Ballistic Zen invites players into a first-person, open-world platforming experience that reinterprets classic air-strafing mechanics for a modern audience. Developed and published by Alex Hetherington, this indie title focuses on the pure joy and meditative quality of fluid movement.
The core gameplay revolves around mastering a unique movement system that's easy to learn but offers deep challenges for those who strive for perfection.
Overview
Step into a vibrant open world where movement is king. Ballistic Zen blends the thrill of parkour and precision platforming with a distinctive first-person perspective. The game emphasizes the meditative aspect of navigating complex environments, encouraging players to find their flow and achieve a state of 'ballistic zen'. Collectibles and guided 'lines' serve as objectives, rewarding players with access to new areas and insights into the lore through NPC backstories.
Highlights
- Unique Movement System: Features a first-person perspective with a movement system inspired by old-school air-strafing, enhanced with modern updates and wallrunning capabilities.
- Open-World Exploration: Explore five distinct areas within a sprawling open world, filled with over 50 challenging collectibles and more than 20 guided lines to follow.
- Engaging Progression: Interact with five NPCs who share unique backstories, unlocking new locations as you earn their respect by finding collectibles and completing challenges.
Who It's For
This game is perfect for players who appreciate the art of movement in video games, enjoy the challenge of precision platforming, and are looking for a meditative yet engaging experience. Fans of parkour, runner games, and those who enjoy mastering complex mechanics will find a lot to love here. It's also designed to be playable one-handed with just a mouse.
Game Info
Ballistic Zen is a single-player experience developed and published by Alex Hetherington. It was released on January 25, 2023, and supports English audio. The game is available for purchase on Steam and supports Family Sharing.





