ZUPAPA! ACA NEOGEO is a premium arcade game from SNK. In this platforming title originally released in 2001, players control the titular character Zupapa and his sibling Zupipi as they navigate nine stages, dodging projectiles and throwing enemies around the map. The game is known for a number of nifty features, such as the need to finish each level within an invisible time limit.

As a part of the ACA NEOGEO series, ZUPAPA! ACA NEOGEO is a faithful recreation of the retro arcade game. Other games in the series include THRASH RALLY ACA NEOGEO or Pleasure Goal ACA NEOGEO.

A fun yet challenging platformer

ZUPAPA! ACA NEOGEO is simply the original game ported for modern mobile devices. In terms of graphics and audio, it definitely looks and feels like the classic arcade experience. As for the gameplay, you control star-like creatures Zupapa and Zupipi across nine stages, each being marked with a boss battle. Aside from moving in between platforms, you can also pick up and throw small creatures called Zooks.

One of the reasons that made the game addictive is that it employs strategic elements. Players have to cover enemies in Zooks to turn them into star bombs. Additionally, certain enemies drop items and powerups, which help players post higher scores. One hidden feature is that taking too long in a stage would summon an angry clock and a devil-like creature, making the stage a lot more difficult to complete.

While it looks like a casual, child-friendly game, ZUPAPA! Is notoriously difficult to complete. Late-game stages become thick with enemies, with a wide variety of movement patterns and obstacles for the player to keep track of. However, unlike the original arcade cabinets, this is played through the touchscreen or through an external controller. This makes the game a bit easier, despite the lack of a multiplayer support. 

Enjoy Zupapa on your mobile

Overall, ZUPAPA! ACA NEOGEO is a great title to check out if you’re looking for an increasingly difficult platformer. It features the original retro visuals with the bright color palette, the fun soundtrack, and the difficulty progression that made the game a cult classic over the years. While the game was faithfully recreated, the remapped controls and support for external controllers only makes the game more enjoyable.