!
Im waiting since you guys announced it!
Why is it not possible/too expensive to deploy android because of piracy? While the I-Phone is also jailbrakeble which has the same result as on android? (No money)
I would deffinitly pay for this game..
Is there any chance/hope for Z: android?
When did the Android version come?
Hi Jack
when Google increase the allowable app size
Tony
Still nothing for pc i want to play it so much again
Hi
We are still working on it
Tony
Merry Xmas!!
Any news on when we might be seeing Z on android? I know your waiting on the market app size increase, but any news from Google about when that might be? Can’t wait to play this game!
Hi
They are saying first quarter 2012
Tony
I’m guessing the Christmas playbook release date is going to be missed?
Unfortunately yes, It’s reliant on the the multiple screed resolution code that’s proving to be very problematic on our Mac development
I thought the playbook would require a single fixed resolution?
Hi
It is but it’s different from any we have released to date.
Tony
Android version release date?
Android – As previously stated we have completed this version. We are waiting for Google to release/upgrade the app size limit to 2gig from 50meg. I appreciate we could release a small portion of the game through “Android Market” and allow the end user to download the remaining part from a server. We have contacted a number of specialist companies who would handle this for us. the lowest quote was $0.25 per download. None of the companies contacted could offer a service that differentiated between people who had purchased the game from those who had a pirated version. The average ratio of piracy on the Android platform could be as high as 100 pirated versions to each copy purchased . If it is as high as 100-1 we would be paying $25 to the server company against each copy we sell…………result we would be out of business:-)
2 GB for the android version?
May I ask how big the PC version is going to be?
the current allowable app size is 50 meg, Google plan to increase this to 2 gig. Z is 350meg
Hey, just to say I’m very excited about this re-release, with the PC version have you already sent it to Steam for submission or are we still waiting?
Also it’s ashame about the android and piracy, I understand it’s easy to do but I think with your product you’ll get alot of support for how good it seems to run
Like I said I’m very excited and hope to see Z on the android market and Steam soon, of which I’ll be buying both versions.
Hopefully you are not going to just release the PC version of Z on Steam.
Releasing it on Games Arena would be awesome.
http://www.gamearena.com.au/shop/games/
A lot of deadlines have been missed. Has the Z project been deserted?
Hi Mike.
Certainly not, we are fully committed to supporting Z. Here is an update on each format.
iOS – We are working on 2-3 and four player via Game Centre. This will be a free upgrade with 5+ levels with further level pack/packs available via in app purchase.
Android – As previously stated we have completed this version. We are waiting for Google to release/upgrade the app size limit to 2gig from 50meg. I appreciate we could release a small portion of the game through “Android Market” and allow the end user to download the remaining part from a server. We have contacted a number of specialist companies who would handle this for us. the lowest quote was $0.25 per download. None of the companies contacted could offer a service that differentiated between people who had purchased the game from those who had a pirated version. The average ratio of piracy on the Android platform could be as high as 100 pirated versions to each copy purchased . If it is as high as 100-1 we would be paying $25 to the server company against each copy we sell…………result we would be out of business:-)
MAC and PC – The mac version is only days away from completion. The problem has been screen resolution. The original PC version was fixed at 320*240 which quite frankly looked c**p on today’s Mac/PC’s. The end user can now select what screen resolution they want to play the game in. We are now fixing some minor screen clipping issues caused by increasing the visible game area on larger monitors i.e. objects appearing in the wrong place or only partially displayed. The Mac version will be released first via the Mac App Store with the PC version being submitted to Steam for approval.
Playbook – Will be out before Christmas. We have experienced problems with the sound drivers supplied by RIM/Blackberry.
I’m sorry for the lack of news/updates. We are a small team, we need to get things right if we do the Bitmaps have promised we can develop and release Z Steel Solders Next.
regards
Tony
“We have experienced problems with the sound drivers supplied by RIM/Blackberry.”
Does this problem cause the sound to loop in places by any chance?
Hi
Among other problems. Have you bought either International Snooker or Doodle Pool which we publish under My Interactive. If you have you will see we have solved these issues. Unfortunately Z uses a conditional music system which needs more work.
Tony
Great!
Z Steel Soldiers kind of wasn’t as popular then Z and for today’s standards has pretty crude graphics. Is there a possibility of a Z:2 instead? Maybe a revamp like starcraft 2 did for starcraft?