The ZX Spectrum has received a brand-new arcade homebrew titled Nightshift Skedaddle ZX, offering a colourful, maze-based experience styled after classic games like Pac-Man. Developed by solo creator mavtherave, the title acts as a direct sequel to 2025's Scrapyard Skedaddle.
Quick Facts
- Platform: 48K ZX Spectrum
- Developer: mavtherave
- Tool Used: Jonathan Cauldwell's Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer (MPAGD)
- Price: Free (charity donations encouraged)
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players control a cat named Willow whose biscuit factory has been infested by rats. Inventory stock is scattered across conveyor belts on different floors, and Willow must collect the missing items while avoiding patrolling rats. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel includes a magical item generator inspired by Super Mario Kart item blocks, which grants Willow blocks of cheese and rolling cookies to defend herself.
Due to the hardware limitations of Sir Clive's iconic 8-bit microcomputer, developer mavtherave implemented specific sprite and ladder balance techniques to handle attribute clash and minimize flicker, while noting in the development blog that the game features brightly-coloured, fast-moving sprites that are unsuitable for photosensitive players.
Availability and Charity Support
Nightshift Skedaddle ZX is available to download right now for free on Itch.io. While no purchase is necessary, the developer encourages players to make a donation to a charity of their choosing, such as the Motor Neurone Disease Association.