Zombie Near

Zombie Near

Overview & History

Released during the homebrew renaissance for the classic ColecoVision, Zombie Near brings a distinct flavor of survival horror and frantic arcade action to 1980s hardware. Developed to push the limits of the console's TMS9918 video display processor, this title crafts a bleak, post-apocalyptic narrative where the player assumes the role of a lone, resilient survivor navigating a desolate urban landscape overrun by the walking dead. Rather than an official port from the classic era, the game stands as a modern testament to the enduring appeal of the ColecoVision architecture, delivering atmospheric chiptune audio and surprisingly fluid sprite animation that capture the desperation of a true zombie outbreak.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Zombie Near challenges players with single-screen and multi-directional scrolling survival puzzles across hazard-filled levels. The objective is to rescue trapped civilians and collect vital supplies while fending off relentless waves of ghouls that shamper, lunge, and sprint toward the player. Unlike standard shooters, ammunition is scarce, forcing a tactical reliance on melee tools and environmental traps like exploding barrels and barricades. As the nights grow darker, visibility decreases, heightening the tension. The game features multiple difficulty tiers, hidden items, and an escalating horde mechanic where defeated zombies multiply if not properly cleared from the screen.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause