zap 'em up

English

Noun

zap 'em up (plural zap 'em ups)

1. (informal, video games) A shoot 'em up involving energy weapons.
   • 1986, Luke C, Battle Of The Planets (video game review) in Your Sinclair issue 3

     This is not your average 'zap 'em up' game. The alien craft all have different characteristics, and judging a spaceship's speed as you home in for the kill is something you'll get the hang of only after much experience.

   • 1994, Night Club & Bar, volume 10, page 388:

     Conversation and camaraderie at the foosball table won out over solo, zap-em-up video games in 1994, according to industry experts.

   • 2003, Andrea Stephens, Stuff a Girl’s Gotta Know: Little Hints for Big Things in A Teen's Life:

     You can totally be yourself without worrying if your guy is impressed or embarrassed! You don't have to sit through rough war flicks, or shoot 'em up or zap 'em up movies.