ZARLOR MERCENARY
Objective:
Zarlor Mercenary is a topview scroller. You pilot a small ship through 6 different worlds and you have to destroy as many spaceships and buildings as possible, without being blasted to bits. For each ship or object you destroy you earn cash (hence the title), which you can use to upgrade your ship. There are also many pick-ups on each level giving extra items, such as shields and megabombs.
Gameplay:
You either like this type of game, or you don't. For me, it was (and thanks to the Handy emulator, it is) an ideal short break to get rid of too much tension.
You start the game by selecting a character with a specific strength, but this makes only a difference in the first level (or if you die often), since after level 1 you will probably have all available weapons.
Use the directional pad to move, use button A to fire missiles and button B to fire your laser (it automatically targets the ship closest to yours). Pressing OPTION 1 detonates a very powerful megabomb (you start with 1), destroying everything on screen.
Controlling your ship and firing is easy, and you will soon be occupied dodging laser blasts, ships and other hazards. When your experience grows you'll recognize the attack patterns of enemy ships. At the end of each level you get one or more huge crafts which must be destroyed. They too have a specific attack pattern. Recognizing this will help you survive their barrage of missiles. Because of this the game is not impossible to complete, though it will stay challenging.
Audio:
Basically you get the traditional sounds of laserblasts, explosions, zaps, etc. Though not highly imaginative, they are good quality and do not bore or irritate at all. The music has got some scifi influences, and I have to say is really quite nice. The original LYNX speaker gives a pleasantly warm sound (much, much better than my Gameboy Advance SP) and this music does the audio quality of the LYNX justice. If you really don't like it, you can turn it of by pressing OPTION 2.
Graphics:
After many years I have now an opportunity to play almost all the LYNX games using the emulator, and by comparing I can say that Zarlor Mercenary is one of the best looking games available (if not the best). Very important: all the text is easy to read and the lay-out of menus is sensible. It really is a feast for the eyes. Each level has a very distinct style, the visual design is great, and the details...oh my. It's got it all, from faux shadow effects to miniscule running figures (which you can blast as well, ouch!) It's rich in colour and style. Is it original, you ask? Not really, but we designers say: 'It's better to steal that which is good than to create that which is bad.'
Value:
Zarlor Mercenary really is one of the best games released for the LYNX. Every aspect is balanced to deliver a satisfying whole. Visually outstanding, with a clean interface and not too difficult. I really wish it was available on my Gameboy.
victor van schagen