Since the latest batch of 'free' NSO games includes Zero Wing
Oh, that sure takes me back.
Since the subject has been brought up, and since I know it ended up on GameTrailers top 10 worst games of all time list, I feel like sharing my position on the intro:
It is not bad.
It is obviously just an excuse plot to get the Schmup gameplay motivated, but in that regard, it provides characters which emote, dramatic camera angles, all set to sound effects that fits the scene and music that mirrors the mood of the scene in question, with enough of animation present to not remain just a static image. The only thing that is wanting is the translation, which, while goofy and grammatically incorrect, remains comprehensible. Meaning you understand what's going on, even though it is goofy. It's the equivalent of replacing all the dialogue of a scene with lolcat-phrases, something people already intentionally do.