Red Laser Z

Red Laser Z is a story-driven game in which Janine Potts, an agent of the state, is sent to Science Station S-33 after it is occupied by “ants,” an invasive species of insectoid aliens. The station’s AI host, Axiom 3B, greets her, but Janine soon hears that Chief Scientist Dr. Halinkov has kidnapped an Ant-Queen for experiments. You navigate the station, fight aliens, speak with its residents and search hidden areas to uncover the truth about the invasion.

Combat and choices

Your laser can destroy scene objects and NPCs as well as enemies. Hitting enemies earns money, while hitting other things adds Penalty Points; exceeding 40 points ends the game. Accurate hits build a money multiplier that resets when you miss, and destroying shielded enemies with one shot earns extra money by shooting through the gaps. You can also use grenades and bombs for area damage, and look around corners while moving.

As an agent, Janine’s mission is to eliminate 100% of the alien invaders, but some may surprise you. Whether to pull the trigger is your choice. The story explores artificial intelligence, existentialism, religion, time travel, politics and the importance of easy access to caffeine.

Clones and supplies

You have one life, but can create up to five clones in each stage. When you die, your mind transfers to a clone’s brain; creating a replacement clone after each death costs money. Shops sell energy, ammo, grenades, a protective vest that explodes when depleted, two laser upgrades and redemption for Penalty Points.

Exploration and characters

You can talk to all NPCs, and each stage has one Special NPC who offers a more in-depth, optional dialogue. Hidden areas contain retro video games that you can collect to earn money. At the end of each stage, an accuracy statistics screen can award extra money.

Stages and modes

The game includes 10 handcrafted stages, two bosses and three raycast-based weapons. Campaign Mode saves your progress, while Free Play Mode lets you jump directly to any stage. The 3D environments use pixel art, and the game offers 2–4 hours of gameplay.