Zoar

About

Zoar is a vertical shooter where you control a small ship battling waves of enemies in a scrolling playfield. The gameplay emphasizes quick reflexes and steady shooting, with simple mechanics that keep the action tight. Released in 1982, it leans into the arcade era’s focus on short bursts of intense action. Single-player mode challenges you alone, while the two-player option lets a friend join in either as an ally or opponent, adding a layer of rivalry or teamwork. The game’s appeal comes from its early multiplayer feature, a rarity at the time for arcade shooters. Though its pixel art and enemy designs are minimal, they fit the era’s aesthetic well, making it a nostalgic piece for retro fans. Zoar doesn’t reinvent the genre but delivers a polished, high-score-driven experience that held up in arcades for its time. Its straightforward approach and optional co-op make it a quick but memorable pick for fans of classic shoot ’em ups.