ZooCube (GBA) (Retro)
User Review
Product Information:
- Publisher: Acclaim
- Developer: PuzzleKings
- Genres: Puzzle
Game Features:
Single player
Local Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Co-operative
Review Approach:
Just some observations and reflections (perhaps trivia for someone, or nonsense for another one) on apparently small and insignificant games, sometimes homebrews, which reveal, upon closed examination, a certain verve, originality and involvement ability.
An innovative puzzle (for those times), interesting and challenging, second only (for its excessive simplicity and nudity), in my opinion, to titles such as S. Puzzle Fighter 2, Denki Blocks, Overdose (PD), Puzzle League, It's Mr.Pants.
This title is famous for being the first puzzle game available for GameCube, and with three-dimensional graphics.
Some time later it was ported to GBA, with the due limitations/simplifications (for graphics and sound), and I must say that it certainly did not make a bad impression.
The objective of the game is to match the geometric figures that converge from 6 directions towards the central cube, by rotating the latter (through Dpad), and thus making them disappear. B Button is used to alternate the position of the accumulated pieces, while A button locks a piece to a specific side of the cube.
These geometric figures, on GameCube, were the faces of various animals, and here they are stripped down and oversimplified; only thing that distinguishes one from the other piece are different shapes and colors.
The paradox is that the title of the game, in this way, no longer makes sense and has references in the game.
Also, while in the original game the backgrounds featured moving 3D scenarios, here there are only varieties of skies, well colored and vibrant, but flat and bare.
As for the sound effects and the bgms, as you can imagine they are normal, nothing extraordinary, in the long run also annoying; on the other hand it is a simple puzzle game, but the music could have been more varied and engaging.
Another thing to note is the inconvenience (inevitable, there was no alternative) in using the Dpad to rotate the cube; and in the most advanced and excited moments, one ends up getting confused on where to press to rotate in the right direction, and "stumbles" into the Dpad.
A final lack that can be noticed, but which can also be interpreted as an advantage, is the visible slowdown of the gameplay in the most excited and "crowded" moments of the game, but which allows the player to think and act with more calm and ease.
Despite these flaws and limitations, contrary to what one would expect, I consider it an excellent, engaging and fun game, ideal for puzzle game fanatics and very suitable for a portable console: excellent for a quick and immediate challenge in the spare time, between family and work commitments.
Lastly, forgive my clumsy english, but for me this is a useful and above all fun exercise.
Some time later it was ported to GBA, with the due limitations/simplifications (for graphics and sound), and I must say that it certainly did not make a bad impression.
The objective of the game is to match the geometric figures that converge from 6 directions towards the central cube, by rotating the latter (through Dpad), and thus making them disappear. B Button is used to alternate the position of the accumulated pieces, while A button locks a piece to a specific side of the cube.
These geometric figures, on GameCube, were the faces of various animals, and here they are stripped down and oversimplified; only thing that distinguishes one from the other piece are different shapes and colors.
The paradox is that the title of the game, in this way, no longer makes sense and has references in the game.
Also, while in the original game the backgrounds featured moving 3D scenarios, here there are only varieties of skies, well colored and vibrant, but flat and bare.
As for the sound effects and the bgms, as you can imagine they are normal, nothing extraordinary, in the long run also annoying; on the other hand it is a simple puzzle game, but the music could have been more varied and engaging.
Another thing to note is the inconvenience (inevitable, there was no alternative) in using the Dpad to rotate the cube; and in the most advanced and excited moments, one ends up getting confused on where to press to rotate in the right direction, and "stumbles" into the Dpad.
A final lack that can be noticed, but which can also be interpreted as an advantage, is the visible slowdown of the gameplay in the most excited and "crowded" moments of the game, but which allows the player to think and act with more calm and ease.
Despite these flaws and limitations, contrary to what one would expect, I consider it an excellent, engaging and fun game, ideal for puzzle game fanatics and very suitable for a portable console: excellent for a quick and immediate challenge in the spare time, between family and work commitments.
Lastly, forgive my clumsy english, but for me this is a useful and above all fun exercise.
Verdict
What I Liked ...
- -simple and engaging
What I Didn't Like ...
- -boring sounds and music
- -oversimplified graphics
- -slowdowns
7
out of 10
