Overview and Gameplay
The AFX-6502 ZANAC fighter is sent alone against a hostile machine system in Zanac, a fast vertical shooter from Compile. The player flies through twelve scrolling areas, destroys waves of enemies, attacks fortresses, and pushes toward the enemy’s central base.
Zanac is built around speed, weapon management, and its ALC difficulty system, which adjusts enemy pressure based on the player’s actions. Rapid firing, destroying or missing fortresses, and overall performance can change how aggressively the game responds.
Controls And Mechanics
- The Control Pad moves the ZANAC fighter around the screen.
- Button B fires conventional weapons.
- Button A fires special weapons.
- Start begins play and pauses the game.
- Select is used with Start for the continue command.
- The game is single-player only.
Version Notes
The USA NES cartridge is titled Zanac, while earlier Japanese versions are associated with the title Zanac AI.
Release And Credits
- USA NES release year: 1987
- Developer: Compile
- Publisher: FCI, Inc.
