Typical military arcade game, published by Epic Megagames Inc. and released in December 1993, Zone 66 took the overhead shooter to another level. Rather than move in just one direction, it let the user move freely in 360 degrees around a map. Featuring high-action game play, a techno soundtrack and plenty of options, this game is a definite winner.
The general plot line is as follows:
You were once part of the Global Security Agency, a united front that seeks to rid the world of all terrorism.
You don't know why exactly terrorists are destroying the world but for some reason, it is the GSA's task to stop them. You are an ex-GSA ace pilot. One time, when engaging the enemy aircraft, you downed 5 planes. Unfortunately, one of these planes landed in a populated area, and having nothing else to, you were to blame for the incident. Unable to withstand this pressure, you decided to leave the GSA for good. Your duty as a pilot was not over though, as a mysterious man contacted you. He showed you a medal decoration, which denoted that he was a GSA agent, and a very highly skilled one at that. He warned you of an incoming terrorist bomb strike on your home town.
and so begins your new quest.
You can select 3 types of ships: heavy bombers, quick fighter planes, and the hybrids. You also have the option to choose which arsenal to equip your ship with. There is an interesting range of enemy targets to pick out, ranging from ships to other planes, and depending on the type of aircraft you picked [and of course the difficulty setting] you have to select your strategy for attacking. For example bombers can simply fly over their targets and let loose their payload while Flyers can chip away at the enemy defenses by lining up with the targets on the radar, drop their bombs when they've soared by, and circle back for the next row of targets.
As an old Dos game, this one ranks right up there alongside doom or Starlancer. Its graphics and handling are good for its time, although considered a little annoying by today's standards. It is an exiting game with an exiting plot line that keeps one engaged. Its soundtrack isn't to shabby either.
The excitement of Zone 66 ranks right up there with Doom or Starlancer. I certainly spent hours playing it and it’s nice to be able to revisit such classics.
