Zuma Revenge is the sequel to the 2006 Xbox 360 game Zuma Revenge. The game makes great improvements from the original title with a story, boss mode, and more additions that will make you revisit this title.
General Gameplay
This game is the same as the first one in the series. You are a frog that shoots color balls out of your mouth and make combos. However in this sequel, there are bosses, power ups, a little bit of an upgrade system, new in level power ups, different rail tracks and also paths. The game is a vast improvement from the first title.
Audio
As you would expect from a puzzle title, catchy level tunes in mixed with a more south pacific theme. The sounds are improved with more hits, bumps, and dings that make the game more enjoyable when making combos and finishing a level. With bosses in the game, the dialog is more in line with watching an old Peanuts cartoon. Also the in between level music is a nice tune for a change. Still no 5.1 Dolby Digital support, so for those families that have a system, you will be disappointed.
Visuals
The colors are still very vibrant and colorful. The game does support a colorblind mode which is a vast improvement from the original title. This also allows to identify the in game objects and also a much easier to play for all gamers. It is necessary to use colorblind mode, no however it does make it easier to play the game. Also the game has a comical way of showing the bosses, in game graphics, and other objects that make this world come to life. The main character is still the same in the game as the previous game but with the color balls in the game having different pattern that it is easier to see that the developer made strides to make sure that this is a true sequel that the fans of the game wanted.
Controls
The controls are spot on. Just like the first game, the game control is very solid. Rarely did we see a misfire or a ball not connecting because of the computer error. Also when tested with family gaming members with special needs that they did not have any issues with the controls. The game controls are very easy to pick up and play and for all members of the gaming family should be able to pick up and play this title.
Delivery
The game is a vast improvement from its earlier entry. From having level bosses, to a story and a decent amount of unique levels, this game is a must have for any rail based puzzle fans. The game does not have a multiplayer component to it but it does not need one as it is meant to be more of a single player experience. Also this game is fitting for all family members, from young to old. Also with the much needed colorblind mode added to the game it makes it easier for family gaming members to play this title. The game delivers the puzzle department, it gives a fun factor as you are going through this title and seeing a story (a first in the series) unfold. The boss battles are very entertaining and having an upgrade system to this game also gives it a lot of replay value. There are also weekly challenges, but as this is an older title, that they are more far and in between at the moment. There is a “Iron” mode and also additional challenges for those looking for a challenge, again this can be brutal for causal gamer but still a good addition for those looking for a challenging puzzle game. The puzzles are not too hard or easy, fast or slow, they feel just right for a title like this game. However without a multiplayer mode or even a couch co-op mode it does limit the game, but this is meant to be a single player game at heart.
Family Friendly
The game is very family friendly, fun for all of the family members from young to old will enjoy this game. The game with its much needed colorblind mode is a more accessible for any gamer that has trouble seeing colors on the screen. Also with a story mode, you feel more entrenched into the game feeling that there is an opening, middle and closing to this game. With an addition of a boss mode and power ups that you can collect throughout the game it refreshes the series in a positive way. We have tested this game with new, older, and special needs players and none of them had any trouble picking up the game playing it with any or minimum support. The game is very approachable for even young children. For families with special needs gamers, be aware that this is a great title to have for your gaming library, the game is very easy to access and play and entertaining for all gamer skills. There are some scary pictures after a boss battle of the boss beaten so this may scare some very young gamers but we did not run into any issues that would raise any concerns.
Closing
Zuma Revenge is a great pick up and play game for all ages. With vast improvements with gameplay, sound, level design, and a boss mode and in game upgrades, this is a great title to own in your gaming library. With the Xbox One allowing this to be in its catalog as a digital title, this is a game that we would highly recommend to any family that is looking for a fun puzzle game.
