We’ve waited a while like usual, but the ’better-than-the-game-it’s-based-on’ Dark Zoid Zero will be hitting the Australian and European DSiWare store on March the 5th. The release date was revealed by Capcom Europe’s community manager on her Twitter feed. While the tweet never actually mentions Australia, and we’ve been known to miss out on some games from the service, the game was registered on the Australian Classification site so we’re pretty confident it’ll be out here too.

Developed by Other Ocean, Dark Void Zero features 8-bit 2D graphics set on top of its action gameplay. They haven’t just left the theme there, though. For instance, you have to blow onto your DSi’s microphone to clean the game’s virtual cartridge, NES style. Once this is complete, the cart proceeds to insert itself into the DS’s bottom screen. Cinematics are also played out through beautiful pixelated stills. Finally, Bear McCreary has made a full set of 8-bit music and sound effects to suit.

You play one of the first members of the resistance, Rusty, who appears in the other version of the game, and who is helped out by the scientist Nikola Tesla. The story basically sees Rusty fight the Watchers and attempt to free the humans from their control over the course of three levels.

The gameplay is a run-and-gun affair with a hint of platforming action. Six different weapons are there for you to find along the way and, yes, you can use jetpacks in the game, too.