Z-Exemplar

Description
Z-Exemplar is a horizontal scrolling shoot 'em up in a mock-ZX Spectrum style, inspired by mid-'80s shooters like Gradius and R-Type.
Tasked to claim the newly discovered Hewson nebula for the Empire, the player pilots the Z-Exemplar space fighter from planet to planet. The Z-Exemplar by default handles similarly to other space shooters, armed with light weaponry that can destroy oncoming enemies.
Destroyed enemies often leave behind "Zog" capsules that, similarly to in Gradius, raises your power-up meter, which can then be activated when the requested power-up is highlighted by holding down the fire button. Power-ups come in four different types: modifications, missiles, drones and shields. Collected Zog tokens can be used to purchase equipment between levels, choosing from over 20 permanent and temporary upgrades, which can then be equipped to customize the power-up selection on subsequent levels.
The game features almost 1,000 planet levels spanning the Hewson nebula, with 10 different planet themes.