With Zool Redimensioned there’s a stark difference between creating a video game that would soon be revered as a retro cult-classic to reviving a retro cult-classic in the modern era. One of which doesn’t seem too enticing than the other and Zool Redimensioned could probably one of those instances.
It’s a game that back in 1992 became the answer to Sonic The Hedgehog, SEGA’s beloved fast-paced 2D platformer which grew in popularity enough to become the best-selling home video game of 1991 with 2 million copies sold worldwide by the end of that year. Trying to capitalize on the popularity of the genre, Gremlin Graphics published Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension which still found commercial success and received critical acclaim for its great graphics, soundtrack and even crisp gameplay.
Zool brings the 90’s back in your living room
Fast forward to 2023, where even the latest Sonic game, Sonic Frontiers feels like a shadow of its past, Zool Redimensioned remains true to its form bringing the usual updated graphics while still maintaining its retro feel as well as some newly added game modes prior to its PC release back in 2021.
This brand-new reimagining of the classic action platformer is rebuilt from the ground up for modern audiences as it divides the playing field into two distinct modes. “Redimensioned” is considered your grandma gloves to provide a more accessible experience with less constraints to completing levels and such while also having the option to have a zoomed-out view unlike the original’s.
Meanwhile, “Ultimate Ninja” is where you experience the true hardcore challenges of the original without having to rely on the added double jump feature included in the “Redimensioned” mode as well as having to pick up certain collectables to complete levels that would otherwise be optional for the other.
Having these two distinct modes means you can enjoy the best of both worlds or have first-timers and casual players dive into the game without having to dedicate the strenuous amount of time honing their skills and reaction speed to fully experience the original’s challenging limitations. Although, I am getting too ahead of myself here without explaining what Zool Redimensioned is all about.
Much like our blue spikey ball Sonic, Zool Redimensioned is all about speed. The 2D action platformer sees you controlling Zool, a gremlin ninja of the Nth Dimension, who is forced to land on Earth. Unlike Sonic however, Zool Redimensioned has a bit more to his kit than the average blue mascot as he does come with ways to dispatch off enemies with his ranged and spin attacks while also being able to climb walls and obstacles to get through each level which honestly puts him more in line with another blue boy called Megaman but less mechanical and more 90’s shinobi-like.
The gremlin ninja is tasked with collecting certain collectables in the area until eventually reaching the goal carefully placed in certain unique levels. What’s unique about these levels isn’t just the weird yet quirky themes and design that each of them brings but also, they’re not as straightforward as your average platformer in which a certain area’s end goal wouldn’t always make you run, jump and shoot to the far right of the field as most would expect.
This level of intricacy to each one makes the entire struggle a bit more fun to explore despite the levels being a bit too convoluted that I find myself lost in some cases when the interactable platforms blend a bit too well with its background.
Unlike its release two years ago, this version also comes with the added local multiplayer party modes that would also come to the PC as a free update. This includes three game modes such as Zool’s Gold, Rool of Zool and Ball Brawl that hopes to achieve even more replayability by making players compete with each other in certain modes from earning more collectables than the other while another requires you to hold the crown longer to achieve the W.
As someone who isn’t old enough to grasp the idea of video games when it first came out, the nostalgia is a bit lost here so I can’t say I enjoy the walk through memory lane in any of the game modes presented in this version. While I did have some good time going at them at my own pace, I just don’t feel invested enough to go through it more times than necessary when there are games that would provide that same kind of enjoyment and maybe better.
Nintendo Switch when?!
Its gameplay and elements are over 30 years old at this point so it only makes sense that the entire game feels dated and old. Its not going to reinvent what we know about the action platformer genre but does it need to be? For a few hours of fun that can be easily picked up for short bursts, Zool Redimensioned delivers the fun action platforming that feels unwieldy yet addictive to come back to every once in a while.
Being able to remap your jump, shoot and spin attack buttons also delivers the solid experience to make it more manageable than its default controls while having certain features for shooting in turbo mode, infinite jumps and the like is a welcomed addition at the cost of locking achievements from popping up. It only hurts its potential when the available platforms don’t include the Nintendo Switch where it would definitely feel more at home to be an easy pick-up and go game while being able to share joycons with friends to get party games going.
Because when I think of grabbing a Playstation controller, Zool Redimensioned will probably never be the main thing I would think of playing right from the get go when there are things like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn and even Final Fantasy XVI to catch my attention.
Its developer, Sumo Digital Academy, which is a team of apprentices for a development programme that creates pathways into the game industry has made something good here to add to the overall experience while staying true to its source material. It might not be much for some but the overall feel of the game feels completely different when you’re at the helm of the Redimensioned mode especially with the retro filters off compared to going full retro in the Ultimate Ninja mode.
There’s a lot of the quirky 90’s flair embedded into its levels that I find it absurd yet at the same time cool to see what my 90’s childhood feels like cranked to 100. Though it might not be as iconic as other worlds in the more popular franchises like Sonic and Super Mario, it does the job well enough to make it unique albeit slightly forgettable.
Conclusion
Zool Redimensioned isn’t the next big 2D action platformer that will redefine the genre nor will it give anything a run for its money. Its gameplay is solid but passable at best while its levels and design makes for a weird yet fun experience that can be enjoyed for quick short bursts.
If you’re a fan of the original game, then you’ll find what you’re looking for here and then some but newcomers might not get the same experience. It’s fun at its core as an action platformer but it’s still a bit on the simple side that’s hindered by the capabilities of the technology at its time. However, not having a handheld version of the game (minus the Steam Deck) does hurt its potential to be something you can just pick up and play during off hours and come back to whenever you feel like it.
Zool Redimensioned Trailer
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