Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Z: The Game

Review
Also known as
Z Origins: Z The Game Z: The Game

This real-time strategy game challenges you to capture and defend territory by controlling robot armies.

Z: The Game was developed by The Bitmap Brothers and released for MS-DOS in 1996. The original game also debuted in 1996 on PC, making the DOS version the original release.

About Z: The Game

Z is a real-time strategy game where victory depends on controlling territory rather than simply eliminating enemy forces. The primary objective is to destroy the opponent's base while defending your own.

Gameplay revolves around capturing sectors, some of which house manufactories that automatically produce new units. A key strategic layer involves timing your capture of these sectors to claim the units they generate. Players command a variety of units, including six distinct robot types with differing capabilities and several vehicles that robots can operate.

The game presents a challenging balance between expansion and defense, as moving too slowly allows the enemy to secure key resources, while overextending leaves forces vulnerable. Certain automated behaviors reduce micromanagement, such as soldiers automatically detaching to commandeer encountered vehicles. A notable tactical option is the ability to hijack enemy vehicles by eliminating their drivers.

Z: The Game Screenshots

10 images
Commander Zod just shot up the Bitmap Brothers logo.
Main menu
Successfully landed on the desert planet.
Level loading screen
Starting first level (SVGA).
Starting first level (VGA).
First enemy headquarters is history!
Level won screen
Level lost screen
A tank (the larger the better) is the most deadly weapon in Z.