2D classic platformer Zool has now been remastered for a new generation. Are you ready? Check out our Zool Redimensioned review!

 

2D classic platformer Zool has now been remastered for a new generation. The game was originally released by Gremlin Graphics way back in 1992 for the Amiga, launched as Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension. More than 30 years later, Secret Mode is bringing us a new take on this beloved classic thanks to Zool Redimensioned on PlayStation 4. The game has been developed by apprentices from the Sumo Digital Academy, a talent development program designed to help students get valuable experience in the games industry, along with Steel Minions, a student development studio based at Sheffield Hallam University.

The game has been reworked and rebalanced for a new generation, adding some quality-of-life improvements along with some extra bells and whistles, including a widescreen presentation, three new local multiplayer party modes, a speedrun option, and more as you explore the eight alien worlds on offer to try and save the whole universe from the evil Krool. And if you want to dial up the difficulty, you can always play in Ultimate Ninja, which gives you a good taste of what it was like to play the game back in 1992.

 

You’ll control the titular character with the left analog stick or the D-Pad, jumping with the X button and double jumping by pressing the X button a second time if you’re playing in the Redimensioned Mode. The Square button will allow Zool to shoot at enemies and bosses. Pressing the Circle button while running will perform a slide attack to defeat any opponent foolish enough to stand in your way. If you press the Circle button while jumping, then Zool will perform a powerful spin attack.

The three aforementioned party modes are Zool’s Gold, Rool of Zool, and Ball Brawl. In Zool’s Gold, you’ll need to grab as many collectibles as possible. When taking on Rool of Zool, you’ll need to compete to try and hold onto Krool’s crown for the longest time possible. The last one is Ball Brawl, in which you’ll need to hit the ball to launch it onto the targets to score points. There’s also the option of activating the shuffle feature to shuffle through all party modes. Do know that you’ll first need to complete the tutorial and the first level in Zool Redimensioned before the party modes unlock.

After completing a level, you’ll be graded based on your performance. You’ll be told if you managed to grab all large collectibles for the level, how many small collectibles you got, the time it took you to complete the level, and how many times you died while doing all of this. If you want to 100% the game and get all badges for your belt, then you’ll need to get all large collectibles, grab enough small collectibles to hit the minimum for that level, beat the time limit for that stage, and not die. Simple, right?

Trophy-wise, Zool Redimensioned does not have a Platinum trophy on PlayStation. What it does have is a list that is split into 10 Bronze trophies, 10 Silver trophies, and 5 Gold trophies. You’ll have to complete objectives such as hitting three enemies with a single slide kick, beating a developer speedrun record, defeating a world’s boss without beating any of its minions, completing each world and beating each boss, finding a secret level, playing any party mode level, and grabbing all big collectibles while playing in Ultimate Ninja. While there are assist options to help those having trouble beating the game – activating things such as adding turbo fire, invincibility, having infinite jumps, or adding a low health alert – be aware that doing this will disable trophies.

It’s been more than 30 years since Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension launched on Amiga way back in 1992, and it’s now been given a new chance to shine for a new generation – or for fans of the classic to take it for a new spin. The game has received some quality-of-life improvements and a revamped presentation, a Beastipedia where you can check some information on Zool, Krool, Zooz, and the enemies you’ll run into, along with three bonus multiplayer party games for you to jump into as soon as you’ve beaten the tutorial and the first level in the game. Zool Redimensioned is out today on PlayStation 4 at a $9.99 price.

Disclaimer
This Zool Redimensioned review is based on a PlayStation 4 copy provided by Secret Mode.