View source for Zool

{{for|the Swedish rock band|ZooL}}
{{Distinguish|Zool: Majū Tsukai Densetsu|Zuul}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Short description|1992 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension
| image = Zool cover.jpg
| caption = Amiga cover art
| developer = [[Gremlin Interactive|Gremlin Graphics]]
| designer = George Allan
| publisher = Gremlin Graphics
| composer = [[Patrick Phelan (composer)|Patrick Phelan]] <br> Neil Biggin (CD32)
| released = '''October 1992:''' Amiga<br>'''March 1993:''' MS-DOS<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 1993 |title=PC Zone Magazine |url=https://archive.org/stream/PC_Zone_Issue_001_1993-04_Dennis_Publishing_GB#page/n7 |magazine=[[PC Zone]] |issue=1 |page=9 |access-date=July 3, 2017}}</ref>
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| platforms = [[Amiga]], [[Acorn Archimedes]], [[Atari ST]], [[Amiga CD32]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Game Boy]], [[Game Gear]], [[Master System]], [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]
}}

'''''Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension''''' is a [[platform game|platform]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Gremlin Interactive|Gremlin Graphics]]. It was marketed as a rival to [[Sega]]'s ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Originally released for the [[Amiga]] home computer in October 1992, the game was subsequently ported to [[Sega Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Master System]], [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Gear]], as well as other home computers. A sequel, ''[[Zool 2]]'', was released in 1993. A remastered version of the original game, titled ''Zool Redimensioned'', was developed by [[Sumo Digital|Sumo Digital Academy]] and published by 
[[Sumo Group|Secret Mode]] for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] in August 2021.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Zool snes.jpg|thumb|left|Super NES gameplay]]
The game is a [[platform game]], relying on smooth, fast-moving gameplay. Its protagonist is Zool, a [[gremlin]] "[[Ninja]] of the Nth Dimension" who is forced to land on Earth; in order to gain ninja ranking, he has to pass seven lands, beating a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] at the end of each of them. The game contains a number of embedded [[minigame]]s, including several arcade games, a [[Scrolling shooters|scrolling space shooter]] and a game accessible only by making Zool play a certain tune on an in-game [[piano]] or finding certain invisible warp points.

==Development and release==
George Allan came up with the idea of ''Zool'' as he was criticized on his previous game ''[[Switchblade II]]'' for having a lack of enemies. In development, Zool could cast spells to get him out of trouble by collecting potions. For example, Zool could escape from pits with high jump spells and cast a shadow spell to make a clone of him that follows his actions (thus doubling the fire power). In the final version, the spells were replaced with collectible power-ups. The very early name for the project was ''Pootz''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_28495 |title=Zool preview from CU Amiga (Mar 1992) - Amiga Magazine Rack |publisher=Amr.abime.net |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref> The soundtrack by [[Patrick Phelan (composer)|Patrick Phelan]] overlaps with the ''[[Lotus (video game series)|Lotus 3]]'' soundtrack and inspired several modern electro/techno remixes. Candy company [[Chupa Chups]] sponsored the game's production, with the company logo featured prominently within the game. The game was heavily hyped upon its initial release, including being bundled with the then-newly launched [[Amiga 1200]], although not the [[Advanced Graphics Architecture|AGA]] version with enhanced graphics which followed later. In 2000, the Amiga version of ''Zool'' was re-released as part of ''The Best of Gremlin'' compilation.

''Zool'' was also ported to the [[Atari ST]], [[Game Boy]], [[Sega Genesis|Mega Drive/Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Amiga CD32]], [[IBM PC Compatible]]s, and [[RISC OS]], as well as an arcade machine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/zool-ninja-of-the-nth-dimension/ |title=Zool: Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension |publisher=GameSpot.com |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref> The Amiga CD32 version has original [[Red Book (CD standard)|red book]] audio tracks by Neil Biggin and has the option to have both sound effects and music. This and the Acorn Archimedes port are the only two incarnations of the original Amiga version to have this. For the Atari ST, the programmers and graphics artists choose to incorporate the redesigned sprites from their upcoming sequel ''Zool 2'' (in development at the time) to use for their star character on the Atari version to address the criticism that the original ''Zool'' character sprites were not cute enough.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atarimania.com/mags/pdf/atari-st-user-issue-92.pdf|title=ON THE Drawingboard: Zool (October 1993, Issue 92, page 72 - 73)|website=Atari ST User}}</ref> Most computer ports are close to the Amiga original but the Genesis and SNES ports both feature different levels which are structured differently, different background graphics, and unique bosses. The Sega Master System version features smaller, more scaled down stages and a more strict quota on collectible items, but also features unique gameplay moves like a wall climb. With the exception of the CD32 version, all console versions feature the soundtrack of the Amiga original, remixed appropriately for each console's unique sound systems.

