The Ninja of the Nth Dimension is back!
Originally released back in 1992 by Gremlin Graphics, Zool quickly became a bit of a mascot on the Amiga. Zool Redimensioned is described as a reimagining of the classic action platformer, having been rebuilt from the ground up with various extras, and quality-of-life improvements.
Released a couple of years ago on PC, Redimensioned has finally made its way onto the PlayStation, with the addition of several local multiplayer modes on top. So how does it measure up?
Two modes are available as you jump, slide and shoot your way across seven themed alien worlds, from toys to music, and from sweets to vegetables. The first mode, Redimensioned, is more accessible and features improved movement. The second mode, Ultimate Ninja, is a more hardcore challenge. Each world is split into four levels, and culminate with redesigned boss battles.
Controls are reasonably tight, although I would have liked some alternative button configurations. Also due to the garish colours, levels can look cluttered, and it’s easy to miss rogue bullets or enemies that have popped out of nowhere. Being old-school, the game isn’t the longest, but the added modes, speed runs, and hidden secrets all extend your run time somewhat.
Three new local multiplayer modes have been developed by the students at the Sumo Digital Academy and are all simple two-player, single-screen affairs. Zool’s Gold is a straight-forward collect-a-thon, where whoever picks up the most points wins. Rool of Zool is a fight to pick up or snatch the crown, and wear it for the longest. Ball Brawl is a bit like a poor man’s Kung Foot, the popular Rayman football mini-game. These new modes have also been included for free in an update to the Steam edition, which is nice.
Overall the game is a faithful version, that has been carefully brought up to date for modern audiences. If you were a fan in the nineties, you’ll really enjoy this and the nostalgia it will give you. If you’re new to the series, you may get less out of it, as there are better platformers out there.
Zool Redimensioned is available now on PS4, priced at £6.49 // $9.99 // €7.99. It is backwards compatible on PS5.
