Zombie Hunter

About

Zombie Hunter is a 1987 action RPG from Hi-Score that mixes sidescrolling platforming with turn-based combat. You navigate six horizontally scrolling levels, each guarded by waves of enemies you must defeat or force to retreat before advancing. Battles use a simple but methodical system where you select attacks or items to wear down foes. Progress depends on grinding experience to boost stats and unlock new moves, with each level’s layout offering limited areas to explore for hidden resources. The game emphasizes persistence over complexity, with a straightforward goal: clear the labyrinth and stop a corrupted spirit from disrupting the world’s energy balance. The story revolves around a rebel earth spirit who steals a powerful artifact, causing chaos in the city of Palma. As a warrior summoned to retrieve it, you follow a linear path through increasingly tough encounters, with no saving between levels, just a growing sense of urgency. While the gameplay loops can feel repetitive, the blend of action and RPG mechanics was notable for its time, especially on systems like the MSX2. Older players occasionally cite it as a forgotten artifact of early RPG experimentation, with its rigid difficulty and lack of modern comforts making it a polarizing choice for retro fans.

Storyline

The city of Palma had been protected by the four spirits who govern fire, water, wind, and earth, continuing a long era of peace. One day, Dolgo, the spirit of earth, started a revolt. He made off with the Life Seeker and disappeared into his underground labyrinth. The Life Seeker does the essential work of controlling this world's Energy. Dolgo acquired the ability to freely use that Energy. Meanwhile, the people of Palma began to lose their souls, and the city was filled with sadness and pain. Ariel, the spirit of wind, commanded her subordinate, Byuzu to seek out a hero who could defeat Dolgo and regain the Life Seeker. You are the warrior chosen by Byuzu. To defeat Dolgo, you set off on a journey into the underground labyrinth…