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| GB = true
| SMD = true
| EGM_SMD = 5.8/10{{efn|In ''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s review of the Genesis, version, two critics scored it 5/10, two 6/10, one 7/10.<ref name = "EGMSMD">{{cite magazine|last1=Semrad|first1=Ed|last2=Carpenter|first2=Danyon|last3=Manuel|first3=Al|author4=Sushi-X|last5=Weigand|first5=Mike|date=January 1994|url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_54/page/n39/mode/2up|title=Review Crew|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|volume=7|number=1|pages=38–52}}</ref>}}
| GameZone_GB = 57/100<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Webb|first=Trenton|date=December 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-game-zone-14/page/n33/mode/2up|title=Zool|magazine=GameZone|issue=14|pages=34–35|accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Power Unlimited]]''
| rev1_GB = 80%<ref>{{cite web |date=November 1994 |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=platform&ending=DESC&query%5bstart%5d=3820 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030908181318/http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=platform&ending=DESC&query%5bstart%5d=3820 |archivedate=8 September 2003 |accessdate=November 26, 2022 |website=powerweb.nl |language=nl}}</ref>
| rev1_SMD = 81%<ref>{{cite web |date=November 1994 |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=naam&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=3980 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030827174554/http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=naam&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=3980 |archivedate=27 August 2003 |accessdate=December 8, 2022 |website=powerweb.nl |language=nl}}</ref>
}}
The original Amiga game was released to critical acclaim,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amr.abime.net/amr_search.php?search=zool&mag_id=0&action=Find |title=Amiga magazines - Amiga Magazine Rack |publisher=Amr.abime.net |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref>
receiving scores of 97%, 96%, 95% from ''[[Amiga Computing]]'', ''[[Amiga Action]]'' and ''[[Amiga Format]]'' respectively. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' claimed that ''Zool'' sports great graphics, but the character moves too fast with little control.<ref name = "EGMSMD"/> ''[[GamePro]]'' gave a positive review of the Game Gear version, praising its "great graphics and sound abound", as well as its "crisp" gameplay.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 1994|title=Zool|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_058_May_1994/page/n131/mode/2up|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=58|page=130}}</ref> ''[[Power Unlimited]]'' gave the Game Boy version a score of 80%<ref>{{cite web |date=November 1994 |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=platform&ending=DESC&query%5bstart%5d=3820 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030908181318/http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=platform&ending=DESC&query%5bstart%5d=3820 |archivedate=8 September 2003 |accessdate=November 26, 2022 |website=powerweb.nl |language=nl}}</ref> and the Sega Genesis version a score of 81%.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 1994 |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=naam&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=3980 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030827174554/http://www.powerweb.nl/database/index.php?&query%5border%5d=naam&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=3980 |archivedate=27 August 2003 |accessdate=December 8, 2022 |website=powerweb.nl |language=nl}}</ref> The magazine was generally positive to the game, despite noting that the game did not add anything new in the platforming genre.

Retrospectively, ''[[Virgin Media]]'' included ''Zool'' on their list of top ten video game ninja heroes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zool (Zool) - Top ten ninjas - Pictures - Games|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/games/inpictures/top-ten-ninjas.php?ssid=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123053734/http://www.virginmedia.com/games/inpictures/top-ten-ninjas.php?ssid=1|archive-date=January 23, 2015|access-date=2015-05-28|publisher=Virginmedia.com}}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Wirtualna Polska]]'' ranked it as the 22nd best game for the Amiga, noting its "absurdly" high difficulty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gry.wp.pl/galeria/30-najlepszych-gier-na-amige,179431/10.html |title=22. Zool - 30 najlepszych gier na Amigę |date=9 February 2015 |publisher=Gry.wp.pl |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Two children's novels based on the games, entitled ''Cool Zool'' and ''Zool Rules'', were released in February 1995. They were written by [[Stan Nicholls]] and [[Ian Edginton]] and published by Boxtree.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.knibbworld.com/nicholls17/biblio.html |title=Stan Nicholls |publisher=Knibbworld.com |access-date=2015-05-28 |archive-date=16 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016165446/http://www.knibbworld.com/nicholls17/biblio.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''The Game Maker's Companion'' (APress, 2010), a book on hobbyist game development, contains step-by-step instructions on how to remake the original ''Zool'' game using [[GameMaker Studio]].<ref>[http://apress.com/book/view/9781430228264] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306192338/http://apress.com/book/view/9781430228264|date=March 6, 2011}}</ref>

A remastered version of the console version of ''Zool'', titled ''Zool Redimensioned'', was developed by [[Sumo Digital|Sumo Digital Academy]] and published by publisher [[Sumo Group|Secret Mode]] for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] on August 18, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/08/zool-redimensioned-announced-for-pc|title=Zool Redimensioned announced for PC|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=4 August 2021|publisher=Gematsu|accessdate=August 4, 2021}}</ref> The remake features modes for both modern and classic-style difficulty, challenges for each level, and a multiplayer party mode, as well as an emulated version of the Genesis version of the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2021/08/04/zool-redimensioned-pc-steam-release-date/|title=16-bit icon Zool returns in Zool Redimensioned, out this month|work=TheSixthAxis|date=4 August 2021|author1=Tuffcub}}</ref> For legal reasons, references to the original game's [[Chupa Chups]] sponsorship have been removed.

== Notes ==
{{noteslist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MobyGames|id=/5776}}
* {{abime|id=1633}}
* {{Internet Archive game|msdos_Zool_1993}}

[[Category:1992 video games]]
[[Category:Acorn Archimedes games]]
[[Category:Amiga 1200 games]]
[[Category:Amiga CD32 games]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Atari ST games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:GameTek games]]
[[Category:Gremlin Interactive games]]
[[Category:Master System games]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling platformers]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Video games about ninja]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Matt Furniss]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Patrick Phelan]]