Zoop

• Release Date: 1995
• Genre: Puzzle
• Style: Action Puzzle
• Similar Games: Squeeze Box (Atari Video Computer System)

Game Description

The object of Zoop is to eliminate a random sequence of colored shapes advancing toward you from the four sides of a square-shaped grid. You control a shape-shooting triangle trapped in the Center Square of this grid. You can maneuver the triangle up, down, right and left.

If you shoot a shape that's the same color as you, it will disappear from the screen. If you shoot a shape of a different color, you will switch colors with that shape and the shape will remain on the grid. When you have cleared enough shapes from the play field, you'll advance to the next level, and the action will get faster and more crowded.

In each of the 99 levels of this game, power-ups randomly appear on the grid. These power-ups, which consist of Proximity Bombs, Color Bombs, Bonus Springs and Line Bombs, will help you clear several shapes from the grid at once.

Roots & Influences

This game reminds of Squeeze Box for the Atari 2600. In Squeeze Box, you must shoot bricks out of walls that are closing in on you.

Review: Overall

Zoop is one of the most addictive games to come down the pike since the late 1980s, when Tetris for the NES, Game Boy and PC stole so much time from so many gamers. Maneuvering the little triangle, quickly switching its color scheme, desperately trying to keep all the shapes from entering your territory, is challenging and a whole lot of fun. While playing this game, you'll constantly feel like the odds are against you (they are), so when you do make it past a level, your spirits will soar, at least for a second or two, until the next wave of shapes begins descending on you.

Zoop is an excellent game for many reasons: elegant simplicity, high level of challenge and engrossing game play. However, one thing that would have added a lot to the game would be a two-player mode. The ability to control the advancing shapes while a friend tries to keep you from invading his Center Square would add another dimension to this already excellent game. A two-player cooperative mode would be interesting as well, especially when the game gets too difficult to go it alone.

The Super Nintendo version of Zoop is very similar to Zoop for the Genesis, but with one overriding exception: the controls for this game are much better. In the Genesis version, when you aim your triangle up, it sometimes goes to the left or the right. Neither game has perfect controls, but the Super Nintendo control pad, which is generally a better controller to begin with, is much better suited for games of this type. You'll quickly become addicted to either version, but the Super Nintendo game is a more satisfying, less frustrating experience.

Like Tetris, Zoop is a deceptively simplistic game with very few rules, a clear objective and no secrets or surprises. And like Tetris, they'll have to chop off your hands before you'll be willing to stop playing. On second thought, maybe then you could play the game with your feet...

Review: Enjoyment

Fans of Tetris and Columns will eat this one up.

Review: Graphics

The graphics are sparse, but anything more might be distracting.

Review: Sound

The music is snappy and surprisingly likeable.

Review: Replay Value

You'll play this game way past your bed time.

Review: Documentation

The instruction booklet tells you what you need to know.

Production Credits