Zapling Bygone is a premium action game for PC by developer 9FingerGames. It's a side-scrolling adventure wherein players take control of a bizarre and twisted alien creature that's part of a hive mind. They will face monsters and steal their unique abilities and their consciousness by wearing their skulls.

Just like Struggling or Death Trash, Zapling Bygone steers toward the more bizarre and horrific side of things for its theme and art style. Players will explore a vast interconnected world filled with deadly creatures with your skulls to give you company as they discover the history of an ancient civilization.

Be part of the hive

The game centers around the titular Zapling, an alien creature that is part of a hive mind. It goes around killing other creatures to harvest their abilities and absorb their consciousness into the collective by wearing their skulls. Each skull you put on unlocks a deep and significant memory from their past, letting you peek into their lives, and some will even interact with you in various ways.

Zapling Bygone boasts Metroidvania-style gameplay, meaning plenty of challenging boss fights whose skulls will provide special skills that will help you traverse the landscape in unique ways. Explore a vast interconnected world that consists of six distinct biomes. Along the way, you will discover mutations that you can use to modify and enhance your abilities, as well as secret keys to unlock ancient artifacts.

Uncover the history of an ancient civilization that centers around The Ratking, understand what brought about its demise, and use that knowledge to save your hive mind from the same fate. As for the actual gameplay itself, the game leaves a lot to be desired. It's one of those instances when more content could help to make it shine and let you get into the experience more.

Assimilate and be one

If you like Metroidvania games and want to try something a little different, Zapling Bygone offers a distinct experience that is worth checking out. From the bizarre character designs and art style to the creepy way it handles abilities, it certainly leaves an impression. The story and lore are quite intriguing to explore too. Give it a try and see for yourself.