Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension is a platform game originally produced for the Amiga (a personal computer introduced by Commodore in 1985) by Gremlin Graphics (British software company) in 1992. It was later ported to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in 1993.
Zool came around during the time of Sonic the Hedgehog in my country. That is why it was mostly ignored. It is fast fun but hard.
The Story
This is from the game manual description:
Once every year, the games world is rocked by a game so stunning, so fast, so colorful, so big, so demanding, so mega, so awesome, so varied , so incredible, and so full of fabulous features and unexpected treats, that everybody just looks at it and says "THAT'S IT!" This year, ZOOL, THE NINJA FROM THE Nth DIMENSION, is definitely "IT!"
The Graphics and Sound
The Zool character sprite is fast and the graphics are colorful and edgy, but not memorable. Comparing this with Sonic, all I can say is that the Western game developers do not have the skill to make use of colors that are pleasing to the eye than Japanese game developers in the 16-bit era.
The sound effects are good but the music in this game is great. There is a fast-paced, energetic theme to each level. And it will get you in the perfect mood for this game. Each music track seems to fit the level where it is being played.
The Gameplay
The game is generally using the usual video game platformer ideas - a few powerups, jumping on enemies, collectible items - and adds to them, as well as combining elements from the other game genres. The examples are: Having to collect a certain amount of an item to pass each level, having boss fights for each set of stages, being able to shoot projectiles to kill enemies, and more. This fine mix of all of these gaming elements leads to Zool being an enjoyable game.
Of course, the levels themselves become quite difficult, especially when it comes to dealing with the bosses.
Yup, the bosses are tough. By the way. Always be ready for some difficult boss battles. This makes the game get some decent replay value.
My Verdict
If you like platform games, then you have really got to try Zool. It is a bit fun to play with a challenge. It is mightily overlooked by retro gamers, so if you try it and like it, be sure to spread the word. Not every platform game has got to have a Mario and Sonic in it to be nice to play.
Go and try it out on the still popular Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or play it on some easy to set up emulator.