Description

"Gates of Zendocon" is a captivating side-scrolling shoot 'em up video game developed by Epyx for the Atari Lynx handheld system, released in 1989. The game is set in a vast, hostile universe where the player controls a spacecraft tasked with navigating through the "Gates of Zendocon" to fight and defeat a malevolent entity known as Zendocon, which has ensnared numerous alien worlds. Players travel across a network of interconnected levels, each guarded by a gatekeeper, which must be defeated to progress. The game's branching level structure offers multiple paths through the game, adding to its replayability, and the player can rescue trapped allies who then aid in the battle.

The game was notable for its technical achievements on the Lynx platform, showcasing smooth scrolling graphics and detailed sprites that pushed the capabilities of the handheld. "Gates of Zendocon" was designed to exploit the Lynx's powerful hardware, featuring rich, diverse environments and enemy designs that were remarkably advanced for a portable system of that time. The ability to link several Atari Lynx systems for cooperative multiplayer gameplay was another innovative aspect, enhancing its appeal. The atmosphere is heightened by a suspenseful soundtrack that matches the game’s space exploration theme. "Gates of Zendocon" remains a memorable title in the Lynx library, praised for its depth and the strategic elements required in navigating through the game’s complex map of interconnected levels.

Gameplay

Gates of Zendocon - Gameplay

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Title

Gates of Zendocon - Title

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