Zool Redimensioned Review (PlayStation 4)

by Jim Smale · Published May 17, 2023 · Updated May 17, 2023

Our Zool Redimensioned Review (PlayStation 4) reintroduces the world to the Ninja of the Nth Dimension as he is back! Explore vibrant retro landscapes, discover hidden secrets, and take down menacing bosses in a modern reimagining of the classic action platforming adventure Zool.

Zool Redimensioned Review (PlayStation 4) Pros:

Awesome graphics.
296.6MB download size.
25 trophies.
Platformer gameplay.
Display settings – zoom type. (Redimensioned/midpoint/wide 1992) and filter.
Can rebind controls.
Actions – jump, shoot, and slide/spin attack.
All new local multiplayer modes.
Assist settings – turbo fire, invincibility, low health, and infinite jumps.
Contrast setting. (standard/extra/original)
Original Zool has 3 difficulties – Easy, normal, and hard, with a 0 – 5 continues option.
Two game modes – Redimensioned and Ultimate Ninja modes.
Classic 90s-ass-sounding soundtrack.
Tutorial for the controls.
Redimensioned is the modernized version with a double jump and no need for Collectibles.
Ultimate Ninja mode is harder and the original version with no double jump and Collectibles are needed.
Collectibles to be found.
Levels are not always straightforward so you need and want to explore the path.
90s atmosphere.
End of a level breakdown showing deaths, time taken, any medals earned, and Collectibles.
Finish a level by collecting the gold coin.
Level themes are brilliant from sweets to music.
Big boss battles showing the boss health bar.
Time and score are shown on the screen.
Levels are big enough to explore and find secrets.
Redimensioned has 7 areas with 4 levels in each – Sweet, Music, Fruit, Tool, Toy, Fair, and Sand.
Unlock level select once you finish a game mode and see your best time and Collectibles.
Checkpoints.
Tight controls.
Party mode has four game modes – Zools gold (collect the most items), Rool of Zool (hold the crown the longest) Balls Brawl (into ball into targets), and shuffle.
Beastipedia has all the details and images of enemies and characters.

Zool Redimensioned Review (PlayStation 4) Cons:

Doesn’t explain the difference between Redimensioned and Ultimate Ninja modes.
No Platinum trophy.
Doesn’t have online multiplayer.
Hard to see what are enemies and what are items.
Invincibility has you constantly flashing making it hard to see yourself and use.
Cheats/assists disable trophies.

Related Post: Shelter 3 Review (Steam)

Zool Redimensioned:

Official website.

Developer: Sumo Digital

Publisher: Secret Mode

Store Links –

PlayStation

8/10

Graphics - 8/10
8/10

Sound - 8/10
7/10

Accessibility - 7/10
7/10

Length - 7/10
8/10

Fun Factor - 8/10

7.6/10

Summary

Zool is a name I haven’t heard in a long time (except Zuul in Ghostbusters but that’s different). I never gave it a lot of time back then, Zool and Cool Spot were games that had very recognizable and easily marketed characters. Anyway, Zool is back and it’s the best it’s ever been, rather than just being a good game what Zool does is give us a history lesson of what games we used to get. Level themes in Zool go the full hog the Collectibles to the enemies and the music, none of this level theme but the coins and rings stay the same. What I like is going back to an old game is always great always nostalgic but sometimes you just don’t have time for its bullshit or you just can’t retrain yourself to play a game that plays differently. Luckily Zool has an infinite jump and invincibility and now you can get through the game in like half an hour, it may be cheap but it turns the difficult platformer into a racing game! You may not get achievements but you do get the level select so you can go back in and do what you want. I love how Zool is 90s as fuck from the visuals to the music, it’s just a feel-good game. Mechanics wise it’s solid and let’s not get it twisted, Zool is a hard-as-balls game but it is also very accessible and fun. The tweaks they have made with checkpoints and performance have only served to make the game better. I’m bummed out it’s just a tweak here and there rather than making it a proper nostalgia trip with things like promo videos, concept art, online leaderboards, etc but for a chance to play Zool without the faff of an emulator, you can do no wrong here. Zool is back!