Zool Redimensioned, developed by Sumo Digital Academy and published by Secret Mode, brings back the iconic gaming mascot from 1992 in a brand-new reimagining of the classic action platforming adventure. With enhanced gameplay and updated visuals, Zool Redimensioned aims to captivate both fans of the original game and modern audiences. In this review, we’ll delve into the premise, gameplay mechanics, visuals, and audio of Zool Redimensioned, which was recently ported over to the PlayStation 4.
In terms of story and premise, Zool, the ninja from the Nth Dimension, crash-lands on Earth and embarks on a mission to raise his ninja ranking by honing his skills on the local fauna. The game features eight alien worlds, each with its unique theme, such as candy, music, fruit, and tools. While the premise doesn’t offer an elaborate narrative, the distinct themed worlds provide an immersive experience that brings back nostalgic memories for fans of 90s platformers. Home computer gamers from the late 80s and early 90s will no doubt remember how Zool was “their Sonic”, and the visuals evoke memories of games like Robocod as well.
Zool Redimensioned stays true to the roots of classic 2D platforming while incorporating modern enhancements. The objective of each level is to reach the golden Zool coin at the end, all while defeating enemies and collecting world-specific items. Zool controls seamlessly, allowing players to perform actions like double jumps, wall climbing, and bouncing off walls with ease. Offensive abilities such as firing projectiles and a spin attack add depth to the gameplay and make encounters with enemies enjoyable. The game strikes a good balance between challenge and engagement, keeping players entertained throughout their adventure.
Zool Redimensioned features vibrant and charming visuals that pay homage to its predecessor. The themed worlds, including the candy, music, and fruit worlds, are delightful and full of color. Each stage brings new collectibles and changes the atmosphere, accompanied by a retro soundtrack that immerses players in the action.
Zool Redimensioned successfully captures the essence of classic platforming nostalgia, offering a charming experience for both fans of the original game and newcomers. The themed worlds stand out as a highlight, providing variety and unique challenges. The game’s tight controls and polished mechanics make playing as Zool an absolute joy, while the modern enhancements improve upon the original game’s shortcomings. The inclusion of accessibility options, level select screen, and achievements adds to the overall positive experience.
One criticism of Zool Redimensioned is its relatively short duration, with only seven worlds containing four levels each. While the addition of medals and a multiplayer mode helps extend the gameplay experience, things like the multiplayer mode feel a bit tacked on and don’t change the core experience much. Additionally, the Ultimate Ninja mode, which reverts to the classic Zool experience can be too challenging due to the absence of modern mechanics – though nostalgic gamers will fondly remember the days of playing these games with a single button joystick on the Amiga and Atari ST.
In conclusion, Zool Redimensioned successfully revitalizes the classic 90s platformer, capturing the nostalgia while introducing modern enhancements. The game’s themed worlds, tight platforming mechanics, and catchy soundtrack create an enjoyable and charming experience. While the game may not offer extensive longevity and the multiplayer mode feels somewhat throwaway, the improvements over the original game are commendable. If you’re a fan of 2D platformers or seeking a fun and accessible trip down memory lane, Zool Redimensioned is definitely worth a playthrough.
Score: 7.2/10
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