Skybolt Zack is a brand new fast-paced arcade gaming experience! With his Rocket Punches Zack leaps from enemy to enemy, destroying anything standing in his way! Match the colour of the enemies with the buttons on the gamepad to rid the world of Dr Kaz’s robot army!
The game's protagonist, Zack, uses a "rocket punch" ability to propel himself from enemy to enemy, rather than jumping between platforms. This allows for a constantly moving, fluid experience where players must time their attacks to the color-coded enemies and rapidly switch between them. Reviewers describe the controls as tight and responsive, enabling players to pull off satisfying and complex combos.
While not a traditional rhythm game, the combat incorporates rhythm-based elements. Players must match the color of the enemies with the corresponding button on their gamepad, creating a sense of timing and flow to the combat. This rhythm-based approach, combined with the fast-paced platforming, gives the gameplay a distinct feel that reviewers liken to a "more actiony/rhythm version of a 2D Sonic game."
Each stage features multiple paths, with the upper routes offering greater challenges but also higher scoring potential. This encourages players to revisit levels and explore alternative routes, extending the game's replayability. Reviewers praise the level design for providing a satisfying sense of progression, where mastering the game's mechanics allows players to access more difficult but rewarding paths.
The initial levels are described as approachable, but the game is noted for its steep difficulty curve, especially in the later stages and the final boss encounter. Reviewers highlight the "grueling" challenge, requiring players to precisely execute complex combos and memorize level layouts. This high difficulty level may be off-putting for some, but it also appeals to players seeking a hardcore platforming experience.
The game offers dedicated speedrun and score attack modes, providing leaderboards for both fastest times and highest scores. These modes cater to players who enjoy competitive, high-score chasing gameplay. Reviewers appreciate these additional modes, which further extend the game's replayability and challenge for more skilled players.