Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Shoot 'em Up
Zero Wing
Co-op
| System | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 (originally 1989) |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Toaplan |
| Publisher | Toaplan |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1991, Zero Wing is a shoot 'em up developed by Toaplan. This Genesis release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1989.
It landed about 2 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1991 include Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage and Shining in the Darkness. Among the 75 Genesis shoot 'em ups in our database, it ranks #23 by legacy score.
Toaplan also made Hellfire, Snow Bros.: Nick and Tom and Grind Stormer for the Genesis.
Zero Wing is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Zero Wing is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Zero Wing cheats & codes
20 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Level 3 Weapons | FF0137:03 |
|---|---|
| Weapon Modifier | FF0163:XX |
Zero Wing walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Zero Wing.
If you like Zero Wing, the Matrix also picks…
Sunset Riders Classic Co-op
Contra: Hard Corps Classic
Cannon Fodder Classic
Thunder Force III Classic
Zombies Ate My Neighbors Classic Co-op
Thunder Force II Classic
Thunder Force IV Classic
Playing Genesis games today
Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.
Zero Wing FAQ
When did Zero Wing come out on the Genesis?
Zero Wing was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1991; the original game dates back to 1989.
Who made Zero Wing?
It was developed by Toaplan.
Is Zero Wing multiplayer?
No. Zero Wing is a single-player game.
How long does Zero Wing take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Zero Wing typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Zero Wing on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.