Video Game Review - Zool Redimensioned

Rob reviews Zool Redimensioned on PlayStation 5…

When I ever reminisce about Zool it often brings memories of Christmas trips to my brothers house after he moved out. Back in 1992 when Zool first released I was 6, and my older brother Paul was the coolest person ever. Why? Well he had an Amiga with an absolute tonne of floppy discs, all in various boxes, cases, and just strewn across his floor. While 6 year old me would contend with the likes of Chaos Engine, and other forgotten gems - there was always one that stuck in my memory.

From first discovering Zool, and getting my sibling to match up codes to then get another code that actually let us play the game (good old anti-piracy at its best!), and the opening that placed the space ninja into a candy filled world, I was hooked! While I can’t recall if I ever got off the opening level, seeing a badass ninja tackling a variety of confectionery - as a kid - was a pure delight. I mean…come on…Ninjas…and killer sweets! 

Anyway, while I would revisit Zool across the years it’s a game thats succumbed to being forgotten about by modern gamers. My 13 year old daughter had never heard of it, and I’m guessing most of her friends are in the same boat. But, you can’t keep a ninja from the N’th dimension down as SUMO Digital and publisher, Secret Mode have re-tuned and remastered the classic adventure. Now available for modern consoles Zool is back - and is better than ever! 

The basic premise to the title has unchanged from its 1992 release. You’re basically tasked with guiding Zool across a plethora of different stages to reach a gold coin that signals the stages end. While this is simple enough, you’ll also be tasked with performing some pretty fiendish platforming, while battling a wide variety of enemies that are all themed around the worlds design. Levels are quite often short, but they’re also far from the simple sprint to the right that Sonic benefits from.

When it comes to controls, SUMO Digital have refined what was into something far more responsive. While Zool always felt like a zippy ninja, with the included double-jump he’s far more deadly. Away from this and you’re also able to scale walls, jump onto enemies, throw projectiles, and a rudimentary air attack. Some of these skills can also be chained together to reach higher places, or give Zool a speed boost - which I’m not sure is intentional!? 

As you can probably guess, Zool isn’t a particularly long game. The whole adventure is made up of seven worlds that each contain four stages as well as an end of world boss. However, in keeping you wanting to play after the credits, each stage has a wealth of collectibles, and various medals to be earned. These medals all fall into the classic platforming category such as beating a par time, completing the stage without dying, and collecting various items. While these won’t realistically draw everyone but the staunchest of completionists, it’s a nice addition. 

For anyone who’s played the original, each of the games worlds are back and remain true to their originals. Wether it be THAT candy filled world, or the surreal DIY world, or the funky music themed world, everything is here in its glory. It’s a real blast revisiting these worlds, and with there being such a variety in how everything suddenly changes. it’s great to see new players try to grasp the narrative behind it all. Spoilers…it’s not explained! 

So, while Zool Redimensioned remains faithful to its source title, we’ve not really dived into whether there’s anything new. Well, theres no new content per say, but SUMO Digital have added plenty of quality of life improvements. Jumping into the options menu allows you to turn on various assists that makes Zool’s journey more accessible. With options such as rapid fire, or having the controller rumble when you are at low heath, are a massive help. Likewise if you run out of lives, rather then returning to the title menu, you’ll just restart the current stage. And while these options are nothing new, their inclusion here is a great way to see just how far gaming has come on since 1992

All in all, Zool Redimensioned is a classic slice of gaming history that’s been rediscovered for modern gamers. It’s has it stood the test of time? You bet it has! Not only have SUMO Digital retained what made the original such a hit, they’ve refined the formula in every way. Wether you’re a casual gamer, speed-runner, or someone reminiscing about past experiences, Zool Redimensioned has you covered! 

Rating: 10/10

A code was kindly provided for this review.

Zool Redimensioned is out now and can be purchased via the PlayStation store. 

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Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on Twitter/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, and TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews.