ATLANTA, Nov 5, 2026: Shiny Dolphin Games announced that Zap Blastum, a top-down shooter built around cover, will launch on Steam and itch.io for Windows, Mac, and Linux on Nov 9. It will launch at $8.99, a 10% discount from the regular $9.99 price.
Zap Blastum is a fast-paced cover shooter where smart positioning is critical. Move up to any wall to take cover, and Zap automatically leans out when you fire. Select a target to lock on, and Zap takes care of aiming so you can focus on moving between cover spots and tactical positioning.
“We wanted to make a top-down shooter with real challenge and visceral action that anyone can play. The lock-on targeting keeps the game accessible, and the cover system provides tactical depth as players move up the skill curve.” - Kevin Dressel, Shiny Dolphin Games
The robots are arcade-style enemies that are smart like in a strategy game, ruthless in their pursuit of the player. They use cover too and can coordinate flanking maneuvers, so battles require delicate risk and opportunity management, like a real-time X-COM.
The cover combat draws inspiration from Gears of War and Mass Effect 2, reimagined in a colorful, top-down adventure. The presentation takes inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, Star Wars, and Disney, with hand-drawn animated cutscenes and an original soundtrack with rock and 80s movie influences. The main theme was recorded with a live orchestra. The game features sci-fi violence with robots, intentionally chosen to avoid blood and gore, so all ages can play.
Key Features
- Take cover at any wall and lean out automatically while firing
- Many types of cover including short, tall, destructible, and status-effect
- Over 15 types of robot enemies introduced over time
- 18 weapons with unique firing patterns
- Hijack vehicles like turrets, mechs, speeders, and copters
- 30 handcrafted levels across 5 planets
- Campaign and arcade modes with multiple difficulty levels
- Play in Solo Mode or 2-player Local Co-Op
- 30 upgrades with 4 levels each, unlocked with medals earned from your score
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O9h9Wr_6C4
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/696850/Zap_Blastum/
Itch page: https://shinydolphin.itch.io/zap-blastum
About Shiny Dolphin Games
Shiny Dolphin Games is a small indie developer founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016. Its previous games include Clash Force (2017), Polyroll (2019), and Panic Porcupine (2022), and it is now working on Panic 64 and Polyroll Pocket.
Press contact: Kevin Dressel
kevin@shinydolphin.com